Lifestyle & DIY Projects Plants & Vegetation susan July 30, 2024

A Hidden Oasis: Unveiling the Story of Dodger Stadium’s Lost Japanese Garden

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For decades, a secret garden lay nestled in the shadow of Los Angeles’ iconic Dodger Stadium, its existence unknown to many who passed by. This wasn’t just any garden; it was a tranquil Japanese garden, a testament to the cultural exchange fostered by the love of baseball. Today, we delve into the fascinating story of this hidden oasis, exploring its origins, its significance, and its unfortunate demise.

A Gift of Friendship and Respect

The story begins in 1962, during the dedication ceremony of the newly constructed Dodger Stadium. Among the esteemed guests was Japanese sportswriter Sotaro Suzuki, invited as a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of the global appeal of baseball. To commemorate the occasion, Suzuki commissioned a magnificent gift: a towering stone lantern, standing 10 feet tall and weighing an impressive 3,921 pounds.

Three years later, this lantern became the centerpiece of a traditional Japanese garden, carefully cultivated on a hillside near Parking Lot 6, just beyond the Right Field Pavilion. The garden, designed to complement the lantern’s serene beauty, featured delicate cherry blossom trees, a charming bridge arching over a peaceful pond, and winding paths composed of smooth river rocks.

This gesture wasn’t merely about aesthetics; it was a symbol of the deep respect and friendship between Japan, the United States, and the unifying power of baseball. As former Dodgers owner and chairman, Frank McCourt, aptly stated, “Suzuki was a bridge-builder between Japan, the U.S. and Major League Baseball. The lantern contains a light, and the light is a symbol of our enduring relationship with the people of Japan and, of course, the game of baseball brings us all together.”

A Place of Tranquility and Reflection

The garden quickly became a cherished sanctuary, a place where the roar of the crowds faded into the background, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soothing trickle of water. It was a place where players and team officials could escape the pressures of the game and find solace in nature’s embrace.

Walter O’Malley, the Dodgers owner at the time, was particularly fond of the garden. He would often visit, personally tending to the plants and trees. He even brought back specimens from the team’s former spring training home in Vero Beach, Florida, further enriching the garden’s diversity and beauty.

Photos from that era show former Dodger manager Walter Alston and O’Malley himself, deep in conversation amidst the garden’s tranquility, reflecting on the team’s victories and the enduring spirit of the game.

A Legacy Lost, But Not Forgotten

Sadly, despite its significance and the joy it brought, the Japanese garden was not destined to last. Over time, maintenance dwindled, and the once-vibrant oasis fell into disrepair. Today, the garden is closed off, its beauty hidden behind locked gates.

Yet, all is not lost. The majestic stone lantern, a testament to Sotaro Suzuki’s vision of friendship and cultural exchange, still stands tall. It serves as a poignant reminder of the garden that once was and the story it represents.

Reclaiming the Spirit of the Garden

While the physical garden may be gone, its spirit of tranquility and cross-cultural appreciation lives on. We can all learn from this forgotten piece of Dodger Stadium’s history.

Here are a few ways we can honor the legacy of the Japanese garden:

Cultivate our own green spaces: Whether it’s a window box overflowing with flowers or a sprawling backyard vegetable patch, creating our own gardens allows us to connect with nature and find peace in our daily lives.
Learn about Japanese garden design: The principles of Japanese gardens – balance, harmony, and respect for nature – can be incorporated into any garden, regardless of size or location. Resources like the North American Japanese Garden Association offer a wealth of information.
Support the preservation of cultural landmarks: Many historical sites and gardens face similar challenges to the one at Dodger Stadium. By supporting organizations dedicated to their preservation, we can help ensure that future generations can enjoy these treasures.

The story of Dodger Stadium’s hidden Japanese garden is a bittersweet reminder of the beauty that can arise from unexpected connections and the importance of cherishing and preserving our shared heritage.