The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
According to the Burbank Daily Review, opening day was Wednesday, August 25, 1948, though the handwritten notes on a number of photos in the collection indicate the opening day as the following day, Thursday, August 26, 1948.
In this photo, a group of laughing and splashing children play in the pool. Lifeguard stations are visible at the far end. From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium -- at Verdugo Park 1948 Opening Day”; “First Day Opening Verdugo New Pool 8/26/48”; and “RECEIVED AUG 26 City of Burbank City Manager”.
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
In this photo of the dedication, onlookers gather around the pool.
From notes on photo: “Verdugo Park, 50’s”. [Though the note indicates the photo is from the 1950s, the photo is very likely from the 1948 dedication.]
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city." The fire dive pictured here was one of the final events of the ceremony.
In this photo from the 1950s, costumed children attend a Halloween event in the Verdugo Park patio area.
From notes on photo: “Halloween at Verdugo Park, 50’s”.
This photo from the 1950s shows six costumed children attending a Halloween event in the Verdugo Park patio area. Left to right: Clown, unknown costume, rabbit, witch, skeleton, and football player.
From notes on photo: “Halloween at Verdugo Park, Karen & Thumber 50’s” and "0079".
Burbank recreation superintendent William Keller (left) stands with two teens and another man in the Verdugo pool house. From notes on photo: “Verdugo Pool, 50’s; Mr. Keller far left” and “RECEIVED July 28, 1950 8:58 AM City of Burbank City Manager”
“Title: Swimming Awards; Place: California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park; Date: August 1952; L to R: Charles Compton, 3 years contestants, Patrick Price; Photo Taken By Paul E. Wolfe; City of Burbank, California Official Photograph No. 226”--back of photo.
