Tabled by Council in October for More Public Input, New Park and Trail May Be About to Get Official Names

The City of Pasadena’s Legislative Committee is set to consider the naming of a new park and wilderness trail on Tuesday after more time was taken for public input about the top-contending names.

Two of the public’s contributions (The “Quarter Million Dollar Boondoggle Park” and the “Irresponsible Trail) are unlikely to make the cut Tuesday.

Rather, the top-contending names for the park, located at 1410 Wierfield Drive, are the “Annandale Canyon Preserve,” with the associated trail to be named the “Yayaaytnga Trail.”

The new park spans over 20 acres of open space in Annandale Canyon, located in the San Rafael Hills of the western part of the city. It features a 1/2 mile pedestrian trail leading to a scenic overlook, six parking spaces, and two benches.

To choose the official name for the park, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department launched a public outreach effort, sending postcards to all 82 property owners within a 1,000-foot radius of the park. 

An online survey was also posted on the city’s website, which received 12 submissions. The proposed names were then vetted according to the City’s naming policy criteria, which included geographical location, natural or geological features, cultural or historical significance, and significant contribution to the community.

Ultimately City staff proposed the name “Annandale Canyon Preserve” for the park, and the Native American name “Yayaaytnga” for the trail. 

The name “Yayaaytnga” means “place of the birds” in Gabrielino-Tongva and was suggested by Tongva, Chumash, Yoeme Culture Bearer, and Tongva Language Committee member Tina Calderon. During Calderon’s Annandale Canyon visit, she was greeted by a number of native birds, and this interaction served as the inspiration for the recommended trail name.

The name reflects the conservation success story of Annandale Canyon, which was preserved by the city, local residents, and a grant from Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

If approved by the City Council, staff will fabricate and construct the park’s monument sign.