HERMOSA — Hermosa residents and groups are trying to raise $10,000 to modernize Kelvyn Park, the neighborhood’s largest park, to be more kid-friendly.
The 10-acre park has lots of greenery and a playground, but it doesn’t have specific, extended programs, said Lee Helmer, executive director of the Hermosa Neighborhood Association and vice president of the Kelvyn Park Advisory Council. Now the neighborhood group and advisory board are raising funds to create an indigenous garden and nature playground for children.
The first fundraiser is a Neighbor’s Night Out, where participants can meet neighbors, enjoy food, and enter a raffle to raise money for the park. It’s Friday 6-9 p.m. at The Levee, 4035 W. Fullerton Ave.
Participation in the event is free. Register online.
Supporters can also donate online at any time.
“I think along with the improvements, it’s basically an investment in our youth,” said Lee Helmer, executive director of the neighborhood group.
The park is the largest natural area in Hermosa and serves a majority Hispanic community and many low-income residents, Helmer said.
The garden and playground will bring more recreational and educational activities to the park, allowing visitors to learn more about gardening and native plants, said Casey Guerra, president of the park’s advisory board.
“It’s just another added incentive for families in the community,” Guerra said.
Recognition: ProvidedKelvyn Park also received a grant for field home renovations earlier this year.
The park’s field house and auditorium, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave., will receive roof repairs and accessibility improvements.
“We care deeply about our park community and want to improve the quality of life for our neighbors,” Guerra said previously.
Renovations for the field home are in the planning stages with the Park District and will focus on accessibility improvements, roof repairs and interior improvements, Helmer said.
“The Kelvyn Park Advisory and the Hermosa Neighborhood Association are doing our best to improve the park and our community,” Helmer said.
Guerra said volunteering can be a scary word, but she encourages residents to get involved in any way, whether it’s the monthly park cleanup, events like Neighbor’s Night Out, or cleaning up their own block.
“There’s power in numbers,” Guerra said. “By all means express your concerns to those in power in our community. If they don’t know, how are we supposed to get it fixed?”
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