Once, gangs roamed here. That was before Erwin Park became the peaceful place it is today. Erwin Park. This green space is at Erwin Street and Ethel Avenue. It offers locals and visitors a slice of tranquility.
Erwin Park has a baseball diamond for sports fans. Picnic tables invite gatherings. Walking paths wind through the park. They are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Did you know Erwin Park almost didn’t get a playground? Some neighbors worried about noise. They feared it would attract unwanted activity. But, the community wanted a space for kids to play. A compromise was reached. A smaller playground for younger children was built.
In 1995, residents met with Councilman Mike Feuer’s office. They discussed improvements for Erwin Park. They wanted to make it safer and better used. The park needed a little help.
Erwin Park wasn’t always so peaceful. In the mid-1990s gangs gathered here. Neighbors avoided the park. They felt unsafe. The community worked hard to reclaim the park.
But, before that, in 1960, the families donated land. They wanted the space used as a park. It was a promise to the community. The park opened in 1961. It had a baseball backstop. A few benches were added later.
In 2003, Erwin Park got a new name. It became Valley Glen Community Park. This helped it to connect better with the local community. The park has been used for filming too. In 2004, Disney filmed “The Shaggy Dog” here. They even built a new baseball backstop for the movie.
In 2005, something changed. Soccer became more popular. Cleats damaged the grass. The park turned to dust. People complained about respiratory problems. The city fenced off the area. They re-seeded it.
The community came together. They found solutions. Tables and benches were added. This made it less attractive for league soccer. It created space for families and dogs. The “Dog People” helped save the grass.
Today, Erwin Park thrives. It has a playground and walking track. Fencing helps to keep it secure. The park is used by the community. The Germain and Meyberg families would be proud.
Erwin Park is more than just a park. It is a story of community. It is a place for everyone to enjoy. Take a moment to enjoy the peace. Think about the park’s journey.