80th Anniversary Booklet Full

City of BurbankPark, Recreation and Community Services

80th Anniversary

Creating Community through People, Programs, and Parks

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The City of Burbank and the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department express gratitude to the individuals and organizations that played integral roles in our

80th Anniversary Celebration.

Burbank City Clerks Ofce, Burbank Historical Society, Burbank Public Information Ofce,Burbank Public Library, Burbank Records Center, Los Angeles Public Library, San Diego Historical Society,

and 80th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

CITY OF BURBANK

City CouncilMayor Jef Vander Borght

Vice Mayor Todd Campbell Councilmember Dave GolonskiCouncilmember Stacey Murphy Councilmember Marsha Ramos

City Manager Mary J. Alvord Assistant City Manager Michael S. Flad

Park, Recreation and Community Services BoardChair Carolyn Jackson

Vice-Chair Jess Talamantes Member David Laurell Member Todd Layfer

Member Garen Yegparian

Park, Recreation and Community Services DepartmentDirector Eric A. Hansen

Deputy Directors: Janice Bartolo Garth W. Nelson Linda Oseransky Teri SteinAdministrative Analyst II Marisa Garcia

Managers: Tim Lorman Gwen Sam-Indermill Patrick Thomas Jeff ZoumbarisSupervisors: Erin Balderama Andrew Carrasco Regi Cutler Mickey DePalo Kim Freed

Barbara Groth Gayle Migden Christine Rumfola Carol Stiver-Mercado Kristen Taylor-Smith

Art Gallery Exhibit 80th Anniversary Celebration CommitteeArt Director Maria Frances Santistevan

Research and photos compiled by Gwen Sam-Indermill

City of BurbankPark, Recreation and Community Services Department

275 East Olive AvenueBurbank, California 91510

818.238.5300www.ci.burbank.ca.us

September 2005

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Since 1925 the City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has played an important role in creating a healthy community through diverse and innovative recreation programming. Our mission to provide a place to learn and play, a place to be safe and secure, and a place to create and imagine remains consistent with the early pioneers of the Department. Today we are still creating community through PEOPLE, PROGRAMS, AND PARKS.

To celebrate our 80th Anniversary, the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department will showcase many of the signicant PEOPLE, PROGRAMS, AND PARKS that form the foundation of the Burbank park system today. The rst section of this publication focuses on important PEOPLE--the pioneers in the Department. These individuals were the early leaders who developed the vision for the community and provided programs and services that made Burbank one of the leaders in municipal park, recreation and community services. The second section provides a retrospective of the popular PROGRAMS and services provided to the community over the past 80 years. The nal section focuses on PARKS. From Vickroy Park, our rst facility dedicated in 1924, to the original telephone pole log seating at the Starlight Bowl Theater in 1935; from the historic signicance of Compass Tree Park dedicated in 2002 to the proposed Robert R. Bud Ovrom Park, due to break ground in 2005; generations of City leaders have been committed to create and preserve open space, promote recreational experiences, health and wellness, and improve the quality of life in the community.

Recognition should be given to all the early City leaders and pioneers, including members of the boards, commissions, and committees, community organizations, staff and volunteers that helped form the foundation of this Department. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Burbank City Council, Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Board, Burbank City Management, and the many City employees that dedicated their careers to developing the programs and services in the community. Recognition also includes, but is not limited to, the Burbank Advisory Council on Disabilities, Burbank Athletic Federation, Burbank Performing Arts Federation and its member organizations, Burbank Performing Arts Association and its member organizations, Child Care Committee, DeBell Golf Course Greens Committee and its member organizations, Disabled Advisory Committee, Fine Arts Federation, Mayors Youth Task Force, Senior Citizen Board, Supporters of Senior Services, Youth Board, Youth Endowment Services Fund Advisory Committee, Veterans Commemorative Committee, and the thousands of volunteers who provided valuable services to our programs and the community.

This publication is intended to provide a historic snapshot of the Department. It is intended to be a living document that records our continuing growth and achievements. We conducted a tremendous amount of research to complete this project. Because of the breadth and scope of this department and the records available for research, some signicant contributors to our success may have been missed. We encourage anyone with additional information to contact us so it can be included in our records.

Take this abbreviated historic journey with us and celebrate our 80 years of service to the Burbank community.

Eric Hansen Director

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Aviation in the mid-1920s was still in its infancy when the Lockheed Aircraft Company purchased a piece of Burbank farmland, near a place called Turkeys Crossing, and built a plant for the production of its planes. It is also the year of the formal appointment of the Park and Forestry Commission, thus launching the ofcial birth of the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department in Burbank. On August 11, 1925 a City Ordinance was passed to establish the creation of a commission to manage and control the parks and buildings

owned or operated by the City of Burbank. The rst Park and Forestry Commission ofcers were appointed on September 1, 1925. This ve- member volunteer commission was responsible for building facilities, establishing fee schedules, and having oversight over and care of the trees, plants, lawn, and owers along the public streets. The Commission would also formulate rules and regulations governing the use of the parks and parking areas in the City.

Known as the Mother of Burbanks Park Movement, Octavia Lesueur was appointed

People

Tree planting at Stough Park. Parks and Recreation Department Director, Dewey Kruckeberg far right with the Starlight Bowl in the background. Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

The Roaring Twenties was a remarkable era and 1925 became a memorable year. Calvin Coolidge was President of the United States, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, the greatest silent lms were The Big Parade, The Gold Rush, and The Phantom of the Opera, and the big musical hits were Nobody Knows the Trouble Ive Seen and Tea for Two.

