City Living Spring 2024 - Magazine - Page 33
Parks In the Spotlight
Carlson Park
Braddock Dr. at Motor Ave . Culver City CA, 90232
HISTORY
Culver City’s First Park and Culver City’s Historical Site #12 : The land was first traversed by Native Americans, called Tongva, later known
as Gabrielinos. Under Spanish rule, it was settled as a portion of Rancho La Ballona. After Culver City was incorporated in 1917, the
property became a horse racing track (1923-24), and in 1924, a reported 50,000 people attended the opening of “The Speedway,” a
board racing track. This section was designated as “Victory Park,” the first city park, in 1927. The name was changed in 1964 by the city
council to honor United States medical missionary, Dr. Paul Carlson, who was born in Culver City in 1928. Dr. Carlson was killed in 1964
while serving in the Republic of the Congo and he was survived by his wife and two children. In 1993, President William Jefferson Clinton
addressed Culver City citizens in this park on health care. (marked Spring, 2010- corner of Braddock / LeBourget)
FEATURES
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Large Passive Grass Area
BBQs
Shaded Picnic Area (max capacity 50 people)
Restroom Facilities
POINTS OF INTEREST
Tree of Life, by artist Dora De Larios, is a three-sided sculpture
that incorporates images of plants, flowers, and various animals
into each of the panels. The artist used the natural setting of
Carlson Park as a departure point for this design.
DID YOU KNOW ?
REGISTER @ WWW.CULVERCITY.ORG/ACTIVE • FOR MORE INFORMATION (310) 253-6650
PARK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This park, originally named Victory Park by the mayor’s wife in
1927, because “it was a victory to get a park”.
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