Arcadia County Park – Arcadia CA

Description

Referred to in the archives as Arcadia Recreation Center.

“During World War I, this site was known as Ross Field, a U.S. balloon training school for more than 3,500 military personnel. WPA workers transformed the area into a park and golf course. Before opening day Oct. 12, 1938, the WPA crew christened each golf hole: The fifth is “Railroad” because it paralleled the Pacific Electric tracks; the 11th is “Wind” because the prevailing wind blows in players’ faces, and the 16th is “Clubhouse Turn” because it was the first turn on pioneer Lucky Baldwin’s original racetrack site. A plaque paying tribute to the WPA has been placed in storage because park personnel say they cannot find the right place to display it.”
– http://articles.latimes.com/1993-11-22/local/me-59618_1_wpa-art-projects/2

“Dedication of the Arcadia County Park in 1937 culminated years of hard work by the County of Los Angeles and the WPA (Works Progress Administration) in converting Ross Field into a recreation facility. Completion of the swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, bowling greens, picnic tables, and other facilities in subsequent years affords Arcadians and others a center for leisure.”
– Arcadia – Yesterday and Today
by Christine Van Maanen, City Clerk of Arcadia, 1956 – 1988.
http://www.route66ca.org/traveler/towns/33arcadi/33toc.html