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the rst President of the Park and Forestry Commission by Mayor J.C. Crawford. In the early years, nearly every street in Burbank was lined with pepper trees. However, prior to Miss Lesueurs involvement, anyone who took a notion could destroy one of the peaceful pepper trees planted by the original town site company, with never a thought of replacing it. During Miss Lesueurs eight-year tenure over 30,000 trees were planted in the parkways of each City street. Her philosophy was that no parcel of land would be too

small to provide a beauty spot within the City.

On May 17, 1927 a second commission was established to maintain, and operate the playgrounds, bath houses, recreation centers, and recreation camps in the city. The ve-member Playground and Recreation Commission worked independently from the Park and Forestry Commission.

Following the stock market crash in 1929, air travel and Lockheed Aircraft, the newly created Metropolitan Water District, and the Work Progress Administration (WPA) helped Burbank recover from the Great Depression. World War II brought an economic boom to Burbank. By the time the United States entered the war, Lockheed Aircraft employed 94,000 people. Burbanks prominence in the aviation eld was evident during the war when Lockheeds Burbank-built planes helped win the Battle of Britain. In 1941, the City of Playground at McCambridge Park.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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Burbank entered into a contract with the United States government to build a United States Organization (USO) building at the future site of Olive Avenue Park (Izay Park). The building was completed in 1942 using joint funds from the City of Burbank and the Federal government. It served as a USO Headquarters to provide recreational services for enlisted personnel and the community.

In 1950 the Park and Forestry Department and the Playground and Recreation Department

were consolidated into a single department. Park Superintendent Dewey Kruckeberg was appointed as the new director. Under his leadership, the City acquired land and completed construction of facilities including Olive Avenue Park (Izay Park), which included the Olive Recreation Center, Memorial Baseball Stadium, Burbank Little Theater, and Auld Lang Syne building (Creative Arts Center site), and tennis courts. Kruckeberg was responsible for the development of Civic Center Park (later renamed Glenoaks Park and then McCambridge Park), McCambridge Recreation Center, swimming pool, and tennis courts. He was involved in the construction of the facilities located at Verdugo Park including

the Recreation Center, Lower Assembly Building, and swimming pool. In addition he developed Brace Canyon Park, Buena Vista Park (Johnny Carson Park), DeBell Golf Course, Pacic Park, Starlight Bowl, and Valley Park.

Kruckeberg was known nationally as a pioneer and the rst in the nation to install outdoor athletic eld mercury vapor lighting systems, indoor recreation center color-corrected mercury vapor lighting systems, and an Olympic-size swimming pool utilizing a multiple bottom jet feed system.

Teen Program. Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Art and crafts program at Verdugo Park.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Major General Homer Maton addresses the audienceon Independence Day 1962 at McCambridge Park; Police

Boys Band in foreground. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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Kruckeberg retired in 1963 and George A. Izay was appointed director. He was followed by Rich Inga, 1984-1991, Mary J. Alvord, 1991-2000, and Michael S. Flad, 2000-2003. In 2001, the City Charter was amended to change the title of the Parks and Recreation Department to the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department. Today the Department is lead by Eric Hansen.

Burbank City Council has recognized a number of special individuals for their dedication and leadership by naming facilities in their honor. They include the following:

Jackie Amos City Hall Elevator

Bill Burton Izay Park Balleld #2

Johnny Morse Tennis Court

Frank Nardo Joslyn Adult Center Small Auditorium

Hank Riggio Playground

Barbara Rownd Izay Park Balleld #4

Tilly Schaffer Foy Park Balleld

Jack Smock Izay Park Balleld #3

Lefty Thomas Izay Park Balleld #1

Hazel Walker Joslyn Adult Center Large Auditorium

Daisy Wong Tennis Court

Since 1925, the parks system has grown from two parks to a total of 41 parks and facilities and a public golf course; from 10 employees to 373 full and part-time employees; from a Department operations budget of $3,000 to over $14 million.

Dewey Kruckeberg kneeling. Photo courtesy:City of Burbank

Applying for a summer job at Verdugo Park swimming pool. Photo courtesy: John Wolfe

Construction project at Pacic Park.Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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People

Senior special event at McCambridge Park, Circa 1950s.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Womens Choral Club at Olive Recreation Center.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Youth boxing program at Olive Recreation Center. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

A boy drinks from a fountain at a Burbank Park.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

A KFWB Radio Broadcast Concert at Olive Recreation Center. Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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Olive Recreation Center, First Community Dance, April 19, 1952. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

McCambridge Park Pool Water Carnival 2004A Pirates Adventure.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Joslyn Center 30th Anniversary with live band and singers.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Verdugo Park vintage 1960s Teen Dance.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Burbank on Parade at Olive Avenue Park. Miss Burbank gives a hula demonstration.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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As the 1940s came to a close, sports and aquatics programs were gaining in popularity. In 1947, construction of Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium located at Olive Avenue Park (Izay Park) was completed. In 1949 the City of Burbank entered into a contract with the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team for use of the Olive Avenue Memorial Stadium as a spring training headquarters. The St. Louis Browns opened spring training at Olive Avenue

Memorial Stadium in March 1949. The Browns played nine exhibition games including two games against the world champion Cleveland Indians. It is estimated that as many as 32,000 spectators attended the Browns routine workouts and games. As a result, a local semi-

professional team was sponsored by the St. Louis Browns and was known as the Burbank Browns. Each Sunday afternoon the Burbank Browns played semi-professional teams at the Olive Avenue Memorial Stadium. The St. Louis Browns utilized Olive Avenue Memorial Stadium as their spring training headquarters until 1952. The aquatics program received a big boost when the construction of the

Programs

1943 Womens Softball Champions Still Electric Shop.

Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

1940 Mens Basketball Program.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

St. Louis Browns spring training game, Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s the community continued to grow. Increased development in Burbank contributed to a population increase from 2,913 in 1920 to 16,622 in 1930. By 1943, the wartime effort of the aviation industry had pushed the Burbank population to 53,899, and a number of municipal facilities were built, including the City Hall building.

