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Start Of The River Park
Betty McMillen
The San Diego River Park - Lakeside Conservancy hosted their "Start of the River" Park on May 3. The event was held even though it was raining "cats and dogs" and the wind was howling. It took place on the land that Hanson Aggregate (formerly Nelson-Sloan) had donated toward the River Park at the corner of Channel Road and Lakeside Avenue.
To the dismay of the hard working volunteers, the Public Art Feature which was created by world renowned artist James Hubbell had been vandalized during the previous night. Paint had been thrown onto the boulders, and sadly the statue too. The workers got busy and started cleaning up the mess and it was almost unnoticeable by the time the event began.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob came to help dedicate the public art feature and the start of the River Park in Lakeside. Larry Benegas, the Kumeyaay Cultural Advisor, gave a blessing of the statue and river. Walking tours were held so folks could get a close-up look at the water flowing through Lakeside, and their future River Park.
There were numerous displays by environmentally friendly groups who have worked hard to create natural habitats and open space for the County's urban residents and animals. TV personality, Joan Embery, was there working side by side with other dedicated volunteers to help make the River Park in Lakeside a success. Even the TV news crews showed up to film the historic event.
Eventually the San Diego River Park will start at the headwaters of Julian, meander down through the back country, Lakeside, Santee, Mission Trails Park, Mission Valley and out to the Pacific Ocean. There will be over 50 miles of riding and hiking trails for the public to enjoy.
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