Hiking Kenneth Hahn to surprising views and a glistening garden gem

A Canada goose splashes while preening in one of the lakes at Kenneth Hahn park.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

An artificial creek provides beauty and music.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

The lakes draw ducks and other wildlife.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

A night heron stands at the edge of a lake at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.  (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

Runners take the path between the community center and the Bowl Loop.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

A Canada goose flaps and stretches at one of the lakes.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

Water flows through an artificial creek.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

An American coot rests at a lake. There are many bird species at the 308-acre park.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

A woman walks from the community center up toward the Bowl Loop. The bowl at the park was formed by a dam disaster in 1963.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

A wooden bridge spans the man-made creek.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

Pumpjacks dot the oil field by the park, between La Cienega Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, south of the 10 Freeway.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

Janice’s Green Valley offers a restful sweep of grass by the Bowl Loop trail.  (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

A bushtit hunts insects among wildflowers.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

Pumpjacks form the backdrop for a disk golf game in Janice’s Green Valley. The valley was once a reservoir.  (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

Koi swim near a bridge at Doris’ Japanese Garden.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)

The park offers sweeping views of the city.   (David McNew / For the Los Angeles Times)