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1947 Gold of California production cast.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Verdugo swimming pool and bath house was completed. Miss Burbank, Debbie Reynolds, was part of the dedication festivities held on August 20, 1948. Swimming and aquatic programs quickly rose into prominence as a major park activity. Swim meets were held every other week throughout the summer.

Badminton and table tennis were prominent in Burbank. In 1948 and 1956 the City hosted the California State Badminton Tournament at Olive Avenue Recreation Center. In 1958 the Junior National Badminton Tournament

was held at the McCambridge Recreation Center and Open Table Tennis Tournament held at the Olive Avenue Recreation Center. These tournaments attracted many of the prominent players in the State and Nation.

In 1951 the City, with assistance from the schools, organized the Hap Minor Baseball League for boys. This baseball program served boys up to age 18. Additionally, the rst summer day camp program was held at Stough

Park. The program included hikes, nature study, crafts, games, a family night, and weekly cook-outs.

In 1952, the Burbank Athletic Federation (formally Softball Commission) was founded by Kenny Wattenberger to provide oversight of softball, basketball, baseball, track, and ag football programs and to foster, promote, and develop amateur athletics in Burbank.

The rst Community Dance was held at Olive Avenue Recreation Center in July 1952. The City offered recreation dances and square dances at Olive Avenue Recreation Center and

teen dances at McCambridge Recreation Center.

In July 1956, the Stough Park Day Camp program was canceled to allow for the construction of the DeBell Municipal Golf Course. In March 1957, the Park and Recreation Board ofcially changed the name of the Starlight Theatre to Starlight Bowl. In addition, Glenoaks Recreation Center (McCambridge Park Recreation Center) and Swimming Pool were dedicated.

Hap Minor Baseball Program.Photo courtesy:

Burbank Historical Society

Miss Burbank, Debbie Reynolds during the 1948 Verdugo Swimming Pool Dedication Ceremony.

Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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During the summer of 1957, the rst Ponytail Girls Softball League for girls was organized. Boys and girls baseball and softball programs were continuing to grow. The Civitan Day Baseball and the Ponytail Girls Softball Jamboree featured a variety of skills events including running, hitting, and throwing. One of the initial events for the girls featured the famous Tetherball Throw for distance.

Following the St. Louis Browns departure, the Los Angeles Rams professional football team contracted with the City to utilize the Olive Avenue Memorial Stadium for their preseason training from 1958-1963. By 1960 the City population had grown to 90,159. The

demand for programs and services also continued to grow.

Technology innovations and partnership with the Burbank Unied School District have helped revolutionize Park and Recreation Department programs. The installation of mercury vapor lights offered to the community the ability to play softball and other sports during evening hours. Burbank was the rst city in the nation to utilize color-

corrected mercury vapor lamps on ballelds. By 1960 these lighting systems were installed on ballelds elds at McCambridge Park and Olive Avenue Park. In 1964 the City was able to accommodate 86 youth and adult softball teams. Today there are thirteen elds equipped with balleld lights. As a result, the Department accommodates over 440 adult softball teams and 140 youth softball and baseball teams per year.

Programs and services are further enhanced by the Joint Use of Facilities Agreement between the City of Burbank and the Burbank Unied School District. Since 1988, the City and School District have maintained a cooperative relationship to provide use of recreational and educational facilities. This agreement has allowed for expansion of City activities by providing additional sites to conduct recreation

Stough Park Day Camp Program.Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

First Community Dance, Olive Recreation Center 1952.


Ponytail Girls Softball Jamboree. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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programs.

In September 1972 the Joslyn Adult Center located in Olive Avenue Park was dedicated. This facility was named after Marcellus L. Joslyn whose foundation donated $75,000 toward its construction,

as well as additional funds to be used for

future capital projects. This same year, the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) was launched to encourage senior citizens to volunteer their time, talents, and expertise in a variety of programs throughout the City. Today the Joslyn Adult Center provides senior nutritional programs and congregate meals, senior recreation activities, and information and assistance programs. The site also serves as the hub for the Burbank Transportation Service (BTS). This program provides Burbank seniors and the disabled population with transportation

services throughout the city. Transportation services have been expanded via Burbank Local Transit Commuter Services which provides xed route services to commuters and residents. Transportation services are also provided for youth and teens with the Got Wheels! Program. Additional senior services are provided at Tuttle Adult Center and McCambridge Recreation Center.

The current day camp program began in 1984. Summer Daze, Summer Daze Express, and Summer Daze Plus camps provide supervised activities such as arts and crafts, special events, swimming, and bus excursions for children Kindergarten age through 8th grade. Specialized

First Miss Civitan 1955, Marian Campbell.

Photo courtesty: Marian DElia

Burbank Badminton Club. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

Joslyn Adult Center 30th Anniversary Celebration 2003. Photo courtesty: Harvey Branman

Joslyn Adult Center 25th Anniversary 1997. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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camp programs include the Nature Camp at the Stough Canyon Nature Center and the Art Experiences Camp, a visual and performing arts camp program at the Creative Arts Center. Also offered each summer are sports camps which develop basketball, baseball, softball, and ag football skills for young sports enthusiasts. Dating back to 1964, Burbank has provided supervised drop-in activities for children at City parks through the Summer Parks program. Daily recreation activities culminate at the end of each summer with a Family Night Special Event. During the school year, supervised activities after school are offered for elementary and middle school students on selected school and park sites.

