Grant helps park service

The National Park Service recently was awarded a $2.6 million federal grant to build a visitor center at King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The center, which is expected to cost $8.4 million, will offer educational and recreational resources and establish a home for federal, state and local park agencies whose task is to preserve the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Access to hiking trails will also be available.

More matching funds will be needed in time for next year's groundbreaking, officials said.

Gillette Ranch sits on 588 acres at Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road near Calabasas.

"Over 35 million visitors recreate in the parks annually, and we look forward to serving them with information that will enhance their enjoyment and safety," said Woody Smeck, superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.