The entrance to Griffith Park in 1920. Photo credit: LAPL Photo Collection
Griffith Park celebrates its 125th birthday on Saturday, November 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an array of family-friendly activities to enjoy.
The Los Angeles Conservancy and LA’s Department of Recreation and Parks are teaming up with CD4, LFIA, The Greek Theatre and the Autry Museum of the American West and other community organizations.
Online Schedule: Self-guided, Ranger and Sierra Club-led hikes and nature walks are among the many activities. Tours of some of the Park’s historic buildings, performances and book and play readings are also part of the line-up. For a complete schedule of events, go to https://www.laconservancy.org.
Event Map: A free specially-designed map featuring 28 locations in Griffith Park will be handed out to event-goers. Volunteer educators will be dispersed throughout the Park to share the stories of specific sites. Guests can visit as many destinations as they wish and collect stamps to win prizes.
Seligman-Weiss family picnic in Griffith Park, 1940.
Maps will be available at various locations on the day of the event. A digital event map can also be downloaded on the LA Conservancy’s website.
Getting Around: A free Parkline Shuttle will transport visitors to activities on the eastside of the Park. There will be six stops from the Pony Rides to Travel Town. Metro Bus 96 operates through Griffith Park Center. The Observatory DASH bus from the Sunset/Vermont Metro Station runs to the Greek Theatre and Griffith Observatory. With limited parking available in the park, people are encouraged to use public transportation, bike or hike in.
Hub Info Center: Be sure to visit the event’s Hub Center located at Park Center near the Merry-Go-Round where information and maps can be obtained at the Ranger Eco-Trailer. There will also be food trucks, entertainment and educational activities. This is where the birthday celebration with local officials will take place at 11:30 a.m.
Vivian Aller-Kay sitting on rock overlooking the Griffith Observatory, 1938.
The day-long event offers something for everyone. The more experienced hikers can begin with a five-mile hike (from Fern Dell to the Charlie Turner Trailhead) with “Discovering Griffith Park” author Casey Schreiner and end the day hearing Schreiner’s talk on “Griffith Park A to Z” at the Autry Museum. Then view the museum’s “Investigating Griffith Park” exhibit.
Or take a walk through Fern Dell on the west end of the Park to learn about the importance of the Park to Native people. Friends of Griffith Park volunteers and representatives from the Tongva people will be on hand to answer questions.
Griffith Park is the city’s largest Historic-Cultural Monument. This designation was championed by the LA Conservancy and LFIA in 2009.
Come join the festivities. Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots. Rain or shine. As the LA Conservancy points out Griffith Park is our “heart and soul.” It deserves to be celebrated.
Top photo: Courtesy Jamie Robertson
