Aug, 18, 2022– The Ocean Beach Historical Society invited members and friends to a PICNIC Event at Collier Park West (At Greene St. & Soto St.) to learn about “Door of Hope” and Collier Park(s), OB Community Garden, and Point Loma Native Garden.
Some older P.L. and O.B. residents may remember the odd buildings which once sat in the middle of Collier Park west. The buildings, which were part of the Salvation Army’s Door of Hope, included a dormitory style home for pregnant unwed mothers, a nursing facility, and the Collier Park Hospital. Collier Park west is still there, but it has been divided into a small park for picnics, a community garden, and a native plant oasis. Apartments have replaced the Door of Hope buildings.
The OBHS program was especially relevant to people wanting to learn about the three adjoining parks, and to anybody who may have been born in Collier Park Hospital and later adopted from the Door of Hope, during its 55-year run. Also, activists who helped save Collier Park West from further development were also encouraged to come and share their stories.
The large interest expressed about Ocean Beach Door of Hope and the connecting parks inspired OBHS to have the “Collier Park Picnic Event”. Talks were given by featured speakers Kathy Blavatt, Eric DuVall, John Noble, and Kim McGinly, who gave histories and updates on the Collier Park(s) and nearby areas. Historical photos, articles, maps and more were displayed. Attendees enjoyed a lovely summer evening under the trees.
Ocean Beach Historical Society 