Ventura County Landmark No. 17: Oxnard Plaza Park Pagoda

This octagonal pagoda, situated at the center of Oxnard’s Plaza Park, was built in 1910 to house the pump which supplied water for irrigating the park. It was designed by architect Alfred J. Priest and built by Thomas H. Carroll, contractor. Four centered paths lead into the park from each bordering street, and all four paths intersect at the central pagoda. The park contains metal benches along its path and large, mature shade trees.

In 1911, the roof was raised to provide room for the band platform. As a bandstand, the pagoda was the center for concerts and patriotic celebrations in early Oxnard. The pagoda, one of the last remaining band pavilions in California, was designated a County historic landmark in 1971.