A nine-inch thick concrete slab. That’s what separates you from the water reservoir beneath Brace Canyon Park.
Brace Canyon Park isn’t just any park. It’s a marvel of engineering. Built in 1955 it sits atop a working reservoir. The Los Angeles Times even lauded the design. A nine-inch thick reinforced concrete slab roof covers the reservoir. Twenty inches of turf camouflages it. This ingenious design keeps the children’s feet dry. It’s a testament to innovative thinking. This clever solution combined recreation with functionality.
The park wasn’t always Brace Canyon Park. It opened in 1955. It wasn’t officially named Brace Canyon Park until 1963. That’s when the U.S. Geological Survey named the surrounding canyon. Imagine children skateboarding and riding Big Wheels in the 1970s. Pictures show them enjoying the park’s paths. Women strolled across picnic areas. Foothills and homes provided a picturesque backdrop.
The park cost $112500 to build. This wasn’t chump change back then. Think about the construction materials. The engineering. The vision required to build this unique park. The images from the 1960s show children playing on swings. Cars parked along the hillside streets. These snapshots capture everyday life. They show how this place has connected generations. It captures the essence of community.
Brace Canyon Park. More than just a green space. It’s a story of clever design. It’s a testament to Burbank’s forward thinking. It’s a place where children have played for generations. It’s a place where memories were made. And continue to be made. This is Brace Canyon Park. A park like no other.