Echo Park paddle boats
Thread started by
mr rollers at 09.6.07 - 6:53 pm
This is not strictly bike related (although they are pedal powered) but I thought this e-mail I just received from a friend was worth passing along:
"Final boat weekend September 8, 9 noon - 5:30pm
To recap, Recs and Park said "no more boating" with little warming at the beginning of the summer, Eric Garcetti found cash to keep it going for the summer weekend only. Now that money has run out.
Garcetti who promised in his boat house press conference, "As long as I am councilman there will be boats in Echo Park" has thrown up his hands after Recs and Parks General manager Jon Mukri would not budge, he does not believe in their value.
Rec and Parks claims they loose $90,000 a year, a figure I dispute, this figure no doubt includes the week day boating from last summer, which is under used, people are at work, however weekend only boating is HUGELY popular. There have been lines out the boat house waiting for boats.
Since they claim to make a loss, let us note that only 12 boats are functioning, and equal number are laid up, presumably needing repair, idle at the dock. Had they been available this summer the concession would have made double the rent.
We are talking about a cross generational shared activity, one of the few pleasures without sugar or electricity that people have enjoyed to over a century in Echo Park.
Half a block a way on Bellvue Ave is the closed Echo Park recreation Center, which a year ago was a vibrant hub of sports and games for young people, it closed for repairs then stalled, no there is no activity and no reopening date. Echo Park needs something for kids to do, we have those things in the pool and center and the boats, but one by one they have been withdrawn.
A group of photographers called The Los Angeles League of Photographers were galvanized over the story in the times about the boats being closed, and have been shooting around this issue over the summer. There will be an exhibition opening at Mama's Hot Tamales in MacArthur Park in October, and a second show at The Downbeat Cafe in Echo Park in November. Each show will reflect park use, recreation and the boats in visual terms of each park.
I really believe there is madness to spending this state money in making the most lovely historical boat house while removing it's very function and definition.
Echo Park lake needs it boats. And Rec and Parks needs to hear from you
General Manager
1200 W. 7th Street Suite 748
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Telephone: (213) 928-9033
Comment email line:
rappublicinfo@lacity.org"
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Interesting, I was just sitting at the lake today, having a bite to eat and thinking to myself "why isn't anyone using the paddle boats right now."
They're so fun, we have to make sure they don't get rid of them.
I actually wanted to plan a ride that involved renting some boats and having paddle boat drag races. Perhaps we should do this before they disappear for good :(
kyber09.6.07 - 7:02 pm
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They only operate on the weekends . . . and this is the last weekend.
Quick . . . somebody plan a ride!
mr rollers09.6.07 - 7:06 pm
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Paddle Boat RACE
We wanted to make the paddle boats a first stage for the Wolfpack Hustle BFF Block Party film festival race but the day of the race (a sunday) they shut the boats down. it was so dissappointing. hahaha would have been a riot to see everyone racing a lap around the lake with possible falls and shit.
Lets do it for the last day!
Roadblock09.6.07 - 7:10 pm
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boating on Sat?? yes please.
I love those boats - they're so much fun!
redridinghood09.6.07 - 7:16 pm
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Give me a few hours to think of a plan, and I'll post something when I get back from picking up my new bike at O20.
If something isn't posted by 10pm, feel free to DIY :)
kyber09.6.07 - 7:19 pm
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What do you all say to meeting at Scoops, say noon or one, then riding to the boats?
What day works best for most people, Saturday or Sunday? I don't see any other rides schduled for Sunday and that is the LAST day.
What say you, Kyber?
mr rollers09.7.07 - 8:21 am
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All right then! This is a go . . . meet at Scoops at 1pm on Sunday, eat ice cream, then ride to Echo Park and rent a boat! $7 for a 1/2 hour (you can get 4 to a boat).
See you there!
mr rollers09.8.07 - 9:32 am
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Where exactly is scoops? Is that the place by the Bike Oven/ Orange 20?
bone_yer_bike09.8.07 - 10:59 pm
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Scoops is like right next to the Bicycle Kitchen. Actually I think there is like a Hooka place in between them. The bicycle kitchen is at 706 Heliotrope @ Melrose (2 blks west of Vermont).
Los Angeles, 90029
fonsoy potatoe09.8.07 - 11:20 pm
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Nah, between them is a crappy cafe owned by a bike unfriendly douche. Just sayin'
kyber09.9.07 - 3:22 am
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More interesting tidbits of LA being thrown into the scrap-heap.
Yet, it seems everyday, less sociable forms of amusement are being thrown our direction.
Most of these involve busting out the wallet for an overpriced cheap thrill.
Can't think of any great examples at the moment, but somethings amiss.
bentstrider09.9.07 - 5:00 am
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Yup, thats a sad truth.
Good thing this community (MR) exists!
Yey!
fonsoy potatoe09.9.07 - 5:52 am
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Rats!! Scoops closed on Sunday; I was afraid of that . . . at this point, let's meet there anyway and we'll figure it out.
mr rollers09.9.07 - 9:25 am
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here's my photos from the paddleboat ride plus the afternoon long jam session on Ashira's porch
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fuzzbeast/sets/72157601940074600/
FuzzBeast09.11.07 - 3:03 pm
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awesome day! it was quite the unexpected adventure for me.
thanks for the hospitality, ashira.
and great pictures, fuzz.
meandmybluebike09.12.07 - 5:31 pm
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