Articles

One of the succsession of fine Eagle Rock High School Stage Bands (directed by John Rinaldo, behind the bass) is posed here in 1987. of interest in the foreground are the remaining original wooden seating.-ERVHS,ND.

The pot luck picnic in the upper area of the park in 1963. TEfforts to replenish the original tree cover are in evidence.-Photo ERVHS, 7/1963.

The Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society held its then annual pot luck picnic in the upper area of the park in 1963. The picnic tables were still part of the park furniture.-Photo ERVHS, 7/1963.

This photo appears to have been taken before the construction of the Sylvan Theater. The occasion is unclear although most of the children are dressed uniformly.-ERVHS, ND.

Completed Playground Design Is Ideal
With grading operations commenced on the new playground. Eagle Rock is on its constructive way to the possession of one of the country’s finest and most complete outdoor play places. While it will take several years to finish the different units, and. entail a cost approximating $400, 000.00 the completed plan will approach the ideal. On the Yosemite Drive side, will be the children’s playground, with a wading pool for the kiddies, and, adjoining will be the girls playground and club house. The club house, will not be a mere structure, as is so often found at public recreational grounds, but will be equipped with every club feature for the entertainment of both the juveniles and the adults. Beyond the club house, the tennis courts will be laid out, and the outdoor gymnasium will occupy a place between the tennis courts and the athletic field, which is designed for all of the big outdoor sports, including a specially fine baseball field. At the upper end of the ten-acre tract, will be the swimming pool and bathhouse, that will cost $176,000.00. The plans as filed with the Chamber of Commerce by the Playground Commission, show the most thoughtful care in employing every available space, to the very best advantage. Aside from the children’s play places and the athletic field, a most attractive picnic ground is provided for, with a rustic theatre, giving an additional attractiveness to the selected location. Each year as the funds from the 6 ct. playground tax quota becomes available, additional units will be constructed, and, it is expected that the entire plan will be completed within three or four years. One of the most immediate needs is a baseball ground and the graders at present employed will make a big improvement on the diamond, now being used by the local club, which is rough in spots an almost prohibitive of a fast fielding game. Both consistent and persistent efforts have been put forth by the Chamber of Commerce in bringing the proposed playground to its present stage toward a splendid realization.-Plan, Eagle Rock Sentinel 10/9/1925-Copy, Eagle Rock Sentinel 8/28/1925

Day Care, built 2000. In order to take advantage of park bond funding and to move a day care center out of the clubhouse building, this innovative new structure, by Kanner and Associates Architects , was built just to the southwest of the clubhouse. Its playful design, integration of graphics, and indoor-outdoor design were intended to be an homage and reflection of the earlier building. (Author’s photograph.)

Eagle Rock Recreation Center Clubhouse Rendering 1953 The dream of a park near the rock was fulfilled in 1954 when this clubhouse on a large site across Figueroa from the earlier “park” opened. Richard Neutra’s post and beam building featured a stage that opened to the large gym, an outdoor amphitheatre and a smaller meeting room. The counterweighted walls of the gym could be raised for ventilation. The building was in many ways the culmination of the architect’s classic approach to modern building. Garrett Ekbo designed the grounds which were completed in 1959. (Rendering by R.C. Quale)

Playground Construction. In the upper left sits the Eagle Rock Recreation Center Clubhouse, designed by architect Richard Neutra. Modernist landscape designer Garrett Ekbo, who often worked with Neutra, designed the landscape for this difficult site. This 1959 photograph shows the substantial grading needed to adopt the site for picnic and play areas. The road in the foreground connects Figueroa Street to the old highway bridge behind us. (Photograph by Joe Friezer.)

In 1961, a young crew plants trees on the paved path between the clubhouse and the lower picnic areas. The baseball fields are finished, and the ramp from the 134 freeway to Colorado Boulevard stands in the background. (Photograph by Joe Friezer.)

The original pool is still being enjoyed here around 1960. The pool and bathhouse were upgraded in 1978-79. Photo ERVHS, CA 1960.