[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 118 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE POCKET PARKS PROGRAM IN PARAMOUNT, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 1999

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the City of 
Paramount, California, and its Pocket Parks Program for winning the 
U.S. Conference of Mayors' City Livability Awards competition. The 
program led 17 semifinalists nationwide to win this very prestigious 
honor, which was presented by Andrew Cuomo, Secretary of Housing and 
Urban Development.
  The Pocket Parks Program is yet another innovative approach that 
Paramount has taken to improve the quality of life for its residents. 
In 1996, the City began the program as a way to make unsightly vacant 
lots into safe, attractive public spaces for residents. These lots are 
privately owned and located on major boulevards. Not only were the 
vacant lots eyesores, they posed potential public safety problems.
  The City entered into a partnership with the private owners of the 
lots and assumed responsibility for landscaping the lots. As a result 
of the Pocket Parks Program, Paramount has increased its park space by 
two acres at a fraction of what it would have cost to acquire the land 
for open space. Today, more children in Paramount have safe, well-kept 
places to play. Residents have more park spaces within walking 
distance. And Paramount's appearance more closely matches the reality 
that it is a great place in which to work and live.
  The award won by the Pocket Parks Program is simply the latest 
example of Paramount's innovative, successful efforts to revitalize 
itself. By forging a partnership with the private sector in the Pocket 
Parks Program, Paramount showed its willingness to find innovative 
solutions that do not rely entirely on government. Because of the 
optimism and hard work of its residents, Paramount has turned itself 
around in the past two decades. The City Livability Award is well-
deserved recognition of Paramount's latest success. I praise the people 
of Paramount and their progressive City Council and city management.
  Trees and parks help make a city. Keep going, Paramount.

                          ____________________