1940s - Verdugo Park

• Paul E. Wolfe

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." Verdugo Park itself was dedicated on March 16, 1944. Half of the four-acre site was donated to the city in 1943 by developer/philanthropist Fritz B. Burns and the rest purchased for $1117.18 per acre, according to the Los Angeles Times. This photo, taken some time in the 1940s, shows the pool facilities from an elevated angle across the parking lot. Tennis courts are partially visible to the left. From notes on photo: “Verdugo Park, 40’s” and “0053”.

3201 W Verdugo Ave, Burbank, CA 91505

• Burbank (Los Angeles County, Calif.)
• Parks and recreation
• Park facilities
• Swimming Pools
• 1950s

8 x 10 b&w print

Burbank Public Library, Burbank in Focus Office

cco00022

City Clerk’s Office