Mayor’s “State of City” Tonight Preceded by Dedication of $10.4 Million Pasadena Unified Gymnasium

Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek will deliver the annual State of the City address this evening at a brand new $10.4 million Pasadena Unified gymnasium being dedicated just beforehand.

The Mayor’s remarks will be comprised of a review of the City’s finances, real estate development within Pasadena and the future of the Arroyo Seco. A brief Question-and-Answer with the audience will follow.

Both the gym’s dedication and the State of the City Address are open to the public.

Tornek’s address is expected to follow suit with last year’s, which was filled with facts and visual presentations of data about the city’s financial and economic condition. Vice Mayor Gene Masuda will serve as emcee for the evening.

Earlier, the Mayor will join other City officials, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian McDonald and Pasadena Unified board members, students, families, faculty, and staff at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of the new gymnasium.

“The new multi-purpose gymnasium creates learning and athletic opportunities for the students of Washington Middle School and enhances the school’s offerings as a science, technology, engineering, art and math magnet,” said Superintendent McDonald. “In partnership with the City of Pasadena, the new gymnasium delivers space for children and adults to be physically active, healthy, and support learning after school hours.”

The $10.4 million 17,800 square foot sports complex includes a gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts, a fitness room, dance room and weight room, locker rooms, concession stand, and offices. The project also includes outdoor basketball courts.

“The City of Pasadena and the school district have a proud history of successful joint-use projects that benefit our children and our community. The new multi-purpose gymnasium at Washington is another milestone in this partnership where we are bringing first class athletic amenities to PUSD students and creating recreational opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle for all in the community to enjoy,” Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek said.

The events kick off at 5:30 p.m. at Washington Middle School, a STEAM Magnet Academy, 1505 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. Enter on Penn Avenue. Please avoid wearing high heels in order to protect the new gymnasium floor.

Doors open for the State of the City portion at 6:30 p.m. following a brief Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to dedicate the new school gymnasium, a joint project by the City and the Pasadena Unified School District. The Mayor’s formal program begins at 7 p.m.

Parking is available at school, by entering off of Penn Street and on surrounding surface streets. Please allow extra time to park, especially if there is inclement weather. The best route to approach the school is from Raymond Avenue.