19 Valley Parks to Receive Additional Lights

Lighting at 84 city parks and recreation centers--including 19 in the San Fernando Valley--will be increased, parks and Department of Water and Power officials announced Monday.

At a news conference at Lanark Park in Canoga Park, city officials said the DWP will install large, cobra-head lights for free on existing wooden utility poles near or on park property.

The Department of Recreation and Parks will pay a $21 monthly maintenance fee, which will cover the cost of electricity and replacing broken or burned out lights.

“It will give a sense of greater safety in parks that are perceived as unsafe because of unlit areas,” said Richard Sessinghaus, general manager of the city Department of Recreation and Parks.

“We started working on this partnership [with the DWP] about three months ago.”

The lights are expected to be installed by the end of the year, according to park officials. So far, three parks--Lanark, Valley Plaza in North Hollywood and Encino--have the new lights.

Lanark Park’s three new lights were installed in the parking lot adjacent to the softball field, in nearby dark areas outside the pool and near another playing field.

DWP spokeswoman Rebecca Sherrill said the installation fee for such lights usually is $1,500 to $2,000.

“It’s a common-sense program and I’m sorry it didn’t happen sooner,” said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick, whose district includes Lanark Park. “I want our parks to be used in the evening hours and adding lights will only help.”

At least 19 Valley sites will get new lights, Sessinghaus said, noting that more could be added later. Among them are recreation centers in Sun Valley, Sylmar, Woodland Hills, Tarzana and Van Nuys.

“This is an immediate and inexpensive solution,” Sessinghaus said. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Without the DWP’s program, he said, such work at public parks could take years to complete. “It’s a lengthy process. You have to put in a bid, get an architect, city permits and the budgeting. It could take a long time.”

The Los Angeles Police Department applauded the effort Monday.

“Lights always deter criminals,” said LAPD Cmdr. Valentino Paniccia. “Most criminals are cowards. They don’t want to be seen. That’s why they either strike in the dark or wear a ski mask.”

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Who Gets the Lights

Valley parks receiving additional lighting.

* Balboa Park in Encino

* Brand Park in Mission Hills

* Delano Park in Van Nuys

* Encino Park

* Granada Hills Recreation Center

* Hubert Humphrey Recreation Center in Pacoima

* Lake View Terrace Recreation Center

* Lanark Park in Canoga Park

* North Hollywood Recreation Center

* Pacoima Recreation Center

* Ritchie Valens Park in Pacoima

* Studio City Recreation Center

* Sunland Recreation Center

* Sun Valley Recreation Center

* Sylmar Recreation Center

* Tarzana Recreation Center

* Valley Plaza Park in North Hollywood

* Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center

* Woodland Hills Recreation Center