Photo: Echo Park Lake, June 23, 2007, by Martin Cox

My friend Martin checked in with photos of the lake and some thoughts on the threat of their closing.

Jenny: No happier place on earth! June 23, 2007. Taking advantage of what could be the last boating Saturday, my partner and I took the full hour to tour the lake, it's islands, fountains and vistas this afternoon.

Maria, the lady who takes the money at the Echo Park boat house sadly informed us that it was the end of the line for boating. We told her there was rumour afoot that Councilman Eric Garcetti may have prevented the axe falling completely, that there may be weekend and holiday boating to come. Maria was so delighted she shook our hands and shed a tear. I hope we are correct, the signs about the closure vanished from the front of the boat house yesterday in the middle of the day.