O'Melveny Park

History

The park is named after Henry W. O'Melveny, who founded one of Los Angeles' oldest law firms, O'Melveny & Myers, which represented many early Los Angeles founder and developer families, and in 1927 was one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission.

The land was purchased in 1941 by attorney John O'Melveny, son of Henry W. O'Melveny, and was originally named C. J. Ranch before it was later acquired by The Trust for Public Land and turned into a park.{{cite web | access-date = September 4, 2010

The installation of commemorative plaques in honor of the O'Melvenys was approved with support of the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council in July 2008 by the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners; they were installed near the park caretaker's house and in front of a picnic area.

Archer Fire

During the 2025 Southern California Wildfires, the park was affected by the Archer Fire which started on January 10 at 11:24 a.m. and spread to 19 acres. Under erratic wind conditions, the fire threatened to spread into the main part of the park as well as the surrounding neighborhood which was immediately placed under evacuation orders. About a half hour after its ignition, forward progress was quickly halted by firefighters, aided by water-dropping helicopters, and the evacuation orders were revised to warnings before being lifted by 1:44 p.m. The fire was halted at 19 acres and spread on the light to medium brush over the hills to the east of the main park area and north of the parking lot, but no structures were damaged.

Park

O'Melveny Park is the second largest public park in Los Angeles after Griffith Park. O'Melveny Park is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

It provides large grassy areas, picnic tables, and is known for its hiking and horse trails and the views they lead to.{{cite web | access-date = September 4, 2010 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20071019195000/http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=21422&folder_id=266 |url-status = dead |archive-date = October 19, 2007 |access-date = September 4, 2010

A caretaker resides in a residence in the park.

References

References

1. Colby, William E.. (April 1933). "Borrego Desert Park". Sierra Club Bulletin.
2. (July 9, 2008). "O'Melveny Park-Installation of Commemorative Plaques in Honor of Donor of 672 Acres of the Park, John O'Melveny". Board of Recreation an Park Commissioners.
3. "Archer Fire: Incident Update on 01/10/2025 at 11:29 AM {{!}} CAL FIRE".
4. "Archer Fire: Incident Update on 01/10/2025 at 11:50 AM {{!}} CAL FIRE".
5. "Archer Fire: Incident Update on 01/10/2025 at 1:44 PM {{!}} CAL FIRE".
6. (2025-01-10). "Archer Fire in Granada Hills brought under control".
7. (2025-01-10). "Wildfire sparks in Granada Hills; evacuation orders downgraded".
8. "Archer Fire {{!}} CAL FIRE".
9. "Agenda, Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners of the City of Los Angeles".
10. "O’Melveny Park Ban Leaves Track Clubs Benched". ValleyVoice.