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Photograph was edited for publication purposes 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 November 28, 1964 reads, "Taking part in groundbreaking ceremonies yesterday at 'Land of Oz' play park were Mayor Samuel W. Yorty, second from left, and Councilmen John Cassidy, Ernani Bernardi and Thomas D. Shepard, from left."
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
Yorty, Sam,--1909-1998 Cassidy, John P Bernardi, Ernani Shepard, Thomas D Ground breaking ceremonies--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Playgrounds--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Playgrounds--California--Los Angeles--Design and construction Mayors--California--Los Angeles City council members--California--Los Angeles Men--California--Los Angeles Oz (Imaginary place) Scarecrow (Fictitious character : Baum) Cowardly Lion (Fictitious character) 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.) Group portraits Portrait photographs Valley Times Collection photographs
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