January 22, 2024
By John Lewis
Gardenhill Park was originally built in 1959 when 5 acres were purchased by the Southeast Recreation and Park District. But it was the Gardenhill Park Amphitheater, built in the early 1960’s, that became the central hub of teen nightlife in 1960’s-1970’s.
“Teen Beat” was a music program venued at the amphitheater during the summer months. Here, bands like Wyldefyre and United Sound would headline the concerts and the crowds would continue to grow at these summer concerts.
La Mirada’s “Teen Beat” concerts were a popular event during these Summer Months and would attract large crowds that eventually became unruly (from reports I have read). Teen Beat concerts became so popular and the crowds became too large for the small amphitheater wherein a meeting was called at La Mirada City Hall in April, 1972. (See 1972 article from the Lamplighter)
Eventually the Teen Beat concerts were cancelled. There were many other music concerts held at the amphitheater, but certainly many La Mirada residents remember the good times and fun nights they had at the Gardenhill Park Amphitheater “Teen Beat” program.