Big Valley Publications – Sept 2024
On Wednesday, August 14, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) joined local
leaders for and community members for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Studio City Recreation Center, known locally as Beeman Park.
He presented a check for $3 million from a federal community project funding
grant that he secured to help transform the existing gymnasium, long overdue for an upgrade. Congressman Sherman was joined by LA Councilmember
Nithya Raman (District 4), LA Council President Paul Krekorian (District 2).
“Now more than ever, neighbors should have more places to be able to come
together and foster a stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhood,”
said Congressman Sherman. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured this
investment that will help modernize this facility into a vibrant communal hub, providing recreational and community services for all ages.”
Built in 1952, the Studio City Recreation Center has been a staple of the community for over 70 years. The project is one of the city’s first Net-Zero Energy buildings, as outlined in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ Sustainable City Plan. Construction is slated to begin in early September.
“I am so proud to see this project over the finish line and break ground on what will become a new and modern gymnasium and community center in Studio City,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “I have attended many childrens’ birthday parties here and know just how important regional resources like Beeman Park are for the community. With this long overdue upgrade of the rec center, we are building a beautiful new facility for our children to enjoy space to play, sports programs to thrive, and people of all ages to come together and enjoy the outdoors. This project is not just an asset for the surrounding neighborhood, but for the city at large, and I am so grateful to all of our partners who helped us get here.” “This is personal to me,” said Council President Paul Krekorian, whose district included the park until 2021.
“This has been my family’s park since my kids were very small. This building was in need of replacement years before I ever served on the Council, but there were budget shortfalls. I’m glad that one of the last things I was able to do as Budget and Finance Chair was set aside $80 million to address the backlog of deferred maintenance for projects like this across the city that are making our communities better for all Angelenos.”
Congressman Sherman also secured an additional $4 million for improvements to the sports fields at local parks, including the adjacent ballfield at Beeman Park, where enhancements will include upgrading the ballfield lighting to improve park safety and energy efficiency.
Other Valley parks receiving this funding and these improvements include: The Balboa Sports Center in the Sepulveda Basin, The Lanark Recreation Center in Canoga Park and The VanNuys/ Sherman Oaks Recreation Center.