Marina del Rey Celebrates Its Past, and Future
This weekend, on Sunday, June 5, Marina del Rey Historical Society is hosting a Sunday Brunch Fundraiser. The organization is the community’s primary source of the area’s historical archives and information, and is aiming to raise funds to support its exhibits in the Fisherman’s Village gallery.
Did you know …
According to Wikipedia, Marina del Rey is Spanish for “Marina of the King.” Prior to becoming a boat harbor, the land now occupied by Marina del Rey was a salt marsh fed by fresh water from Ballona Creek. It was frequented by duck hunters, and by birdwatchers (hopefully not at the same time).
The idea to turn the wetlands into a port was formed in 1888, and over the next 20 or so years, the port changed hands and saw various attempts at development, including the establishment of rail lines intended to service the port. But in 1916 the Army Corps of Engineers determined the area was “economically impractical,” and a marina became the next goal. On April 10, 1965, Marina del Rey was formally dedicated and has since become North America’s largest man-made small-craft harbor, and is home to approximately 5,000 boats.
To join the celebratory brunch at the Marina del Rey Hotel, you can purchase your tickets here. The brunch commences at 12 p.m.