In August 1984, the Verdugo Park Swimming Pool was used as the Olympic Training Site for the Games of the XXIII Olympiad held in Los Angeles. From 1987-1998 the Annual Run for the Hungry event was held to raise funds for various Burbank non-prot organizations in the community. In February 1998, the City of Burbank was selected as a site to host the Vietnam War Memorial

The Moving Wall at McCambridge Park. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial that tours the nation. The Burbank Tennis Center located in McCambridge Park was dedicated in September 1997. The Burbank Tennis Center hosted the internationally recognized Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger Tournament in Burbank. This tournament has showcased some of the top professional players in tennis including Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, and Andy Roddick.

Performing and visual arts has played an important role in the Burbank community. The Starlight Bowl was dedicated June 1951 featuring a live performance by the Burbank Symphony Orchestra under the direction of

Stough Park Day Camp Program. Circa 1956.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Movies at Providencia Summer Parks Program.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Creative Arts Center Pottery Program.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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its founder and conductor Leo G. Damiani. The Starlight Bowl would eventually close its doors in 1984. However in July 1992, the City of Burbank reopened the Starlight Bowl with a Gala Celebration.

The Burbank Arts Association, Burbank Choral Group, Burbank Performing Arts Federation, Burbank Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra, Civic Light Opera, Fine Arts Federation, Police Youth Band, and others helped lay the foundation to promote the arts in the community. Visual arts programs can be experienced at the Creative Arts Center in Izay Park. This facility, dedicated in April 1989, houses an art gallery

and ceramics studio and coordinates visual and performing arts programs. In addition, the City of Burbank adopted the Art in Public Places Ordinance. Since 1993, this program has enhanced the condence, vitality, optimism, and beauty of the community by providing over 50 art installations for public display in the community. Live theater is performed at two City facilities. The Burbank Little Theater, located in Izay Park was dedicated in December 1952 and Burbank Center Stage opened in August 2000. Both facilities and their current operating companies, The Colony Theatre and Grove Theater Companies, have been critically acclaimed and received numerous awards.

There are programs and services for people all ages in Burbank. Adult enrichment classes, cultural arts programs, childrens activities, early childhood development programs, tness and martial arts classes, forestry services, landscape maintenance services, nature programs, senior citizen programs and services, special events, teen activities, therapeutic programs, youth and adult transportation programs, youth and adult sports leagues and classesfor 80 years the City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has been committed to Creating Community Through People, Programs, and Parks.

Colony Theatre Company production of Grand Hotel at Burbank Center Stage 2004.

Photo courtesy: The Colony Theatre

Burbank Accordion Class.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Summer Daze Daycamp Program 2003. Photo courtesty: Harvey Branman

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Programs

Baby swimming instruction at McCambridge Park Pool, Circa 2000s. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Sailboat Regatta participants at Buena Vista (Carson) Park.August 20, 1954.


Water Carnival held at McCambridge Park Pool, 2004.Photo Courtesy: City of Burbank

Innovative outdoor lighting at Olive Avenue ParkTennis Courts.


Glenoaks (McCambridge) Park Pool Water Ballet Performance, September 10, 1947.


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Youth Vehicle Day, Olive Recreation Center, August 19, 1952. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

City of Burbank entry in the 1947 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Built by Burbank Tournament of Roses Association. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Mommy and Me circle time at McCambridge Park Pool.


Creative Art Center dedicated 1989.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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Olive Park wading pool, August, 1945.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Vickroy Park

Hugh K. Vickroy came to California in 1895 and ranched in Burbank until 1923. On September 16, 1924 Vickroy deeded a triangular shaped property to the City of Burbank as a gift. This land was the old homesite of one of the Citys pioneer families. The City of Burbank dedicated the rst parkland, Vickroy Park on May 31, 1925.

Palm Park

Palm Park is one of the oldest parks in the City. In 1926 the Park and Forestry Commission authorized 50 palm trees to be removed from San Fernando Road and transplanted to the head of Palm Street. Palm Park was dedicated on May 5, 1926.

Mountain View Park

On November 4, 1925 Parkdale Park was dedicated. The park was later renamed Mountain View Park on August 11, 1926. By 1940 additional land was acquired, and

Vickroy Park dedicated 1925.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

A summer afternoon at Mountain View Park.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

The Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has been recognized statewide by the California Park Recreation Society for park design. The following is a brief history of some of the parks in Burbank.

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Stough Park under construction.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Parks

improvements were completed that included tennis courts, multi-use courts, horseshoe pits, and court lighting.

Stough Park

On April 1, 1916 land for what is now Stough Park was acquired by the City by deed of gift from Oliver J. Stough for the exclusive use as public parkland.

O.J. Stough was one of the last surviving veterans of the Mexican American War in 1846. Stough later moved to Burbank and bought the rst installment of what became a huge Burbank property in 1883. Part of the land included the parcels eventually developed for Stough Park and Civic Center Park (McCambridge Park).

Stough Park includes both the Starlight Bowl and the lower portion of the park. Park trails, roads, stone walls, picnic areas, and other improvements were constructed throughout

the 1930s. The park was used for camping programs in the early 1950s.

