Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian
The Land of Oz playground was located within the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park located at 14201 Huston Street in Sherman Oaks. Planning for the playground, which broke ground on November 27, 1964, began as a joint venture between the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department, the Van Nuys Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Valley Children's Play Park Association. However, lack of funding for the 'Wizard of Oz' themed playground caused construction to drag on for more than a decade. In the end, the city withdrew further support for the failed project which was left incomplete and with only a few structures standing, the 'Over the Rainbow' bridge and 'Munchkinland' castle. Over the years, with no funding for maintenance or security, the play area and its structures fell victim to gang and drug activity, vandalism, and decay and were demolished in the late 1980's. Photograph caption dated December 17, 1964 reads, "Tin Woodman John Polick winches with pain as his mother tightens the string holding his tin funnel cap. Mothers frequently had to assist with costumes which did not behave in proper fashion."; See images #00118380 through #00118387 for all photos in this series.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Ground breaking ceremonies--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Playgrounds--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Playgrounds--California--Los Angeles--Design and construction Oz (Imaginary place) Mothers and sons--California--Los Angeles Boys--California--Los Angeles Women--California--Los Angeles Tin Woodman (Fictitious character) Costumes Parks--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Van Nuys Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park (Los Angeles, Calif.) Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles, Calif.) Valley Times Collection photographs
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