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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 - Starlight Bowl
Photo of the Starlight Bowl, likely from the 1950s. The Starlight Bowl was dedicated June 17, 1951. It was built at a cost of $175,000 with an original capacity of 2500 people. The site, “a natural amphitheater with good acoustics created by curving mountain slopes,” according to the Los Angeles Times, had already been home to performances for decades before the Bowl was built. Easter sunrise services were popular events in the unimproved space going back to the 1930s and the Burbank Symphony Orchestra held successful concert series there in the 1940s. The amphitheater, officially known as the Burbank Starlight Theater, was designed by architect E. Dean Cowley. Cowley was an executive of the Burbank Symphony Orchestra Association, the group that led the drive for the construction of the Bowl, according to the Times. Construction on the Bowl began in July, 1950.
1950s - Starlight Bowl
Photo of audience at twilight watching a play being staged at the Starlight Bowl. The Starlight Bowl was dedicated June 17, 1951. It was built at a cost of $175,000 with an original capacity of 2500 people. The site, “a natural amphitheater with good acoustics created by curving mountain slopes,” according to the Los Angeles Times, had already been home to performances for decades before the Bowl was built. Easter sunrise services were popular events in the unimproved space going back to the 1930s and the Burbank Symphony Orchestra held successful concert series there in the 1940s. The amphitheater, officially known as the Burbank Starlight Theater, was designed by architect E. Dean Cowley. Cowley was an executive of the Burbank Symphony Orchestra Association, the group that led the drive for the construction of the Bowl, according to the Times. Construction on the Bowl began in July, 1950.
1950s - Starlight Bowl
Starlight Bowl Amphitheater
1950s - Starlight Bowl
Photo of the front approach to Starlight Bowl, probably taken in the early 1950s. The Starlight Bowl was dedicated June 17, 1951. It was built at a cost of $175,000 with an original capacity of 2500 people. The site, “a natural amphitheater with good acoustics created by curving mountain slopes,” according to the Los Angeles Times, had already been home to performances for decades before the Bowl was built. Easter sunrise services were popular events in the unimproved space going back to the 1930s and the Burbank Symphony Orchestra held successful concert series there in the 1940s. The amphitheater, officially known as the Burbank Starlight Theater, was designed by architect E. Dean Cowley. Cowley was an executive of the Burbank Symphony Orchestra Association, the group that led the drive for the construction of the Bowl, according to the Times. Construction on the Bowl began in July, 1950.
1950s - Stough Canyon Park Barbecue and Picnic Area
The barbecue and picnic area of Stough Canyon Park as it appeared in the early 1950s. 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.
1950s - Stough Canyon Park Wading Pool
The wading pool at Stough Canyon Park as it appeared in the early 1950s. 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 the 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.
1950s - Stough Park Day Camp Picnic
Stough Park day campers pose for a group photo with slices of watermelon in the park’s picnic 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. The summer day camp program for children ages 8-12 ran from 1951 to 1956 and included hikes, nature study, crafts, games, and a weekly cookout. The program was ended and most of the other amenities were closed or removed by 1958 as the city appropriated additional surrounding land and began construction of the nearby DeBell golf course.
1950s - Workers Building a Stone Wall in Stough Park
Workers construct a stone wall in Stough Park in the 1950s. 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.
1954 - Burbank Floral Arts Association Tree Planting at Stough Park
Burbank Parks and Recreation board members Dewey Kruckeberg (far right) and Frank Fredenhagen pose with the Burbank Floral Arts Association at a tree planting at Stough Park on March 11, 1954.
1956 - DeBell Golf Course Groundbreaking
From notes on photo: “Far left with golf hat is Giddy Ash. He was the pro at the pitch & putt golf course. Teeing off, [Mayor] Earle C. Blais. Golf course groundbreaking 1956.”
1956 - DeBell Golf Course Groundbreaking
From notes on photo: “Golf course groundbreaking 1956.”
1956 - DeBell Golf Course Groundbreaking
View from the audience at the DeBell golf course groundbreaking July 24,1956. The DeBell Golf Course was built on 100 acres of land in Wildwood and Stough Canyons donated in 1954 to the city of Burbank by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction costs ran $1.6 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. Nine holes of the course opened on December 22, 1958 and the official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Club was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. From notes on photo: “Man far left with glasses is Edgar Friedrich Assistant City Manager. Golf course groundbreaking 1956.”

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