Crescenta Commons Ribbon Cut

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By Mary O’KEEFE

“A place for the community for now and for always,” was how Dr. Armina Gharpetian of the Glendale Unified School District described the Crescenta Commons at its ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.
Crescenta Commons is a pocket park on the corner of Rosemont and Orange avenues, just east of Monte Vista Elementary School. The ribbon cutting ceremony was a celebration of the community’s efforts to change a dry, vacant lot into a park with a tower sundial, benches, picnic table and even a time capsule.
Robbyn Battles, president of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, thanked everyone who volunteered their time and donated money and materials to complete the park.
Many of those who worked to complete Crescenta Commons were at the ceremony. The Thelen family lives on Upper Terrace and walked down to the park to volunteer.
“We are excited that we had a part in making our community a better place,” Thelen said.
The family put a photo of themselves working at the Crescenta Commons in the time capsule.

Supervisor Mike Antonovich with CVTC President Robbyn Battles
Supervisor Mike Antonovich with CVTC President Robbyn Battles

Battles introduced Los Angeles  County Supervisor Michael Antonovich saying without his help and support the Crescenta Commons would not exist.

The "Commons Kids" from Monte Vista.
The “Commons Kids” from Monte Vista.

Antonovich praised the community, local businesses and L.A. County Public Works.
“They don’t just stop when their time is up and they are heading home from work,” he said.

Harry Leon, with Supervisor Antonovich, prepares items for the time capsule.
Harry Leon, with Supervisor Antonovich, prepares items for the time capsule.

Public Works spent countless hours working on the project.
“This is an opportunity to show the world how communities can work together to improve the quality of life,” Antonovich added.