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

Griffith Park

Photographed by Craig Baker, June 12, 2026

1. Griffith Park Marker

Inscription. This park was on county land when it was first developed and was named Sumner Park because it was next to Sumner School. It was acquired by a quit claim from the county in May 1961 and City park bond funds were used to build the rest rooms, add lighting, tot lot and landscaping. In 1968 the entire Lynoak/Mural neighborhood was annexed to the City of Claremont by a 77% vote of the residents. The park was renamed in 1971 for Jack Griffith, Supervisor of City Parks from 1959 until his death in 1970. After a career in the Marines, Mr. Griffith retired to Claremont where his wife was the Executive Director of the Red Cross for 19 years. Because he loved the outdoors, he went to work for the park department and had a reputation for finding equipment for parks under the tightest budgets. He was particularly fond of oriental landscaping and the rocks and trees that surround his plaque are a fitting memorial.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1961.

Location. 34° 6.965′ N, 117° 44.29′ W. Marker is in Claremont, California, in Los Angeles County. It is at the intersection of Morningside Drive and Woodbend Drive, on the left when traveling east on Morningside Drive. Touch for map

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1156 Morningside Dr, Claremont CA 91711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

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, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lewis Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Historic Pitzer House and Garage (approx. 0.4 miles away); Claremont's Agricultural Heritage (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cahuilla Park (approx. one mile away); Larkin Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); Memorial Park (approx. 1.4 miles away); La Verne Bicentennial Liberty Bell (approx. 1.6 miles away); Mallows Park (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claremont.

Also see . . . Claremont's Griffith Park: Fun for kids of all ages. Claremont Courier video segment on the park by Matt Weinberger. (Courier Aerial Imagery, uploaded Sept. 12, 2019) (Submitted on November 7, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 28, 2025

2. Griffith Park Marker

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 28, 2025

3. Griffith Park Marker

Photographed by Craig Baker, June 12, 2026

4. Griffith Park Marker

Griffith Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, June 12, 2026

5. Griffith Park

Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 39 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 12, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on June 12, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Closeup photograph showing a clear view of entire marker • Complete inscription of marker • Can you help?