OPEN ARMS: José Huizar welcomes Vista Hermosa with open arms. In 2003, as a board member of LAUSD, Huizar began an 11th hour redesign on the troubled site that was quickly backed by Reyes and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy,

ON THE ROCKS: Alongside the waterfall and small pond, the audience sat in the grotto for the opening day ceremonies. "Let's not wait another 100 years to open a park Downtown," said Congressman Xavier Becerra.

TAKING THE LEAD: Bagpipes led the Belmont High School Color guard along the trail that encircle the park designed for users to experience nature.

NATIVE BLESSING: The Gabrieleno/Tongva Tribal Council, a San Gabriel-based organization, burns ceremonial white sage and prayed for safety and health "of all those who use the land."

INSPECTORS: Multi-ethnic Boys and girls soccer teams took turns looking over the FIFA regulated soccer field. The field will be operated under Rec and Parks with a joint agreement with the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center.

SIGNING-OFF THE PROJECT: Reyes joined others and signed a Daily News editorial cartoon showing the high school with a sign saying "Coming Soon: Belmont Nature Preserve and Recreation Area." The caption reads "Bats in the Belfry."

LOOKING WEST: The park, seen being prepped for the crowd, is designed to attract migrating birds with native plants that require little water and maintenance.

DEMO: Also joining the speeches was Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who later took a tour of the park. In the parking lot, he demonstrated how the "green" parking lot, made of decomposed granite, will allow water to soak into the ground.

HILLSIDE: Large fields reach the bluff and beyond the windmill, a north gate allows the adjacent neighborhood to enter the park.

ESCAPE: After the speeches, a once injured bird was released by members of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. "Watch out for the loose falcon," quipped someone.

GREEN ON TOP: Vista Hermosa Park's buildings are capped with plants to retain water and provide insulation. They also offer an attractive look to those in airplanes and skyscapers, says SMMC.

DIVAS WITH DOWNTOWN: Seen from the rear, the grotto is designed for be a theater and concert performance space. The Mariachi Divas played before the ceremonies, and during the community lunch.