Anaheim : Landmark Grandstand in Park to Be Replaced

The Pearson Park grandstand, a downtown Anaheim landmark for more than 50 years, will be torn down and replaced with a steel-framed structure as part of an overall upgrade of park facilities.

Renovation of the grandstand, built in the 1920s at the corner of Harbor Boulevard and Sycamore Street, has already begun and is scheduled to be completed before February at a cost of nearly $266,000, city officials said.

The wooden structure, besieged by termites and dry rot, had been closed to the public recently. Dick Mayer--a Parks, Recreation and Community Services planner--said the grandstand’s Mediterranean-style architecture, similar to that of the nearby amphitheater, will be retained.

The grandstand seated 750 to 1,000 people; the new grandstand will accommodate about the same number, Mayer said.

Other park improvements will include new sound and lighting systems for the amphitheater, construction of two picnic shelters and new security lighting, officials said.