The park is named after Henry W. O'Melveny, who founded one of Los Angeles' oldest law firms, O'Melveny & Myers, which represented many early Los Angeles founder and developer families, and in 1927 was one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission.[1][2]
The land was purchased in 1941 by attorney John O'Melveny, son of Henry W. O'Melveny, and was originally named C. J. Ranch before it was later acquired by The Trust for Public Land and turned into a park.[3] The ranch was used for growing citrus fruit, grazing cattle, and raising bulldogs. In the early 1970's John O'Melveny arranged for his wife Corinne O'Melveny's estate to sell her half interest in the property to the City at below market price while he donated his half interest to the City outright. In 1976, O'Melveny arranged for the land to be deeded to the city for a park.[2]
The installation of commemorative plaques in honor of the O'Melvenys was approved with support of the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council in July 2008 by the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners; they were installed near the park caretaker's house and in front of a picnic area.[2]
Park
O'Melveny Park is the second largest public park in Los Angeles after Griffith Park. O'Melveny Park is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
It provides large grassy areas, picnic tables, and is known for its hiking and horse trails and the views they lead to.[4] Near the entrance is a grove of citrus trees,[5] nearly all of which are Grapefruit.
A caretaker resides in a residence in the park.[6][7]
