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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.

1989 - Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center Grand Opening
The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center is located in George Izay Park. Three unidentified people pose at for a photo at the Creative Arts Center's Opening. Slide dated May 1989.
1989 - Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center Grand Opening
The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center is located in George Izay Park. This photo shows the Creative Arts Center's Opening. Slide dated May 1989.
1992 - Hank Riggio Playground New Equipment Dedication
The ceremonial ribbon is cut by two unidentified people at the dedication of the Hank Riggio Playground's new play equipment. The playground is located within George Izay Park. Hank Riggio was an advocate for the disabled population in Burbank which included the development of disabled play equipment. He was a native Burbank resident who was stricken with polio. He dedicated himself to promote programs to help fight polio and aid the disabled in the community. The Playground was originally dedicated in 1982. February 28, 1992.
1992 - Hank Riggio Playground New Equipment Dedication
An unidentified woman and City Manager Mary Alvord (on the right) pose during the dedication for the new playground equipment at the Hank Riggio Playground. February 28, 1992.
1992 - Hank Riggio Playground New Equipment Dedication
An unidentified girl goes down the slide at the dedication of the Hank Riggio new playground equipment. The playground is located within George Izay Park. February 28, 1992.
1992 - Hank Riggio Playground New Equipment Dedication
An unidentified woman assists two boys in using the new playground equipment that was designed specifically for children with disabilites. This is the dedication ceremony of the new playground equipment at the Hank Riggio Playground located on the grounds of George Izay Park. February 28, 1992.
1994 - Olive Avenue Park Stadium Bleachers
Interior bleachers of the old Olive Avenue Park Baseball Stadium. It was torn down shortly after these photos were taken. October 1994.
1994 - Olive Avenue Park Stadium Exterior Facade
The exterior facade of the old Olive Avenue Park Baseball Stadium. It was torn down shortly after these photos were taken. October 1994.
1996 - Bill Burton Field Dedication at George Izay Park
Burbank residents pose at the field dedication ceremony at George Izay park. The unidentified woman holds a framed image of signage for the designated Bill Burton Field. Bill Burton was a Burbank Park and Recreation employee for over 33 yrs. Under his leadership, the level of play for Men’s Slow/Fast Pitch and Women’s Fast Pitch Leagues was expanded and improved. He helped “invent” the rubber home plate extension, created the “intentional base-on-balls” rule which helped speed up the game, invented the now universally used California tie-breaker system to avoid ties in standings, developed several innovative programs (i.e. Boys’ Bantam Basketball) and established a policy for the collection of Program Improvement Fees to support facility enhancements. October 5, 1996.
1996 - Burbank City Stadium Dedication at George Izay Park
The Memorial Stadium at George Izay Park (originally dedicated on May 30, 1947) was renamed Burbank City Stadium and dedicated as such on October 5, 1996. The City desired to “pay homage to the memory of those who gave their last full measure of devotion to their country." Mayor Wiggins and an unidentified man unveil the dedication plaque. October 5, 1996.
1996 - Jack Smock Field Dedication at George Izay Park
Jack Smock Field dedication at George Izay Park. Jack Smock was a long time coach in the Burbank Ponytail Softball Program. He also began the Winter Amateur Softball Association (ASA) for Girls in Burbank. He received the Bronze Coach Award from ASA, the Honorary Service Award from the PTA, a Mayor’s Commendation, and a Certificate of Merit from Bellarmine Jefferson High School. City officials Bob Kramer and Bill Wiggins cut the ceremonial ribbon. October 5, 1996.

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