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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.

1960s - Aerial View of Burbank Landfill and Starlight Bowl
From notes on photo: “Aerial view of Burbank, California- Landfill & Starlight Bowl- 60’s.” According to the Los Angeles Times, the landfill near the Starlight Bowl became operational in 1957. 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.
1960s - Aerial View of DeBell Golf Course
In 1954, Burbank voters approved a 10-year capital improvement program to help improve city infrastructure. One project was the DeBell Golf Course that was constructed in the foothills adjacent to Stough Park. The back of the photo is stamped "City Manager File." This image came from a collection of images donated by the Delores Palmer Estate. She was a BUSD employee for many years and authored the book "A History of Burbank."
1960s - Aerial View of DeBell Golf Course Construction
From notes on photo: “Golf course construction.”
1960s - Aerial View of Police Pistol Range
From notes on photo: “Police pistol range- 60’s.”
1960s - DeBell Golf Course
1960s - DeBell Golf Course and Castaway Restaurant
From notes on photo: “Golf course / Castaways”
1960s - DeBell Golf Course from Castaway's Starlight Room
From notes on photo: “De Bell Golf Course / Castaways Starlight Room.” Photo of the golf course from the Starlight Ballroom at the Castaway Restaurant.
1960s - Encore of "The Music Man" at Starlight Bowl
Encore of "The Music Man" at Starlight Bowl. No other information is known about this image. Donated by Elaine Paonessa.
1960s - Performers of "Oklahoma" on stage at the Starlight Bowl
Performers of the musical "Oklahoma" on stage at the Starligh Bowl. No further information is known. Donated by the estate of Elaine Paonessa.
1960s - Starlight Bowl
Photo of the front approach to 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. According to notes on the photo, this shot was taken in the early 1960s.
1960s - 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. According to notes on the photo, this shot was taken in the early 1960s.
1960s - Starlight Bowl
From notes on photo: “Starlight Park Early 60’s.”

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