1952 - Buena Vista Park Casting Pool Dedication

Paul E. Wolfe

1952

Mayor Walter Mansfield (standing) speaks at the dedication of the new casting pool at Buena Vista Park, December 14, 1952, as (from left) Parks and Recreation Board Members Ted Epstein and Marvin Thorpe, Monsignor Martin Cody Keating, and Board Members Joseph Harris and Carl Guerrerio watch on. According to the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department’s “The History of Burbank Parks”: “In 1942, negotiations with the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power resulted in the purchase of approximately 51 acres for a future park development in an effort to beautify the L.A. River area. In June 1943, the site was officially named Buena Vista Park due to its proximity to the street of the same name. Some portions of the land that were deemed unsuitable for park uses were sold to St. Joseph Hospital and NBC throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s, and the construction of the Ventura Freeway [in the early 1960s] further encroached onto the acreage. In 1968 an agreement was signed with the City of Los Angeles to lease a portion of Griffith Park to be used for park purposes (from Riverside to the flood control channel, bounded by Catalina and Buena Vista Streets). On April 29, 1992, Buena Vista Park was renamed after Johnny Carson to honor the host of NBC’s ‘Tonight Show’. The renaming of the former Buena Vista Park site was set to coincide with Mr. Carson's retirement from the ‘Tonight Show’.” Notes on the front of the photo: “Paul E. Wolfe.” Notes on the back of the photo: “City of Burbank, California, Official Photograph No. 118. Title: Casting Pool Dedication. Place: Buena Vista Park (now is Johnny Carson Park). Date: 12-14-52. Time: 1:00 pm.” Photo taken: 12-14-52. By: Paul E. Wolfe.”

400 Bob Hope Drive, Burbank, CA 91505

Burbank (Los Angeles County, Calif.)
Parks and Recreation
Park Facilities
Mayors
Buena Vista Park
Johnny Carson Park
1950s

8 x 10 b&w print

Burbank Public Library, Burbank in Focus Office

cco01142

City Clerk's Office