The Parks and Recreation Department invites you to Celebrate A Century of Community: Parks, People, and Purpose! For 100 years, the Department has fostered community through various programs, events, and activities. The Department's commitment to the community dates to its establishment in 1925. It all began with the dedication of the city's first park, Vickroy Park. Today, the department proudly operates 42 parks and facilities that serve the community.
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Learn more and get involved!
Learn more and get involved!
Photo Contest
Celebrate the Centennial by capturing the spirit of Burbank Parks and Recreation! We’re excited to announce a photo contest that invites you to showcase how Burbank’s parks, facilities, and programs have brought joy and inspiration into your life. Whether it’s a stunning park landscape, a favorite memory from an outdoor activity, a vibrant community event, or a moment from one of our recreational programs, we want to see it through your lens. Let your creativity shine as you bring the Centennial Theme to life and share the moments that make Burbank Parks and Recreation so special.
The contest is open NOW and closes on March 15, 2025.
Click to Enter the Photo Contest!
The contest is open NOW and closes on March 15, 2025.
Click to Enter the Photo Contest!
Eye Spy Burbank
Explore a different Burbank Park each month while completing missions and challenges using the mobile app Agents of Discovery. Check back on the Eye Spy Burbank page to find out how to join the fun and where the next challenge location will be!
100 Years of Burbank Parks and Recreation
Parks and Forestry Department and Commission Established
1925
The first park in the Department was dedicated, Vickroy Park.
First performance at the Bowl
1935
The first scheduled performance in the natural bowl theater, now the Starlight Bowl.
USO Headquarters
1942
The USO Headquarters (now the Olive Recreation Center) is built in Olive park to provide recreational services for military personnel and the community.
Glenoaks Park
1942
Glenoaks Park, now known as McCambridge Park, is dedicated.
Olive Memorial Stadium
1946
The Olive Park Memorial Baseball Stadium is dedicated.
Burbank Aquatics
1948
The Verdugo Swimming Pool and Bath House are completed.
St. Louis Browns
1949-1952
The St. Louis Browns professional baseball team utilizes Olive Memorial Stadium at Olive Park for training and exhibition games.
Park and Recreation Board
1950
The Park and Forestry Department and Playground and Recreation Department are consolidated into the Park and Recreation Board. The first Civitan Day Parade and Baseball Jamboree are held.
Starlight Bowl
1951
The Starlight Bowl is dedicated and features a live performance by the Burbank Symphone Orchestra.
Burbank Athletic Federation
1952
The Burbank Athletic Federation is founded to assist with oversight of sports programs.
Professional Football
1958-63
The Los Angeles Rams professional football team utilizes Olive Memorial Stadium for preseason training.
Golfing in Burbank
1959
DeBell Municipal Golf Course is dedicated.
Verdugo Recreation Center
1961
Verdugo Recreation Center is dedicated.
War Memorial
1969
Construction of War Memorial monument at McCambridge Park is completed.
Adult Center
1972
Joslyn Adult Center is dedicated. Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) is also formed.
Creative Arts Center
1989
Creative Arts Center at Izay Park is dedicated.
Art in Public Places
1993
The Art in Public Places Ordinance requires the provision of public art for development projects.
Burbank Tennis
1997
Burbank Tennis Center is dedicated.
Nature Center
2001
Stough Canyon Nature Center is dedicated.
Ovrom Community Center
2009
Robert R. Ovrom Community Center and Park is dedicated.