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George Izay Park and Olive Recreation Center Image Collection

In 1935, the City approved the purchase of land at this site. Subsequent acreage was approved for purchase from Gene Autry. Discussions were held in 1941 with respect to the increase in the defense industry in Burbank. The Lockheed and Vega plants anticipated an increase in their employees by approximately 50,000 by the following year. As a result, certain portions of the property were authorized for lease to the U.S Government to construct a community building (Olive Recreation Center) on site. This building was to be used primarily for the benefit of defense industry workers. In 1942 the City of Burbank purchased the recreation building for use by the community. The Superintendent of Parks then presented plans to the Park Commission for the development of a recreational facility including a sports complex, bleachers, and children’s play area. By 1947, the 15 acre park included the recreation building, Memorial Stadium, the Auld Lang Syne Building and Little Theatre. The stadium served as a springtime home for Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Browns. It also served as a practice field for the L.A. Rams. The Stadium was demolished due to structural deterioration in 1995. A portion of the façade was preserved along with the two original plaques. They were rededicated on the 50th anniversary of the awarding of Memorial Stadium on April 15, 1995. On September 25, 1984 the Park was dedicated and renamed after George Izay who worked for the Park, Recreation and community Services Department for over 28 years. As Park Director, he oversaw the initiation of several impressive programs, highlighted by the construction of the Joslyn Adult Center. He was instrumental in the creation of special programs for senior citizens, including nutrition and transportation. His love of trees also made Burbank a more beautiful place to live, and such dedication to urban forestry enabled the City to receive the Tree City U.S.A. award every year since 1977. He was a member of the Rotary Club, YMCA Board of Directors, Burbank American Legion, California Park and Recreation Society, National Park and Recreation Society and International Shade Tree Association.

1940s - Boy Flying a Kite at Olive Park
A promotional photo of a boy flying a kite that reads "Olive Recreation Center."
1940s - Olive Park
From notes on photo: “Olive Park 40’s.”
1940s - Olive Park Hula Dancer During a Boxing Match
From notes on photo: “Olive Park- Late 40’s during a boxing match.”
1940s - Olive Park Incinerator
From notes on photo: “Olive Park – Incinerator near the Little Theater.”
1940s - Olive Park Stadium
From notes on photo: “Olive Park 40’s.” The stadium pictured was dedicated in 1947 to soldiers killed in WWII and in early years was home to the St. Louis Browns spring training. The stands were demolished in 1995, though the fields themselves remain. The park was renamed George Izay Park in 1984.
1940s - Olive Park Stadium
From notes on photo: “Olive Park – 1940s.” The stadium was dedicated in 1947 to soldiers killed in WWII and in early years was home to the St. Louis Browns spring training. The stands were demolished in 1995, though the fields themselves remain. The park was renamed George Izay Park in 1984.
1940s - Olive Park Tennis Courts
From notes on photo: “Olive Park 1940s.”
1940s - Olive Park Tennis Courts
From notes on photo: “Olive Park 1940s.”
1940s - Olive Park Wading Pool
The wading pool at the Olive Recreation Center opened on Wednesday, August 8, 1945. According to the Los Angeles Times, the pool was completed and opened in August though the rest of the park had yet to be completed due to a wartime lack of materials. This photo likely dates from the brief time after the pool had opened yet before the grass was planted that fall. From notes on photo: “Olive Park -- Wading pool in the 40’s.”
1940s - Olive Park and Recreation Center
From notes on photo: “Olive Park. Late 40’s, early 50’s.”
1942 - WPA Olive Park Recreation Building
From notes on photo: “1942-WPA. Olive Park Recreation bldg.” The Olive Recreation Center was built in 1942 using joint funds from the City of Burbank and the Federal government. It served as a United States Organization (USO) Headquarters during World War II, then was purchased by the City of Burbank and incorporated into what is now George Izay Park.
1945 - Olive Park and Recreation Center
From notes on photo: “Olive Park 1945.”

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