Gandara Park is a 3.8 acre residential park located in Santa Monica, California, United States. Originally named Stewart Street Park, in 2016 the park was renamed to honor Joe Gandara, a local resident who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his actions during World War II.
| Gandara Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Location | 1819 Stewart Street |
| Nearest city | Santa Monica, California, US |
| Coordinates | 34°01′39″N 118°27′54″W / 34.02750°N 118.46500°W |
| Area | 3.8 acres (1.5 ha) |
| Created | 1975 |
| Operated by | Santa Monica Community Services Department |
History
editPrior to the park's creation, the land was used as a clay mine.[1] After the clay mine was abandoned, the City of Santa Monica elected to use the space as a landfill for construction debris.[1]
In 1975, the landfill was converted to a park for nearby residents.[2][3] From 1975 to 2016, the park was named Stewart Street Park after the street that abuts the park.[2][3] Stewart Street, in turn, was named after either William Morris Stewart, a U.S. senator with substantial business ties to the silver industry in California, or Edwin Stewart, a local businessman and politician.[2][3]
In 2014, the City asked for resident input regarding the name for a nearby park (Ishihara Park) and also received comments regarding renaming Stewart Street.[3] Among other names, local residents proposed that Stewart Street Park be renamed to honor Private Joe Gandara, a local resident who had died during World War II.[3] President Barack Obama had recently awarded Gandara the Medal of Honor posthumously as Gandara's contributions had previously been overlooked due to his Hispanic heritage.[3][4] The proposal to rename the park was approved in 2016 and the park was officially renamed in February 2017, alongside the opening of Ishihara Park.[5]
Facilities
editIn addition to a broad, sloping field, Gandara Park includes a playground, basketball court, youth baseball field, and a concession stand that is used for storage.[6]
During many summers, Gandara Park hosts "Jazz on the Lawn", a collection of musical acts and food offerings.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Hanatani, Melody (2009-10-24). "Methane gas at nearby landfill concerns locals". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ a b c "Naming Buffer Park and Consideration of Renaming Stewart Street Park - City of Santa Monica, California". santamonicacityca.iqm2.com. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ a b c d e f Hall, Matthew (2016-04-29). "Two parks to be named for local veterans". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ "New Park Names Honor Santa Monica World War II Veterans". www.surfsantamonica.com. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ Hall, Matthew (2017-02-25). "One big party for four park projects". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ "Gandara Park - Community Services Department". www.smgov.net. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
- ^ "Jazz On The Lawn Returns To Gandara Park In Santa Monica". Santa Monica, CA Patch. 2019-07-19. Retrieved 2021-04-10.