Hillcrest Park Landscaping – Fullerton CA

Description

Hillcrest Park in Fullerton, California was originally built in 1920 and then from 1931-1940, relief funds from the Civil Works Administration (CWA), State Emergency Relief Administration (SERA), Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), and the Work Projects Administration (WPA) helped shape the landscaping of Hillcrest Park. No buildings at Hillcrest Park were created or funded by New Deal Programs. 

Hillcrest Park sits on 35.6 acres and is considered the most historically significant park in Fullerton, CA. In 1920, the City of Fullerton purchased the land for $67,300. Johann George Seupelt, a horticulturist and landscape architect, was the park’s first superintendent and designed the landscaping plans for the park.

In 1936, an impressive fountain was constructed by WPA workers. At the time, it was a popular attraction. It sprayed water 28 feet into the air and even included colored light projections. 

Hillcrest Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it contains much of its original design. It showcases rustic craftsmanship using natural materials typical of New Deal park projects. The stones for the park were quarried from Pomona and the Imperial Valley then transported back to the park for construction. 

New Deal relief also contributed to various lawns, roads, a large grassy amphitheater, and other landscaping throughout the park which helped to create its unique environment. If you visit the park, you can still see the city’s first reservoir, distinctive flagstones, and original roads in the park that were created by horse and plow. 

The City of Fullerton is thought to have received the most New Deal relief in Orange County.