Save Hollywood Park

Aerial view of Hollywood Park in 1933

Los Angeles in the 1930’s

If you try to imagine yourself living in Los Angeles in the 1930’s, you may see yourself as the majority of the population, trying to recover from the Great Depression, doing whatever you can to keep a job and feed your family. Or, you may picture yourself living the high life of a silver screen star, producer or movie mogul.

Hollywood Park Turf Club (no date)

Fast forward to 2008 and you are fully aware of how much life has changed in the LA Basin - population, traffic, sprawling cities, pollution, we all know the drill. It has been said that the people of LA work hard and play hard. We are working harder than ever, our jobs consume the majority of our time, and the months are passing by so quickly that most of us can’t even take our vacation time! Hollywood Park is the perfect place to go to relax, enjoy and rejuvenate!

Hollywood Park 1930

Racing fans crowd the Grandstand in 1933

Hollywood Park Beginnings 

When Hollywood Park opened in the early 1930’s, horsemen hadn’t changed from their predecessors of the 1700’s who raced possible champions and dreamed of having the winning Thoroughbred race horse. The routine of the race track has been the same since the sport began. Long hours that begin as early as 3AM and end in the evenings are the norm. It is a rare breed of people who dedicate their lives to this sport.

Filled to capacity in 1939

 As you can see from the photos taken in the first few years of Hollywood Park, these horsemen offered an avenue of escape to the people of Los Angeles. It is a privilege to witness the outcome of all their work when you go to the track. There’s not a better place to go than Hollywood Park to forget your troubles and take a step back into a time of simple pleasures!