They say stones whisper secrets. Dunsmore Park holds a chorus of them. Before you stands more than a simple park. Dunsmore Park was once the site of the Dunsmore Sanitarium a tuberculosis hospital. Imagine patients seeking solace amidst the Glendale hills.
Dunsmore Park’s community building is a survivor. It’s one of two structures left from the sanitarium. The building has been beautifully restored. It retains historical elements from its past life. It’s a testament to the park’s layered history. The original building dates back to the 1930s.
A truly unique aspect of Dunsmore Park are its walls. These aren’t ordinary retaining walls. They’re a sprawling folk art project. Milton Hofert the sanitarium’s owner created them. He collected rocks and minerals from across the western United States. He even incorporated scrap metal into the design. The walls contain everything from guns and scissors to cogs wheels and gears. Hofert painstakingly built these walls over 11 years. He seemingly vanished shortly after their completion. His legacy lives on in these incredible walls. They are a visually cacophonous but delightful mix of treasures. Some pieces have been sadly lost to vandals and scavengers. Yet many remain a testament to his unique vision.
Dunsmore Park was purchased by the city of Glendale in 1957. The transformation from sanitarium to park was complete. Baseball fields a playground picnic areas and more were added. The park stands as a beautiful community space. It is a tribute to its past and a testament to its present. The park serves as a reminder that even in places of healing there can be unique and unexpected art. Even within the walls of a former sanitarium beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. The stories within Dunsmore Park live on. Explore its hidden treasures. Let the stones whisper their secrets to you.