City of Burbank

Park, 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 Council
Mayor Jef Vander Borght
Vice Mayor Todd Campbell
Councilmember Dave Golonski
Councilmember Stacey Murphy
Councilmember Marsha Ramos
City Manager Mary J. Alvord
Assistant City Manager Michael S. Flad

Park, Recreation and Community Services Board

Chair Carolyn Jackson
Vice-Chair Jess Talamantes
Member David Laurell
Member Todd Layfer
Member Garen Yegparian

Park, Recreation and Community Services Department

Director Eric A. Hansen
Deputy Directors: Janice Bartolo Garth W. Nelson Linda Oseransky Teri Stein
Administrative Analyst II Marisa Garcia
Managers: Tim Lorman Gwen Sam-Indermill Patrick Thomas Jeff Zoumbaris
Supervisors: 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 Committee
Art Director Maria Frances Santistevan
Research and photos compiled by Gwen Sam-Indermill

City of Burbank
Park, Recreation and Community Services Department
275 East Olive Avenue
Burbank, California 91510
818.238.5300
www.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

People

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.

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

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
2

owned or operated by the City of Burbank. The

rst Park and Forestry Commission ofcers were
appointed on September 1, 1925. This vemember 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

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.

Playground at McCambridge Park.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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

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

Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Art and crafts program at Verdugo Park.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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

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
Major General Homer Maton addresses the audience
on Independence Day 1962 at McCambridge Park; Police
Boys Band in foreground. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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.

Teen Program.
Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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.

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

Dewey Kruckeberg kneeling.

Photo courtesy:
City of Burbank

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

Construction project at Pacic Park.

Photo courtesty:
City of Burbank

Applying for a summer job at Verdugo Park

swimming pool. Photo courtesy: John Wolfe

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.
5

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

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

Womens Choral Club at Olive Recreation Center.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Youth boxing program at Olive Recreation Center.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Verdugo Park vintage 1960s Teen Dance.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Joslyn Center 30th Anniversary with live band and singers.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Olive Recreation Center, First Community Dance, April 19,

1952. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Burbank on Parade at Olive Avenue Park.

Miss Burbank gives a hula demonstration.
Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

McCambridge Park Pool Water Carnival 2004

A Pirates Adventure.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Programs

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.
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-

1943 Womens Softball Champions

Still Electric Shop.
Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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

St. Louis Browns spring training game, Olive Memorial Baseball

Stadium. Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

1940 Mens Basketball Program.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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

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

Miss Burbank, Debbie Reynolds during the 1948 Verdugo

Swimming Pool Dedication Ceremony.
Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

Park. The program included hikes, nature study,

crafts, games, a family night, and weekly cookouts.
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.

1947 Gold of California production cast.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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

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.

Hap Minor Baseball Program.

Photo courtesy:
Burbank Historical Society

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.
9

demand for programs and

services also continued to grow.

Stough Park Day Camp Program.

Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

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

First Community Dance,

Olive Recreation Center 1952.
Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

10

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 colorcorrected 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
Ponytail Girls Softball Jamboree.
softball and
Photo courtesty: City of Burbank
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

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
First Miss Civitan 1955,
$75,000
Marian Campbell.
toward its
Photo courtesty: Marian DElia
construction,
as well as additional funds to be used for

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.

Joslyn Adult Center 30th Anniversary Celebration 2003.

Photo courtesty: Harvey Branman

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

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

Burbank Badminton Club.

Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

11

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.

Creative Arts Center Pottery Program.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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
12

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

Movies at Providencia Summer Parks Program.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Stough Park Day Camp Program. Circa 1956.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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.

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.

Summer Daze Daycamp Program 2003.

Photo courtesty: Harvey Branman

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

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

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.
13

Programs
Sailboat Regatta participants at Buena Vista (Carson) Park.
August 20, 1954.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Innovative outdoor lighting at Olive Avenue Park

Tennis Courts.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Glenoaks (McCambridge) Park Pool Water Ballet

Performance, September 10, 1947.
Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

14

Baby swimming instruction at McCambridge Park Pool,

Circa 2000s. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Water Carnival held at McCambridge Park Pool, 2004.

Photo Courtesy: City of Burbank

Mommy and Me circle time at

McCambridge Park Pool.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Olive Park wading pool, August, 1945.

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

Creative Art Center dedicated 1989.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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

15

Parks

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.

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.

A summer afternoon at Mountain View Park.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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

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.
16

Stough Park under construction.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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 Park Natural Amphitheater circa 1938.
Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society
Stough later moved to Burbank
and bought the rst installment
the 1930s. The park was used for camping
of what became a huge Burbank property in
programs in the early 1950s.
1883. Part of the land included the parcels
eventually developed for Stough Park and Civic
The summer of 1935 marked the rst
Center Park (McCambridge Park).
scheduled use of a natural bowl amphitheater
(Starlight Bowl) located in Stough Park for live
Stough Park includes both the Starlight Bowl
performances. Discarded telephone poles
and the lower portion of the park. Park trails,
were imbedded in the ground for seating. On
roads, stone walls, picnic areas, and other
June 1, 1951 the Burbank Starlight Theatre
improvements were constructed throughout
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

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

In December 1939 the City

purchased the land for future
17

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 F104 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
Olive Recreation Center circa 1949.
closed Olive Memorial
Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

The Joslyn Adult Center was built to provide senior adult

activities and was dedicated on September 11, 1972
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 midseason 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
18

McCambridge Recreation Center construction 1956.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

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.

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

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

Sailboat Regatta held at y casting pool

Buena Vista (Carson) Park August 20, 1954.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

19

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

Verdugo Park and Swimming Pool 1948.

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

municipal golf course. On June 16, 1959 DeBell

Municipal Golf Course was ofcially dedicated
and opened for play.

Lower Assembly Building, Verdugo Park.

Photo courtesty: City of Burbank

20

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.

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

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
Brace Canyon Park, March 1963
January 25, 1975.

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
Photo courtesty: City of Burbank
utility for both the State
and the people of Burbank.
Pacic Park was dedicated September 7, 1952.
Ralph M. Foy Park
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

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.
21

Lundigan Park

Stough Canyon Nature Center

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

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

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.
22

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

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.
23

Parks
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 2003

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank
Olive Recreation Center 1949.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Parkdale Park renamed Mountain View Park

dedicated 1926. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

24

Olive Memorial Baseball Stadium, dedicated 1946.

Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Dedication of Verdugo Park swimming pool,

August 20, 1948. Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Glenoaks (McCambridge) Park playground.

Photo courtesy: Burbank Historical Society

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

Camp Fire Girls gather in a Burbank Park

Circa 1950s.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

Debell Municipal Golf Course, dedicated June 16, 1959.

The Castaway Restaurant is in the background.
Photo courtesy: City of Burbank

25

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 1925

Octavia 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 1973

Duke 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 1988

Barbara 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 1992

Alice 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 1970

Sheila 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

26

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 Agency Showcase Award of Excellence
1997 Recreation and Community Service Award
1997 Facility Design and Park Planning Award
1996 Agency Showcase Award of Excellence
1996 Recreation Programming Award
1994 Agency Showcase Award of Excellence
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