We Get Letters: Trees And Open Space in Pasadena

Dear Pasadena Now:

I am not Pasadena’s best historian but it has always been my understanding that our city was planned so that there would be a library and a park within walking distance of every neighborhood. As the city has grown, it has become impossible to maintain the original idea. But we have done our best to stay as close to the original concept as possible. We have planted different varieties of trees in our parkways, adding to the beauty and diversity of our neighborhoods. And because we have a strong contingent of environmentalists who are dedicated to seeing that we do everything possible to maintain our urban forest, we continue to share our streets and our trees with all those who like to walk our neighborhoods.

Housing in Los Angeles County and elsewhere has become incredibly expensive. More and more people are living in condos and apartments, some without any landscaping.

But a group of homeowners called Livable Pasadena are working to find spots of vacant land that might be used for small “pocket parks” similar to those in Great Britain. It is amazing how a small plot of land with a few blossoming trees and benches can refresh the human spirit. That’s the vision that Alice Frost Kennedy originally brought to Pasadena and we should continue to honor her work and her legacy.

Christle Balvin
Pasadena