Shatto Recreation Center Renovations Completed

Councilmember Tom LaBonge celebrated vast improvements to the Shatto Park and Recreation Center on Thursday 11 months after a $685,000 renovation project began at the Koreatown park. Members of the Wilshire Center community, including and representatives of the Department of Recreation and Parks, joined Councilmember LaBonge for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"More people live in the surrounding neighborhoods of Shatto than any area of the U.S. outside of Manhattan," Councilmember LaBonge said. "It's important that the community has a place to gather, exercise and play sports. These improvements make Shatto Park the centerpiece of the community."
The renovations were sparked after community elder Yong Mok Chun, a member of the Shatto Badminton Club, contacted city officials about the deteriorating asphalt on the badminton court. Councilmember LaBonge and the Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Mukri responded.
Major safety renovations consist of new lighting around the playground, handicap-accessible play structures and bleachers. Other improvements include new fitness equipment, a larger playground area, cushioned athletic surfacing at a badminton court and drought-resistant plants.

The Shatto Recreation Center is one of the finest examples of public parks in Southern California. It boasts an auditorium, baseball diamond, basketball courts, children’s play area, community room, tennis courts and volleyball courts.
The project was funded through Quimby funds. California Quimby Act was first established by the California legislature in 1965. The legislation was a response to California's increased rate of urbanization and the need to preserve open space and provide parks and recreation facilities for growing communities.