Buoyed by Artist’s Effort, Pedal Boats Make Return

When pedal boats return to the lake at MacArthur Park today after a 10-year absence, no one will be more pleased then an artist named Bernie Zimmerman.

Zimmerman, 64, who moved from New York City to a loft across from MacArthur Park 16 years ago, has been lobbying city officials for two years to bring the boats back.

Today, he will be on hand as 30 boats are put back in the lake during a two-day celebration complete with Caribbean and mariachi bands, magic shows and free boat rides.

“Without Bernie Zimmerman this would not be happening,” said Al Nodal, director of the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. “Bernie deserves the credit.”

Zimmerman hopes the boats’ return will mark the beginning of the end of the park’s domination by drug dealers and users.

“I’m really very optimistic that with the boats back, things are going to turn around so families can return to the park,” Zimmerman said Thursday. “When families go into the park, the dope addicts and pushers can’t do business as well. When you have a bunch of kids romping around, it doesn’t leave much room for the junkies.”