Fireworks to Return to Hansen Dam Park

A long-lost tradition for residents of the northeast San Fernando Valley returns this year with an Independence Day celebration at Hansen Dam Park in Lake View Terrace.

The last Fourth of July celebration at the park was held 15 years ago, said Ed Kussman, a Pacoima resident and board member of the San Fernando Valley branch of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People.

“I was there, and it was a nice affair,” Kussman recalled. “Back then, there were ponies at the park that kids could ride, and people used to swim in the lake.”

The return of the annual event signals what residents and officials hope is a period of rejuvenation for a recreation area that once boasted a 120-acre lake enjoyed by thousands of day-trippers and water lovers. But by 1983, the lake had completely dried up and the park fell into disuse.

Recently, however, construction began on a new lake that will restore the park area to its former glory. A 1.5-acre swimming lake and a 10.5-acre boating and fishing lake should be completed within two years, officials said.

The July 4 celebration, which will include fireworks and performances by Symphony on the Glen, a 70-piece orchestra, is being sponsored by Los Angeles Councilman Richard Alarcon, Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Panorama City) and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

The event fulfills one of Alarcon’s campaign promises: to bring back the Fourth of July fireworks festivities enjoyed by viewers at the park for years.

As part of the event, community members are asked to bring donations of canned food to be given to needy families.

The park opens at 10 a.m. July 4, with the symphony performance beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hansen Dam Sports Center Amphitheater, 11770 Foothill Blvd.

No alcoholic beverages will be allowed.