You are here

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.

1956 - DeBell Golf Course Groundbreaking
City Engineer Clayton Paige addresses 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.
1956 - DeBell Golf Course Groundbreaking
City Engineer Clayton Paige addresses an 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.
1956 - Mr. Joseph A. DeBell
From notes on photo: “Mr. Joseph A. DeBell. Groundbreaking ceremonies. Golf course 1956.” Philanthropist & property-donor Joseph A. DeBell operates construction equipment during golf course groundbreaking.
1957 - 3D Model of Proposed Golf Course
From notes on photo: “Golf Course 1957.”
1957 - DeBell Golf Course
From notes on photo: “Golf Course 1957.” DeBell golf course layout sketch.
1958 - DeBell Golf Course
From notes on photo: “DeBell Golf Course 1958”
1958 - DeBell Golf Course
The DeBell Golf Course was built on 100 acres donated to the city of Burbank in 1954 by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction began in 1956 at a cost of $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. In this photo golfers play the course while a man uses what appears to be a camera on a tripod. “DeBell Golf Course 1958”--back of photo.
1958 - DeBell Golf Course
From notes on photo: “DeBell Golf Course 1958”
1958 - DeBell Golf Course
From notes on photo: “DeBell Golf Course 1958”
1959 - Aerial View of DeBell Golf Course
An aerial view of the newly built DeBell Golf Course. This appears to be taken at the same time as image cco00270, but this one is in color.
1959 - DeBell Golf Course Dedication
From notes on photo: “Golf course dedication 1959.”
1959 - DeBell Golf Course Opening
From notes on photo: “DeBell golf course (opening 6/16/59).” According to the Los Angeles Times, 90-mm cannon from an Army tank was used to signal the start of the official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Course on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. Singer Tennessee Ernie Ford and Burbank mayor Earle William Burke were in attendance.

Pages