Sylmar in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

S.H.G.A.

Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

— Sylmar Flight Park —

S.H.G.A. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 10, 2025

1. S.H.G.A. Marker

Inscription.
S.H.G.A.
Founded: 1983
First Flight Here: 1969

second plaque:
SHGA
Cross Country Distance Record
Greg Kendall
Distance - 151 miles
Landed - Baker, California
Date - 9/9/24
Duration - 6 hours

Erected by Sylmar Hang Gliding Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1983.

Location. 34° 19.037′ N, 118° 24.442′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Sylmar. It is on Gridley Street 0.2 miles north of Simshaw Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12584 Gridley St, Sylmar CA 91342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s The Valley — the San Fernando Valley

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically,

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it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Loop Fire (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1971 Sylmar Earthquake (approx. ¾ mile away); Irene Tovar Square (approx. 0.8 miles away); Glen Haven Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Griffith Ranch (approx. 1.9 miles away); The San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away); Dexter Park (approx. 2.4 miles away); Rogerio Rocha (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Regarding S.H.G.A.. In the early 1980s, residential development led to the closure of some flying sites in Sylmar, and the one remaining flying site became more crowded, causing concern for local residents. When the city proposed a ban on hang gliding, a pilot’s meeting was held on October 30, 1983, at 3 p.m. near the landing area. The day of the first pilot’s meeting brought rain, and 73 pilots crowded into a garage to organize the SHGA and elect officers. Soon after, a petition drive showed city officials that 95 percent

2. SHGA Marker

of local residents are in favor of hang gliding in Sylmar. The city eventually allowed the SHGA to continue, with self-regulation. The SHGA wrote guidelines directing pilots to avoid flying near houses or near the fire department heliport, along with other rules to help ensure the future of this flying site. These guidelines can be seen in the landing area and on their website.

Also see . . . History of the SHGA. The SHGA website features a history article written in 1984 for the club’s newsletter by Craig Baker. (Submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)

Dahlsten Cup image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 13, 2025

3. Dahlsten Cup

Winners of the annual competition.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 10, 2025

4. S.H.G.A. Marker

The plaque is on top of the square post.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 13, 2025

5. Gazebo

Sylmar Flight Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 10, 2025

6. Sylmar Flight Park

The takeoff is located at the highest peak.

Hang Glider - 1979 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Laura Chandler

7. Hang Glider - 1979

Craig Baker flying a classic 1978-model glider from the original Sylmar takeoff point, now closed.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on September 19, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.