In 1967, the Maywood City Council proposed that a new tot park in Maywood be named after Mr. Melvin A. Pixley, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist. The tot park, outfitted with new playground equipment, would serve the community as a place where children could go to safely play and enjoy the outdoors.
Mr. ‘Mel’ Pixley was the founder of Pixley Enterprises, a transportation investment operation covering most of the state of California. He was well known within the community for both his public service and philanthropy, which included his role as vice-president of the Greater Maywood Chamber of Commerce, and his continuous support for local youth programs. He was an active member of the Youth Activities Board belonging to the First Methodist church, a past potentate of the Al Malaikah Shriners, and he publicly sponsored the Pixley Park Pirates little league baseball team.
Unbeknownst to most citizens, however, he was also one of the most significant supporters of a host of other educational programs for the community’s youth. As an anonymous donor, he funded the distribution of glasses and hearing aids for underprivileged students, holiday activities for schools lacking the necessary budget, and in several cases, he even paid the full educational cost for selected underprivileged students within the community.
On Saturday, March 16th, 1968, the city of Maywood held the dedication of Melvin A. Pixley Park, of which former Mayor Maymie Anderson would later dub “the greatest day in Maywood’s history”. Live music, free food, and entertainment were provided to over 4,000 attendees, and over 1500 people participated in a parade down Slauson Avenue.
In 2013, Pixley Park re-opened to the community. The park was designed to encourage young children 2-5 years of age and their families to exercise and play. Pixley Park offers its visitors a means to relax for a while and get in touch with nature. Come and get together with your friends, participate in celebrations, arrange a date, meditate, have a picnic, listen to music, or exercises in your free time.