Leaving an open space land legacy: Hollywoodland Park Land
By Gina Leonardi

One of the unique character features of living in Hollywoodland is the three adjacent sides of Hollywoodland park land open-space inside Griffith Park. This parkland always considered passive, with its rustic trails, horse paths and steep grades was really a gift to Hollywoodlanders more than to the City and Griffith park.
Documents and maps tell the story of tracts 6450,9367 and 9076. In 1923 the land was surveyed to include ( on paper) lot cuts and roads. The Hollywoodland tract ( most of 6450) as we know it today was initially developed,with roads, streetlights, retaining walls, entrance gates, stairs and of course lots, for the purpose of home development. The commerical center, tennis courts, a park and the privately held sunset stables were also part of the original tract.

As we know, these now open space areas never turned into homes. The 1929 Depression removed all development intentions and in 1944 the land was deeded to the city of Los Angeles ” with the intent and purpose that the character, dignity and uniqueness of the community be faithfully maintained for the benefit of the then existing residents and property owners and those to follow”*.

All 444 plus acres of Hollywoodland tract land that was donated to the city happens to also be our trouble spots: the area behind Wolfslair to Castillo De Lago, the Lake Hollywood park, (aka Tom’s vista site,the
Dog park, ) ** Mullholland highway at Ledgewood and at Deronda and the end of Beachwood adjacent to the stables at the unofficial Hollyridge trail.**

Are all these problem sites the intention of the land gift? Do you think the Sherman Company really wanted us to live in a Hollywoodland with Carnival type environment on our substandard streets? Was the original developers intention to keep it passive for the Hollywoodland residents and property owners? Was the intention to dismiss the environmental sensitivity of our wildlife of mountain lion, crane, bobcats, deer, coyotes?
And finally, is the city upholding “the intent and purpose that the character, dignity and uniqueness of the community be faithfully maintained for the benefit of the then existing residents and property owners and those to follow”*.

* quit claim deed, easements, Sherman Company to Hollywoodland Improvement
Association ( aka Hollywoodland Homeowners Association, November , 1960

**research confirmed through rec and parks commission and public works vista, gravel lot and Hollyridge “trailhead” were developed without due process: no public hearings, notices, environmental review. An abuse of power by our councilman.