Gandara Park

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
Location1819 Stewart Street
Nearest citySanta Monica, California, US
Coordinates34°01′39″N 118°27′54″W
Area3.8 acres (1.5 ha)
Created1975
Operated bySanta Monica Community Services Department

History

Prior 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

In 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
  1. Hanatani, Melody (2009-10-24). "Methane gas at nearby landfill concerns locals". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  2. "Naming Buffer Park and Consideration of Renaming Stewart Street Park - City of Santa Monica, California". santamonicacityca.iqm2.com. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  3. Hall, Matthew (2016-04-29). "Two parks to be named for local veterans". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  4. "New Park Names Honor Santa Monica World War II Veterans". www.surfsantamonica.com. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  5. Hall, Matthew (2017-02-25). "One big party for four park projects". Santa Monica Daily Press. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  6. "Gandara Park - Community Services Department". www.smgov.net. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  7. "Jazz On The Lawn Returns To Gandara Park In Santa Monica". Santa Monica, CA Patch. 2019-07-19. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
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