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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.

1970s - Starlight Bowl Construction
From notes on photo: “Starlight Bowl- Early 70’s.”
1971 - Castaway Restaurant and DeBell Golf Clubhouse
Castaway Restaurant and DeBell Golf Clubhouse. Slide dated March 1971.
1971 - Riders on Stough Park Motorbike Trail
Riders on a motorbike trail in the Stough Park landfill area, adjacent to the Starlight Bowl. According to the Los Angeles Times, the 10-acre trail area was opened to Burbank residents on weekends beginning March 6, 1971, at the fee of $1 per bike and 50¢ per rider for a day’s use. A Van Nuys Valley News article from April 9, 1971, reported that the Parks and Recreation department would expand use to non-residents in order to increase revenue and to cover the expenses of supervising and maintaining the trails. Note on back of photo: “Stough Park 1971.”
1971 - Riders on Stough Park Motorbike Trail
Riders on a motorbike trail in the Stough Park landfill area, adjacent to the Starlight Bowl. According to the Los Angeles Times, the 10-acre trail area was opened to Burbank residents on weekends beginning March 6, 1971, at the fee of $1 per bike and 50¢ per rider for a day’s use. A Van Nuys Valley News article from April 9, 1971, reported that the Parks and Recreation department would expand use to non-residents in order to increase revenue and to cover the expenses of supervising and maintaining the trails. Note on back of photo: “Stough Park 1971.”
1976 - George Izay, Leland Ayers, and Newton Russell at the Starlight Bowl
From notes on photo: “L-R: George Izay, Leland Ayers, Newton Russell. 1976 Starlight Bowl.”
1976 - George Izay, Leland Ayers, and Newton Russell at the Starlight Bowl
From notes on photo: “L-R: George Izay, Leland Ayers, Newton Russell. 1976 Starlight Bowl.”
1978 - Gardener Mowing Lawn at DeBell Golf Course
Gardener mowing the grass at DeBell Golf Course. Slide dated March 1978.
1980 - Starlight Bowl at Stough Park
Starlight Bowl at Stough Park. Slide dated March 1980.
1988 - Aerial View of Starlight Bowl
Starlight Bowl and Stough Canyon Park. Slide dated August 1988.
1991 - Wildwood Canyon Park Development Plan
The City Council authorized the purchase of the Wildwood Canyon property in 1953 and work began to transform the area into a park (including the police shooting range). By the dedication date, July of 1963, the roadway and flood control channel were competed; along with restrooms and hiking trails. This photo indicates that in the 1990s, Wildwood Canyon Park has some sort of upgrade or refurbishment. Slide dated July 1991.
1991 - Wildwood Canyon Park Development Plan
The City Council authorized the purchase of the Wildwood Canyon property in 1953 and work began to transform the area into a park (including the police shooting range). By the dedication date, July of 1963, the roadway and flood control channel were competed; along with restrooms and hiking trails. This photo indicates that in the 1990s, Wildwood Canyon Park has some sort of upgrade or refurbishment. Slide dated July 1991.
1992 - Entrance to Wildwood Canyon Park
Entrance to Wildwood Canyon Park. Slide dated April 1992.

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