GRASS FACTS

The knife-fight on the Observatory steps in “Rebel Without a Cause” was not the only memorable scene played against Griffith Park’s backdrop. A few notable things from real life:

* Among those who got a flying start at the Griffith Aviation Park (1912-1914) were William Boeing and Donald Douglas. And on June 20, 1913, Georgia “Tiny” Broadwick became the first woman to parachute from a plane--right into the park.

* On Jan. 5, 1920, Babe Ruth was playing golf in the Griffith Park when he was told he had been traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees.

* Lillian Millicent Entwhistle was the first person to commit suicide in the park. Despondent over a failing acting career, she jumped from the top of the Hollywood sign’s letter H on Sept. 18, 1932.

* In September, 1933, the California Academy of Health, a nudist group, held its annual picnic in the park. In deference to community standards, the 400 nudists wore their underwear.

* In 1963, Glendale restaurateur Frank Abbott proposed building a restaurant and gift shop on the top of Mt. Hollywood. The Recreation and Parks Commission said no.

* The city’s first water-reclamation center was created in 1968 to service the park’s equestrian center.

* In 1984, nine Persian ibex, ancestor of domestic goat, escaped from zoo. Never recaptured, several were spotted years later near the Hollywood sign. An offspring, believed to have been born in the park, was caught in the early 90s.

* In 1987, three coyotes sneaked into the zoo after closing time and killed 56 flamingos.

* The top three man-made Griffith Park attractions are the observatory, the zoo and the equestrian center.

--Compiled from the Department of Parks and Recreation and “Griffith Park: A Centennial History” by Mike Eberts