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Stough Park, Starlight Bowl, and DeBell Golf Course

Nestled in the hills of Burbank are three gems offering relaxation, entertainment and exercise opportunities. DeBell Golf Course opened mid-twentieth century with newly planted trees and crowds of people. Hiking trails in the hills offer wonderful opportunities to explore nature. The Stough Canyon Nature Center opened in 2000 with exhibits and programming. The Starlight Bowl, built in the Burbank hills in 1948, has long been Burbank's best-kept secret. Over the years it has presented movies, stage shows, and concerts. Today the popular venue hosts summer concerts by the Burbank Chamber Orchestra and a variety of popular music groups, children's participatory theater, and the City's 4th of July concert with fireworks.

1950s - Aerial View of DeBell Golf Course Construction
From notes on photo: “Golf course construction”
1950s - Aerial View of Starlight Bowl
The Starlight Bowl was completed in 1951, so this image was taken around that time.
1950s - Aerial View of Stough Canyon Park and Landfill
An aerial view of Stough Canyon Park, the Starlight Bowl, and the adjacent landfill. The Bowl can be seen in the top third of the frame, near the center. According to the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department, Stough Canyon Park originated in 1916 as a gift to the city of over 128 acres to be used exclusively as public parkland from real estate developer Oliver J. Stough. Improvement of the upper portion, known as “Inspiration Point,” began in 1934 and, by 1950, included facilities for picnics and camping as well as a wading pool. Many of the facilities were removed in 1958 when the city appropriated additional surrounding land and construction of the nearby DeBell golf course commenced. Construction of the Starlight Theatre began in 1950 as a permanent facility to replace an open air performance space that had been used since 1935, and was dedicated in June of 1951. It was officially renamed the Starlight Bowl in 1957.
1950s - Burbank Municipal Band
No information is known about the band in this photo other than the drum appears to read "Burbank Municipal Band." They are at Starlight Bowl. Please contact Burbank in Focus if you have more information about this image.
1950s - Cars Parked Outside Starlight Bowl
Cars parked outside of the Starlight Bowl in Stough Park in the 1950s. According to the Burbank Department of Parks and Recreation, Stough Canyon Park originated as a gift to the city of over 128 acres to be used exclusively as public parkland from real estate developer Oliver J. Stough. The natural bowl of the ravine was first used for performances in 1935, with salvage lumber and telephone poles used for seating. It served as a rehearsal and performance space until a permanent amphitheater was built. Originally called the Burbank Starlight Theatre, it was dedicated on June 1, 1951, and hosted its first performance, by the Burbank Symphony Orchestra, on June 17, 1951. Referred to informally as the Starlight Bowl from almost the beginning, the Burbank City Council voted on March 26, 1957, to formally change the name. Notes on back of photo: "Stough Park."
1950s - DeBell Golf Course
From notes on photo: “Golf dept.”
1950s - DeBell Golf Course
From notes on photo: “Housing Dept.”
1950s - DeBell Golf Course Constructon
From notes on photo: “Golf course construction”
1950s - DeBell Golf Parking Facilities
From notes on photo: “DeBell Golf parking facilities.” Grading and construction for DeBell Golf Course parking facilities.
1950s - DeBell Golf Parking Facilities
From notes on photo: “De Bell Golf parking facilities.” Grading and construction for DeBell Golf Course parking facilities.
1950s - Golf Course Planning
From notes on photo: “Golf course planning.” DeBell golf course.
1950s - Road to Stough Park
The road to Stough Park in the early 1950s, near the present intersection of Walnut Avenue and Lockheed View Drive. A permanent structure for the Starlight Bowl was opened in the park in 1951 and a 3-lane paved road was also built at the same time in order to provide better access to the area. According to the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department, Stough Canyon Park originated in 1916 as a gift to the city of over 128 acres to be used exclusively as public parkland from real estate developer Oliver J. Stough. Improvement of the upper portion, known as “Inspiration Point,” began in 1934 and, by 1950, included facilities for picnics and camping as well as a wading pool. Many of these facilities were removed in 1958 when the city appropriated additional surrounding land and construction of the nearby DeBell golf course commenced. Notes on back of photo: "Road to Stough Park, Late 40's early 50's."

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