Hazard Park

History

Named after Henry T. Hazard A 2000-seat terraced grandstand opened in 1911 in the park, as did "the largest and best fitted playgrounds", divided into sections for boys and for girls.

Beginning in 1962, a 1000-bed Veterans Administration (VA) hospital was planned to replace the park. The VA had proposed exchanging 16.5 acre of park land for the 21.8 acre at the VA property near Westwood. This proposal was met with opposition organized through the Save Hazard Park Association, which called the action "Robin Hoodism in reverse", since parkland in a poor Latino community would be exchanged for parkland in wealthier West Los Angeles. In 1966, the City Parks Commission voted in favor of the exchange, with general manager of the Recreation and Parks Department calling it a "good deal for the city". In the same year, Mayor Sam Yorty and the city council approved the exchange. The Association brought an injunction against the city, but it was denied in 1968. By 1969, Yorty ceded to the protest, asking the city council to repeal the plan. The Los Angeles Times said "the council and the mayor moved correctly, if belatedly", calling it a victory for the Association.

In May 1970, a celebration occurred at the park to celebrate the dropping of the eminent domain suit. The celebration included local artist Leo Politi, who had painted murals at the park during the protests.

In 2000, supporters lobbied for the inclusion of an adjacent 2 acre section of wetlands to be included in the park. The efforts were led by the Save Hazard Park Association, which renamed to Friends of Hazard Park and Hazard Park Wetlands.

References

References

1. (16 April 1911). "Seats of Green: Grassy Steps Novel Scheme: Something Unique In Plans For Playground". [[Los Angeles Times]].
2. (5 September 1969). "Victory for Save Hazard Park Assn.". [[Los Angeles Times]].
3. (6 March 1967). "Hazard Park Swap Foes Stage Protest". [[Los Angeles Times]].
4. Hebert, Ray. (29 April 1966). "Land Exchange Between U.S. and City OKd". [[Los Angeles Times]].
5. (8 August 1968). "Judge Upholds City in Hazard Park Exchange: Injunction Denied to Association Fighting Trade for W...". [[Los Angeles Times]].
6. (15 May 1970). "Saving of Hazard Park to Be Noted With Activities". [[Los Angeles Times]].
7. Ramos, George. (13 September 2000). "Activists Maintain Guard Over Eastside's Hazard Park". [[Los Angeles Times]].