The summer of 1935 marked the rst scheduled use of a natural bowl amphitheater (Starlight Bowl) located in Stough Park for live performances. Discarded telephone poles were imbedded in the ground for seating. On June 1, 1951 the Burbank Starlight Theatre

was dedicated. On March 26, 1957 the City Council approved changing the name to Starlight Bowl. In August 1959 a construction project was completed that added two-levels to the facility. The addition would function as a storage area for instruments; the lower level would serve Civil Defense. Construction of the acoustical shell was completed in 1965. George A. Izay Park

In December 1939 the City purchased the land for future

Stough Park Natural Amphitheater circa 1938.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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St. Louis Browns spring training game. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

parksite (Olive Avenue Park, now George A. Izay Park). In 1941 the City entered into a contract with the Federal government to jointly fund the construction of a United States Organization (USO) facility on the land. The parksite was ofcially named Olive Avenue Park in March 1942.

On May 20, 1946 Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium was dedicated. From 1949-1952 the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team contracted with the City to utilize the stadium for their spring training facility. Burbank was fortunate to see famous Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige play for the Browns for two seasons. In addition, Hall of Fame baseball player Rogers Hornsby managed the Browns in 1952 for 51 games before leaving mid-season to become the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. In December 1952, the Little Theater building was dedicated at Olive Avenue Park. In 1953 the St. Louis Browns were sold, moved to Baltimore, and were named the Orioles. From

1958-1963 Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium was used as a training location for the Los Angeles Rams professional football team.

In 1982 the Hank Riggio Playground in Izay Park was dedicated. Riggio was a native Burbank resident who was stricken with Polio. Over the years, he dedicated himself to promote programs to help ght Polio and aid the disabled in the community. Today, the Burbank Advisory Council on Disabilities continues in this tradition. In 1984 the City accepted from the United States of America a deed of gift of an F-104 aircraft, now displayed at Izay Park

on Olive Avenue. It was later that year that George A. Izay, Parks and Recreation Director, passed away and Olive Avenue Park was renamed in his honor. In 1989 the Creative Arts Center at Izay Park was dedicated. Fine art and pottery classes would be coordinated at this facility. In 1989 the City of Burbank closed Olive Memorial

The Joslyn Adult Center was built to provide senior adult activities and was dedicated on September 11, 1972


Olive Recreation Center circa 1949.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

McCambridge Recreation Center construction 1956. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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Baseball Stadium. A new balleld, Burbank City Stadium, was dedicated in 1996. Today the amenities continue to grow at Izay Park. On June 5, 2004 the City of Burbank and the Burbank Athletic Federation honored individuals involved in the development of the municipal sports program with the rst induction into the Burbank Athletes Walk of Fame at Izay Park. The park also features the Joslyn Adult Center, the Burbank Little Theater, tennis courts, a horseshoe complex, and shufeboard courts.

McCambridge Park

In 1942 the City of Burbank dedicated Glenoaks Park. Years later, in 1953, McCambridge Park was renamed in honor of James H. McCambridge, general manager of the Public Service Department and City Manager who was credited with assisting with the acquisition of many parks in the Burbank system. In 1956 the City began a Works Progress Administration (WPA) construction project to build McCambridge

Park community center and swim stadium which were completed in 1957. In 1997 McCambridge Park improvements were completed and the Burbank Tennis Center was dedicated.

The City of Burbank has maintained the tradition of honoring men and women of the armed services. In 1950 a memorial garden was dedicated to the memory of the young men and women of Burbank lost in World War II by the Gold Star Mothers of America. In 1969 the War Memorial at McCambridge Park was completed. In 1974 the Olive Avenue Park Memorial honoring World War II veterans moved to McCambridge Park. In 1988 Korean and Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated. In February 1998 the City of Burbank was honored to host the Vietnam War Memorial The Moving Wall at McCambridge Park. The Moving Wall is the half-size replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Additional memorials were dedicated in 2003 to honor entertainer Bob Hope and in 2004 to honor the Women of the Sea Services.

Johnny Carson Park

In 1942 the land for future parksite (Buena Vista Park now Johnny Carson Park) was purchased. On June 1943 the parksite was ofcially named Buena Vista Park due to its proximity

McCambridge Park War Memorial.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Sailboat Regatta held at y casting poolBuena Vista (Carson) Park August 20, 1954.


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to Buena Vista Street, a main thoroughfare in the City. In December 1952 a y-casting pool was constructed in the park. On April 29, 1992 the park was renamed in honor of television entertainer Johnny Carson. One year later, a donation by entertainer Jay Leno led to the development of the Tonight Show Playground, dedicated at Johnny Carson Park. Verdugo Park

On March 16, 1944 the City of Burbank dedicated Verdugo Park. Later the Verdugo Park Lower Assembly Building was completed. Swimming and aquatic programs quickly rose into prominence in 1948 when construction of Verdugo swimming pool and bath house was completed. Miss Burbank, Debbie Reynolds,

was part of the dedication festivities held on August 20, 1948.

In 1956, volunteer youth groups completed construction of the Log Cabin in Verdugo Park. Verdugo Recreation Center was dedicated on December 15, 1961. The center featured a new second oor addition built on top of the existing pool bathhouse and would include an indoor gymnasium, meeting rooms, kitchen, restrooms, lounge and administrative ofces. DeBell Municipal Golf Course

August 3, 1954 the City of Burbank accepted the donation of one hundred acres of land from Joseph A. DeBell for a future golf course facilities and clubhouse predicated on the condition that the golf course be constructed in 4 years. The City Council accepted his donation and on July 23, 1956 construction began on the

municipal golf course. On June 16, 1959 DeBell Municipal Golf Course was ofcially dedicated and opened for play.

Joseph A. Debell was a philanthropist, humanitarian, and California pioneer. He owned hundreds of acres of land that extended to the foothills of the Verdugo Mountain wilderness. On May 25, 1953 DeBell sold more than 500 acres of adjacent land to the City of Burbank for the future site of Wildwood Canyon Park.

