Westlake to get new soccer field and recreation center

The soccer scene is about to expand in Westlake as Camino Nuevo Charter Academy prepares to break ground on a new recreation center with a soccer field and basketball court.

Students, along with local youth and adult soccer players, will enjoy the new space, which is sorely needed in the densely populated area. The center is slated to open at the corner of Temple and Hoover streets by the end of the year.

Hundreds are expected to gather today at Vista Hermosa Park to celebrate the end of the successful fundraising campaign. Organizers raised nearly $8 million in about a year, with half of it coming from an anonymous donor and the rest from foundations and the city of Los Angeles.

A series of student soccer games will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a celebrity match featuring the Hollywood United Football Club and actor Anthony LaPaglia. Dinner will follow at 6 p.m. at Camino Nuevo High School.

“Having a soccer field will be significant for our students, and it will also be a huge resource to the community,” said Yolanda Sanchez, spokeswoman for the charter school.

 -- Esmeralda Bermudez

Comments

[Diane M]

Wouldn't it be great if all celebrities were as giving to their communities as Anthony LaPaglia? He and Hollywood United have done so much good with their charity soccer matches.

[Dr. Christopher Eaton]

I really think that Temple and Hoover is better identified as being part of Rampart or the very south side of Silverlake, not Westlake. I live on the hill just above this field and I don't know anyone who would call the neighborhood at the bottom of the hill on the south side Westlake. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful addition to the neighborhood, whatever the neighborhood is. The kids here need it and deserve it! ;-)