Pearson Park and Boysen Cactus Garden, Anaheim

Pearson Park, formerly known as City Park, underwent a meaningful transformation in 1960 when it was renamed to honor Anaheim’s mayor from 1945-1959. This historic site, steeped in Anaheim's legacy, serves as a testament to the city's rich history and enduring community spirit.

At the heart of Pearson Park lies the iconic Pearson Park Amphitheatre, a beloved summer tradition for families spanning generations. Since its inception in 1933, this picturesque venue has been offering an array of performances against the backdrop of Spanish-style architecture adorned with terra-cotta roof tiles and vibrant flora. The amphitheater's timeless appeal, characterized by towering Mexican Fan Palms, delicate Pygmy Date Palms, and bursts of colorful Impatiens, makes it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.

Nestled within the verdant landscape of Pearson Park lies the Boysen Cactus Garden, a living tribute to Rudolph "Rudy" Boysen, Anaheim's former Superintendent of City Parks and the visionary behind the famed boysenberry. Here, a diverse collection of cacti, including rare species sourced from expeditions to Arizona, Mexico, and California's deserts, blooms in vibrant hues, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural wonders of the region.

The story of the Boysen Cactus Garden is intertwined with the serendipitous discovery of the boysenberry, a delectable fruit that would ultimately catapult Boysen and his collaborator, Walter Knott, to fame. As George Darrow of the USDA and Knott embarked on a quest to uncover the origins of this mysterious berry, they stumbled upon Boysen's abandoned experiments in Anaheim. Transplanting the frail vines to Knott's farm in Buena Park, they nurtured them back to health, leading to the birth of the boysenberry and the establishment of Knott's Berry Farm.