Debell Golf Course construction 1956. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

Verdugo Park and Swimming Pool 1948.Photo Courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Lower Assembly Building, Verdugo Park. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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Burbank Valley Park

On July 14, 1952 a portion of the Eagles Ranch land (Burbank Valley Park) was purchased for street improvements. The land was located on the western boundary of Valley Street and adjacent to Clybourn Avenue. Burbank Valley Park was formally dedicated on May 19, 1956. This park also became the site for a Gemini Space Capsule model. The Capsule was a gift from Weber Aircraft and installed in the playground. On July 11, 2003 the City of Burbank dedicated Valley Park Skate Park.

Pacic Park

In 1947, ten acres of land for a future parksite (Pacic Park) was purchased. Five acres of that purchase were deeded to the State of California as a site for a new National Guard Armory. It was hoped that the two parcels might be developed cooperatively so as to provide maximum utility for both the State and the people of Burbank. Pacic Park was dedicated September 7, 1952.

Wildwood Canyon Park

In May 1962 Wildwood Canyon Park summer campsites and overnight camping was made available for families. On July 18, 1963 the City of Burbank dedicated Wildwood Canyon Park. It was named for the canyon in which the park is located. In 1965 a brush re burned all the chaparral and natural growth from the slopes of Wildwood Canyon Park. Later heavy rains washed tons of soil and rock through the area. The picnic tables, dinking fountains, and many trees were lost. Campsites were lled

with debris and sections of the parking lot had eight feet of mud. In 1992 the City of Burbank rededicated Wildwood Canyon Park. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy awarded the City a one million dollar grant to renovate the 500 acre park in the Verdugo Mountains; including trail access, signage, restrooms, trail head trellises and a gate house.

Brace Canyon Park

Brace Canyon Park was opened on May 5, 1955. The ballelds were completed in 1960, and

construction of a large deck area, sun shelter, and courts were completed a year later. The park was formally dedicated January 25, 1963. Since then, the ballelds, tennis courts, and basketball courts have been improved, and the park has received a number of additional enhancements. Brace Canyon Park was rededicated January 25, 1975.

Ralph M. Foy Park

Ralph M. Foy Park was originally named Columbia Park and was dedicated in 1969. The park was later renamed Northwest Park in 1972. On October 2, 1979 the park was again renamed in honor of Ralph M. Foy. Foy served 42 years with the City of Burbank and 17 years as the Public Service Department General Manager. Tuttle Adult Center located in Foy Park was named in honor of Donald M. Tuttle. Tuttle was chairman of the Senior Citizen Board and dedicated 40 years of service to the community. In 1997, the Roller Hockey facility at Ralph M. Foy Park was dedicated.

Brace Canyon Park, March 1963Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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Lundigan Park

In 1992, the City approved naming the former site of Ben Franklin School to Robert E. Lundigan Park. Lundigan was a Park and Recreation Board member for 10 years. He campaigned for the development of the Korean and Vietnam War Memorial at McCambridge Park, the development

of Brace Canyon Park, and programs for disabled people in the community. The rose garden at the entrance to Brace Canyon Park was dedicated in his honor shortly after his death in 1990. Lundigan Park was dedicated October 10, 1992.

Robert R. Gross Park

The parkland was a donation to the City of Burbank by Lockheed Corporation. The park is named after the former founder of Lockheed Corporation, Robert R. Gross. After an extensive eld and play equipment renovation, the park was dedicated in 1993.

Stough Canyon Nature Center

On March 24, 2001 Stough Canyon Nature Center was dedicated. The Nature Center serves as an educational gateway to the Verdugo Mountains and Rim of the Valley Trails. Today the Nature Center offers a variety of educational activities including hikes, astronomy programs, nature camps, exhibits, and interactive displays. Volunteer docents and junior docents supplement the programming at this facility.

Compass Tree Park

According to history, four Sycamore trees were planted in 1817 by Spanish Padres to mark a landmark resting point situated halfway between the San Gabriel and San Fernando missions. Each tree denoted the four points of the compass and were used to navigate the route between the missions. Although the original trees are no longer standing, four Sycamore trees were planted to mark this historic site. The small park site was dedicated April 26, 2002 and named Compass Tree Park.

Stough Canyon Nature Center 2001.Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

This stump of a Sycamore tree is believed to have been the last of the Compass Trees planted in 1817.

Photo courtesty: Burbank Historical Society

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Additional Park History

Bel Aire Park Balleld- completed in 1969

Whitnall Highway Park completed in 1971

Santa Anita Play Lot rededicated September 7, 1975

Miller School Play Lot dedicated September 27, 1991

Maple Street Play Lot dedicated June 12, 1993

Earthwalk Park dedicated March 16, 1996

Abraham Lincoln Park dedicated December 7, 2002(A donation from Permanent Charities led to the dedication of this park.)

Chandler Boulevard Bikeway dedicated August 20, 2004

Robert R. Bud Ovrom Park, due to break ground September 2005

Looking Ahead...

There have been some remarkable changes since the Roaring Twenties era. The GI Generation, also known as the Greatest Generation, was born in the late teens to early 1920s versus Generation Z, born in 2005. In the year 1925, the twenty-ninth President of the United States was Calvin Coolidge. Today the forty-third President of the United States is George W. Bush. In 1925 the price of a gallon of gas was 11 but is now $2.79. The cost of a new pick-up truck has risen from $366 to $21,325.

Today the New York Times Best Sellers List includes The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and Harry Potter--The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. The top box ofce lm on the Silver Screen is Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Americans are talking about cellular phones, wireless Internet connections, the Atkins low carbohydrate diet, the Global War on Terror, and the next space mission to the planet Mars.

