With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA Closes Recreation And Senior Centers, Plus Griffith Observatory And Other Public Draws
Visitors line up at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. (Andrew Cullen for LAist)
()
The cascade of closure announcements for places that we’re all used to counting on being opened continues.
Late Friday, Los Angeles Library officials announced a shutdown for all locations until April 20. The L.A. Zoo shuttered to the public that same day and will remain so through March 31.
Now, Los Angeles is closing most recreational centers, city-run activities and well-known landmarks.
City officials said they’re doing so out of both “an abundance of caution” and following guidance from public health officials to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Support for LAist comes from
Through April 4, the majority of facilities managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) will be closed, city officials announced today.
That includes all city recreation centers, senior centers, city-run public pools, and “all recreational and cultural activities, indoor and outdoor sports leagues, aquatics classes, instructional courses, and group sessions,” city officials said.
Other public draws like the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Sherman Oaks Castle, the EXPO Center, and Griffith Observatory will also lock up. Travel Town, train and pony rides, and the merry-go-round at Griffith Park are closed, too.
The only exceptions to the new rules: census stations already slated for park facilities — though access will be limited to no more than 50 people at a time — and golf courses, though that might change amid the fluid situation, officials said.
The statement said:
“We know many of you rely on our programs and sites as crucial community resources. Therefore, we appreciate your support and understanding as we adapt to this evolving health emergency and work to keep your safety at our forefront.”
Still open during regular operating hours: Outdoor park space and amenities, including restrooms “accessible to the outdoors.”
Support for LAist comes from
Organizers from senior dining centers will be contacting participants starting Monday, March 16, “to provide information regarding meal distribution,” officials said, adding that home-delivered meals will continue as usual.
Older adults are asked to contact the centers they visit with any concerns, or call the L.A. Department of Aging directly at 213-482-7252 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for more information about meal services.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist