Park Refurbished, Renamed, Regaled

Ralph Burns, a 35-year resident of Lake View Terrace, remembers when Orcas Park was a dump. The restrooms were covered with graffiti and a dangerous element frequented the grounds, Burns said.

Things got so out of control that officials closed the park nearly six years ago, but in 1998 the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks began to refurbish it.

“Now look at it, how great it is,” said Burns, 79. “It looks so nice now. It’s incredible.”

Burns joined about 40 people, including area politicians, park officials and a handful of residents, at a ceremony Thursday morning to dedicate the renamed Gabrieleno Park.

Now the 15-acre lawn is lush, with picnic tables, barbecues and a new play area for children.

There’s also a fenced oval riding area for equestrians and parking for 50 horse trailers and 250 cars.

From the park, riders have access to 12 miles of horse trails in the Hansen Dam area. The equestrian center will be the third such facility in the city open free to the public.

The renovation, which cost $825,000, was funded by Proposition A, a 1992 voter-approved bond measure to develop parks and open space.

Gabrieleno Park will be open daily from sunrise to sunset.