For eighty years, the City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has been committed to provide places to learn and play, places to be safe and secure, and places to create and imagine. Looking ahead, our Department will continue its commitment to play an important role in creating healthy community through diverse and innovative recreation programming. We will continue to provide well-maintained recreation facilities, programs, and activities designed to meet the recreational, social, and human services needs of the entire community. We will ensure that the quality of life is enhanced for each and every participant in all programs, classes, and activities, and provide parks and open space facilities that are

beautiful, clean and safe.

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Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium, dedicated 1946. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Mrs. James McCambridge at the dedication of McCambridge Park, Circa 1954.

Starlight Bowl performance featuring the Burbank Symphony. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Starlight Bowl Fourth of July Celebration 2003Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Parks

Parkdale Park renamed Mountain View Park dedicated 1926. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Olive Recreation Center 1949.Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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Camp Fire Girls gather in a Burbank ParkCirca 1950s.


Dedication of Verdugo Park swimming pool, August 20, 1948. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Glenoaks (McCambridge) Park playground.Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

Debell Municipal Golf Course, dedicated June 16, 1959.The Castaway Restaurant is in the background.


Verdugo Park swimming pool dedicated 1948. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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The City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department wishes to recognize individuals whose leadership and service played a signicant role in the development of programs

and services while serving on City Council appointed Boards and Committees.

Park, Recreation and Community Services Board Established 1925Octavia Lesueur Margaret D. Yale George Kittinger Walter Price Gertrude Soule Grifn Guy L. Miltimore Dave Preston Virginia A. Dorr Grace Lovejoy Lola Steiner Porter Blanchard J.J. Groebli O.M. Morris O.C. Lane A.B. Pierce Troy Meier J. Frank Crockett W.W. Collette H. Wadsworth Cole C.B. Lane J.B. Baer Walter H. Melch K.K.Simpson Stan Summeril Henry W. Rouscup Franklin M. Jones Buel F. Enyeart Dr. Karl P. Stadlinger Ray Wilkinson W. Bryan Frank Carl Tomsche Walter H. Long Leon E. Rope Milton G. Recksiek Horace V. Thompson Albert J. Rediger Philip J. Lewis Patrick H. Price La Verne V. Still Floyd J. Jolley Charles E. Compton Walter W. Manseld Theodore A. Esptein Gilbert N. Harris Joseph B. Harris Marvin E. Thorpe William B. Barber Carl Guerriero Marwin F. Jonas Robert D. Leland Paul L. Pease Frank Fredenhagen James P. Corradi George W. Haven Dr. Robert F. Brandon Doyle Nave Paul E. Steckel Maynard T. Campbell Robert Olney George Stoica David Crowther Dr. Richard Samuelsen Paul P. Grant Rowland Price Jess Johns Eugene Radding Bea Brownstein Ed Glosup Robert V. Zwissler John J. Kelley L.A. Lou Kubasak Thomas A. Condit Dr. Martin Small John P. Hahn Jacqueline A. Wessel Anthony J. Santoro James Walter Etter Richard V. Martin Jeffrey C. Jonas E. Daniel Remy James McDowell James Wagner Alan L. Small Stan W. Daniel Mary E. Kelsey Robert E. Lundigan Rollin A. Bigbee Victor Georgino Michael Ragan Walter L. Bebrich Timothy M. Murphy Edwin LaRocque Gary D. Caneld Joe Hooven Dr. Henry B. Hunt Elizabeth Handler Susan Georgino John Dominguez Marsha R. Ramos Stacey Murphy David Laurell Arne Pearson Rodney Cooper Terre A. Hirsch Carolyn Jackson Jess Talamantes Todd A. Layfer Garen V. Yegparian

Senior Citizen Board Established 1973Duke Lee, Jr. William P. Watkins Charles R. Fillerup Frank T. Turano Josephine L. Olson Mrs. Sidney Harrison Harriet Corrigan Mary Stoica Edward Bedigan Kenneth Walker Donald M. Tuttle Reba C. Yapp Joe Rhodes Primo Margarit Helen M. Curnow Donald J. Huber Hazel Walker Mary M. Brady Bernice Gierke Frank Nardo Florence Nos L. Lou Kubasak Peter J. McGrath Irene B. Gallagher Opal Nance Gay Maund Marva Murphy Forrest L. Barker Libby Nardo

Child Care Committee Established 1988Barbara Kornyl Robert Bua Connie Sharp Carolyn Loria-Jackson Deanne Phinney Kim Villalobos Bill Provence Goldie H. Bemel Doris Bullock Lynn Cecchini Lucy Alarid Gail Dover Allen Eisner Barbara Durham Sharon Feldman Jack ONeill Carolyn Jackson Carol Davis-Perkins Annabelle Godwin Gail Reisman Mildred C. Engel Kim Rhodes Barbara Gunderson Debbie Resnick. Stephen Pennington Nancee Rodriguez K. Roland Armstorff Helen Von Seggern Jose Delgado Paul Krekorian Carol Miller Robin Wright Yvette Coontz Jodie Bodwell Shanna Vaughan Kelley McGowan Tracy Lynch

Art in Public Places Committee Established 1992Alice Asmar David Hackett Edward F. Hill Robert Sandmeyer Susan Georgino Marsha Ramos James ODoherty David Gerred Carolyn Berlin David Laurell Robert Coontz Carolyn Jackson Dink ONeal Todd Layfer Daniel Humfreville Penelope K. Young

