 Stars on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars near the Cornelia White House | |
  Location in Palm Springs, California | |
| Established | February 26, 1992 |
|---|---|
| Location | Palm Springs, California, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 33°49′23″N116°32′49″W / 33.82306°N 116.54694°W /33.82306; -116.54694 |
| Type | Hall of Fame |
| Founder | Gerhard Frenzel; Barbara Foster-Henderson |
| Website | walkofthestars |
ThePalm Springs Walk of the Stars is aWalk of the Stars in downtownPalm Springs, California. Embedded in the sidewalks, theGolden Palm Stars honor notable individuals who have lived in the greater Palm Springs region, across multiple categories. The walk spans sections streets on downtown Palm Springs.
It was established in 1992 by Gerhard G. Frenzel and Barbara Foster-Henderson,[1][2]: 5 with the inaugural ceremony held on February 26, 1992 and included Walk of the Stars chairmanJohnny Grant.[3]: 13 Modeled after theHollywood Walk of Fame, the program has since honoredpresidents of the United States,showbusiness personalities, literary figures (authors,playwrights,screenwriters), pioneers and civic leaders (early settlers, tribal leaders, civic personalities),humanitarians andMedal of Honor recipients.[2][4][5] As of 2025 nearly 480 stars have been dedicated.[6]
Plans for a Palm Springs Walk of the Stars began in the early 1990s, led by Frenzel and Foster-Henderson in collaboration with the Palm SpringsChamber of Commerce and the City of Palm Springs. The first five Golden Palm Stars were unveiled during the February 26, 1992 ceremony. Early inductees included local figures like theater proprietor Earle C. Strebe and individuals prominent during theHollywood Golden Age. By 1999, 139 stars had been installed,[2]: 185 and by 2006 the total reached around 300.[3]: 138
During the 1990s and 2000s, honorees included entertainment professionals and local leaders such asFrank Sinatra,Sophia Loren,Elizabeth Taylor,Liberace,Dinah Shore, andSonny Bono.[3]: 13 [5]: 138 The Walk also recognized historical figures, like thechimpanzee “Cheeta” ofTarzan fame received a star in 1995, and President Gerald Ford in 1997.[5]: 138
In 2004, Gerhard Frenzel resigned from the Walk of the Stars Foundation over the nomination of golfer Ken Venturi.[7]
In May 2017, installations were temporarily suspended while the Chamber and the City reviewed selection criteria amid concerns about the selection criteria.[8] Later that year they resumed with stronger guidelines.[9]
The program is managed by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Palm Springs. Anyone may submit a nomination, subject to the nominee's consent, for consideration by the Walk of Stars committee, which meets during the “season” (October–May). Typically 6–12 stars are approved and dedicated each season.[10]
Nominees must have significant affiliation with the area and notable achievements in designated categories: Entertainment; Literary; Civic/Pioneer; Humanitarian; Architect/Artist/Designer; Athlete; and Military. Approved nominees (or their sponsors) must pay a sponsorship fee of US$15,000 as of 2023,[10] covering the plaque, installation, ceremony, publicity, and an official city proclamation. Ceremonies are free public events held during the season, with honorees receiving a star replica and civic recognition.[11] A mobile app and online map help visitors locate stars and learn about inductees.[12]
The Walk of the Stars honors individuals for their contributions in seven categories . The seven categories and their emblems are:[10]
The categories are not represented equally. To date, 68% of all honorees were awarded in the Entertainment category, 13% in Civic/Pioneer category, 8% in the Humanitarian category, 5% in the Architect/Artist/Designer category, 3% in the Literary category and less than 2% in the Athlete and Military categories.
Star locations
The majority of the Walk's stars are located onPalm Canyon Drive, running from the 1300 block of North Palm Canyon Drive (Ron Nyswaner) in the north, to the 400 block of South Palm Canyon Drive (PresidentDwight Eisenhower) in the south. Additionally, stars are located along Tahquitz Canyon Way,Museum Drive, Downtown Palm Springs Park and La Plaza Court, with one star located at 161 Waterford Circle (Ken Venturi) and one located at 100 E Arenas Rd (Paul Reed Yinger).[9]
The first five inductees were:[3]: 13
Five Medal of Honor recipients from theCoachella Valley were honored during the 1999Veterans Day holiday.[13]
Three formerpresidents of the United States lived in the Palm Springs area after their retirement.
