Pasadena’s Parks Receive Major Upgrades in Two-Month Blitz

Pasadena’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCS) has completed a flurry of upgrades across the city’s green spaces, addressing issues from playground safety to historical preservation. The improvements, carried out from June 1 to July 31, span 10 distinct projects in two months aimed at enhancing park facilities and user experiences.

A report by PRCS said staff conducted a series of thorough inspections at San Rafael Park covering playground equipment, and replaced components as necessary to ensure year-round availability. 

Brookside Park saw two significant developments, the report said. A historical steel guardrail, damaged by a fallen tree limb, was repaired in collaboration with a fence repair contractor. Additionally, park staff participated in a demonstration of an electric ride-on lawn mower at Brookside Park, exploring innovative techniques to improve operational efficiency.

“These vendor demonstrations are a vital component to keeping up to date with industry standards,” the report said. The event also served as a team-building exercise, allowing staff to have fun while learning the tricks of the trade.

Villa Parke underwent a beautification process, with crews cleaning and preparing terraced gardens for new plants and irrigation. The addition of fresh mulch completed the transformation, creating an inviting landscape for park patrons.

The department also addressed the “Fork in the Road” median at Villa Parke as a separate project. PRCS said sttaff efficiently cleaned the area and applied a layer of mulch, enhancing the aesthetic appeal for passing vehicular traffic.

At Victory Park, attention turned to infrastructure improvements. The parking lot received comprehensive repairs, including asphalt removal, subgrade compaction, new asphalt installation, and restriping, carried out in partnership with an asphalt and concrete repair contractor.

Sunnyslope Park benefited from similar upgrades, focusing on concrete walkways. The project involved demolition of damaged sections, subgrade preparation, and pouring of new concrete slabs. In some instances, contracted crews used special tools to “grind down those lifted edges to make for a seamless transition,” the report said. 

Washington Park’s handball court received a facelift, with PRCS renovating the deteriorating walls. The process included cleaning, surface preparation, and application of fresh paint, improving both aesthetics and playability for court users.

The historic Gamble House also saw careful concrete walkway repairs. Special was needed at the site to protect the existing historic brick adjacent the concrete slabs, the report added. 

A new memorial bench was installed in the Lower Arroyo Seco, honoring Max Brenner, an avid birder and photographer of birds in the Arroyo Seco. Over time, Brenner documented the horned owls of the Arroyo in addition to multitudes of other birds and animals, said the report.

These diverse projects reflect Pasadena’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing its public spaces, ensuring residents have access to safe, attractive, and functional parks throughout the city.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. at CityYards Public Works Building-Second Floor, at 233 West Mountain Street in Pasadena.