River Walk Educates Locals About Future Projects

About 30 people attended a casual walk Sunday led by the Friends of the LA River (FoLAR) and Save LA River Open Space for a river walk in Studio City.

Among the notables at the walk were Alan and Beth Dymond, of Save LA River Open Space and the Studio City Residents Association; Denise Welvang of the Studio City Neighborhood Council; Richard Adams, newly named chairperson of the Crime and Safety committee of the Neighborhood Councils and Shelly Backlar and Karin Flores of FoLAR.

Not only did they point out the poetry and water-related sayings on the benches and plaques along the riverbank, but also brought sketches and plans for a possible park at the Weddington Tennis and Golf Course.

Shelly Backlar said she enjoyed answering questions and explaining about the plans for the future of the river, which includes bike paths and more park space.

"There are a lot of people committed to making this a continuous walkway and bike path," Backlar said. "It is the community like this that will get us to that point."

These are part of a series of walks and Los Angeles River tours. Check out the website for more information and future walks.

FoLAR is at contact@folar.org or 323-223-0585. FOLAR and Save LA River Open Space are committed to preserving this last open space next to the Los Angeles River in the San Fernando Valley by creating the L.A. River Natural Park in Studio City.

The goals for this unique property on the L.A. River:

* Create and preserve public open space

* Create a unique L.A.Riverfront site

* Capture and treat polluted water runoff from surrounding areas before it enters the L.A. River

* Protect historical recreational uses including golf and tennis

* Create pedestrian and bicycle trails - linking to regional bicycle paths and local businesses

 * Provide Los Angeles River and River Trail access

Save LA River Open Space is working to preserve this precious recreational open space in perpetuity for all to enjoy.

To learn more about Save LA River Open Space and the LA River Natural Park, please visit  www.SaveLARiverOpenSpace.org 

Flip through the photo gallery above of the people along the walk.