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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.

1980s - Burbank Police/Fire Softball Game
Photo of runner digging for home at a softball game between the Burbank Police Officers' Association and Burbank Fire Department at Olive Memorial Stadium, likely taken in 1986. "THROW THE BALL -- RICK BURROUGHS, catcher, hopes to put out FRANK WALBERT, as RICK BISON guards third." -- back of print duplicate. Olive Memorial 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.
1980s - Olive Memorial Stadium
From notes on photo: “Olive Park Stadium.” 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. This photo is likely from the 1980s as disrepair of the stands can be seen in the image.
1980s - Olive Park Playground
From notes on photo: “Olive Park”
1982 - Girls Playing at Olive Park
Two young girls are playing in a water fountain at Olive Park in the Hank Riggio Playground. Older children from an orchestra are in the background. Slide is dated September 1982.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
From left: Burbank Park director Rich Inga, former director George Izay, and Burbank City Manager George Nony. Photo was taken at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Debbie Reynolds was also in attendance at the event.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
People gather for the ribbon-cutting at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area designed "for all children," located within George A. Izay Park. Among others are Burbank Mayor Mary Lou Howard [in blue checks], actress Debbie Reynolds [in red], and Hank Riggio [white suit]. Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
Debbie Reynolds [in red], Burbank Mayor Mary Lou Howard [in blue checks], and others in a crowd at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
Photo of Debbie Reynolds speaking at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
Photo of Burbank Mayor Mary Lou Howard posing at a commemorative plaque at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
Heads bow as balloons are released at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Actress Debbie Reynolds is visible on stage, next to city officials. A student band stands nearby. Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
Park Director Rich Inga speaks at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Other city officials share the stage, and actress Debbie Reynolds is visible in red at the far left. Hank Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.
1982 - Hank Riggio Playground Opening at Olive Park
A boy looks on as children gather around the equipment at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground, a play area located within George A. Izay Park. Riggio, a Burbank native, had been stricken with polio while in his 20s, and dedicated much of his life to money-raising campaigns to help disabled children and adults in the community.

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