Youth Board Established 1970Sheila Marie Fewless Debra Bergstrom Hal Meltzer Brian McCoy Linda Nelson Barbara Hayden Dick Thompson Judy Voelker Randy Graziano Linda Nelson Debbie Hatt, Bridge Diane Danis Lisa Kagan Gina Christine Gutru Jeffre N. Segall Cynthia Maples Denise Lioy Sheryl Gossard Mary Ellen Matasso Scott Raine Debbie Gallyon Bridge David LaFrance Jim Bradford Ann Kirk Satterlee John Schoengarth Heidi Wilson Antoinette Mongelli Diane G. Kulisek Stuart Perlitsh Suzanne Wegener Louis Dargenzio Ramon Mola Tony Giliberto Linda Smith Lorraine Bellis Debra Mobley Gary Glass Carol Sciberras Antoinette Mongelli Dena Hayden Andrew Loya Jan E. Rademacher Tom Cotrel Kirk Tiner Patricia Stoddard Michael Graceffo Richard J. Howard Richard L. Warmuth Doris Kissling Janet DAndrea Michael Ragan AeYoung Yoon Jack Keath, Jr. Karen Lambeth Michael Resnick Anne Dunn Susan Gardina Sue Hawkins Michael Brewster Alex Acevedo Lori Mirabel Lisa Russell Ray Angobaido Neil Hancock Melinda Lilly Michele Henry Karen Stanbarger Joel Blossom Melissa Walch Carol Hoaglund Tevia Celli Sarah Acevedo Richard Yousko Michael Brewster William A. Fickett Arvid Frederiksen Karen Jonkey Mark A. Fox Michael Kanigher Barbara Houston Kimberly A. MacMartin Scott Wetzel Ross Moen John H. Thai Esther Yuh George White Yvette Ramos Gabe Sandoval Chris Davis Angee Walls Judie Stamper Lisa Fuller Tammi Palubeski Michelle Hoeschen Brian Ganley Melissa Wilde Tammi Palubeskie Lorna Profant Darren Bell Ann Yousko William K. DeWitt Shawn Honess Rich Rode Hiroshi Wald Michelle Voges Paul Ehlert Cori Eldridge J. Michael Ibarra Blanca Menendez Carrie Nash Roy Ahn Maxwell Ligot Alina Dumitrescu Barrie Pink Jeannie Rhee Mishelle Voges Cori Eldrige Myrmay Nocon Jennifer Boersma Vladimir Moncada Jennifer Van Duzer Amber Hansen Marla Manchoff Maggie Hause Kimberly Flinders Angela Pennington Rosana Ruiz Tracy Wargo Diane L. Jones David Eaton Denise A. Ebery Jessica New Sabrina Feely Jennifer Garrels Gina Rufno Trina Calderon Leonard Diaz Larissa Skewes Emily Wargo Susan Jackson Daniel Wilson Thomas Mike III Kristie Whiehorses Michael Umpierre Elizabeth Austin Kate Perkins Kim Lewis Patrick Peters Jessica Pink Dalbert Buitrago Jennifer Detweiler Monica Sutter Carmen Henares Susan Cooper Arnaldo DAlfonso Natasha Campos Mario Fernandez Suzy Babko Jill Vander Borght Emily Rohwer Paige M. Stefano Ann Stefano Lily Bedrossian Scott E. Talamantes Katie Tsaniff Kary Vander Borght Aphrodite Papanikolaou Linda Escalante Vince Campos Patrick Kemp Marie Gasson Ryan McCormick Joseph Arbucci Mariela Henares Jennifer Leonard Eric Vacca Bailee Rad Kristie Vosper Theo Arbucci Kyle Vander Borght Dennis Wilson Briana Rad Armen Zenjiryan Daniella Fortuina Megan McKenzie Amanda McMahon Chris Arbucci Anoushka Scott Rochelle Rockwell Mallory Lynch Morgan Blanch Mitchell Thornton Jennifer Propper Andrew Share Steven Slaughter Nazo Koulloukian Rachel Freeman Jenny Bannian Melineh Terzian Jeffrey Kurges Sierra Layeld-Bosco Shant Davoudian Jovanna Betancourt Kendra Barbula Kevan DDamery Rhiannon Guillen Ashley Kurges Jacqueline Molina Sarah Niss Kristin Talamantes Bill Rena Gean Aliaga Michael Gasson Santosh Desai Jenna Wilcox Aliza Vecchiarelli Vanessa Mendez Sara Rebman Elisabeth Coleman Selin Petrosian Gladys Sarabia George Touma Paul Dinh Sara Grigoleit Tony Glavez Brynn Larson Lilian Calzadilla Caitlyn Cwik Ashleigh Diller Nicole Diller Stephanie Farag James Nagy Cassandra Pozos Shannon Stone Alex Knopper Jackie D. Balousek

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The City of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has been recognized for programs and services.

Here are some of the most recent awards:

California Park and Recreation Society

2004 Agency Showcase Award of Achievement

2003 Agency Showcase Award of Excellence

2001 Achievement Award

2000 Award of Merit

1999 Creating Community Award of Distinction

1999 Special Award of Excellence


1997 Recreation and Community Service Award

1997 Facility Design and Park Planning Award


1996 Recreation Programming Award


California and Nevada National Association of Telecommunication Ofcers and Advisors

2004 Golden Mike Award

League of California Cities

1997 Helen Putnam Award

Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation

1998 New Sports Facility Award

1991 Golden Shield Award

1976 Golden Shield Award

Sports Foundation & Congress for Parks & Recreation

1976 Grand Award of Excellence

National Arbor Day Foundation

1977-2005 Tree City USA Award

Western Access Video Excellence

2003 First Place Award

80th Anniversary Booklet Full

Documents

Transcript of 80th Anniversary Booklet Full