Robinson Park Grand Reopening Receives High Approval from Pasadena Residents

By Alex Cordero

Perfect weather accompanied the grand reopening of Robinson Park this last Saturday in Pasadena. But the park’s ribbon cutting event had more than sunshine. It had the great company of community members and government officials coming together to spend a day at the new and shiny Robinson Park Recreation Center. Mrs. Delano Robinson a member of the Robinson family was among the list of guests delivering commendation of the multi-million dollar renovation project of the facility. But nearby Pasadena residents who may be considered long-term and more frequent visitors of the new park could not be more excited.

“Anything you need you can find it here”  a local resident by the name of Jimetta Baukegard who asked me to describe her as “a grateful senior citizen” was among the many happy community members attending the grand opening event at the park. She was impressed with all of the different classes offered to senior citizens, and was very pleased to know that most of the classes are free. “They have chair aerobics, they have dance classes, meditation classes, and aqua aerobics for seniors.”

In addition the recreational center offers arts & crafts, sowing and cooking classes for all ages as well. Jimmetta had come to the reopening of the park with friends and family who shared with me that the park also will be featuring trips designed for disabled, senior citizens, and retired members of the community. Jimmetta was also excited to know that the recreation park served lunches at a low fare which she much appreciated and that part of the new recreation center included a commercial kitchen, a new gymnasium and a community room. She was pleased to see the diversity of her community coming together to visit the new Robinson Park and her only feedback when asked if  there was anything she thought would make the new park even better was another big parking lot.

“Is very special to come to a facility useful for kids after school,” expressed Elva Kuai, another local community member visiting the park with her children enjoying the new playground. “ I came to see the free demo for the dance class and I like that there is a secure place in the community for children to come” Along with Elva , local resident Carla Smith also shared her interest in the new added dance floor and was impressed with more programs for teens and younger children.

City Mayor Terry Tornek shared why the Robinson Park is a new great asset to the entire community, “These are fantastic facilities, but they’re fantastic because of the service that they’ll provide to the people of Pasadena.” Among the city officials that were part of the presentation of the renovated park were Brenda Harvey- Williams, director of Department of Human Services and Recreation; Assembly Member of District 41, Chris Holden; John J. Kennedy, vice mayor; and Congresswoman Judy Chen.

There are many new services and events offered at the Robinson Park that will continue to bring the local community together such as services that will benefit children, adults and senior citizens and programs designed to help and enhance the community of Pasadena. One of the biggest upcoming events already set in place at Robinson Park will be the 37th Pasadena Black History Parade and Festival happening on Saturday, Feb. 16 starting at 10 a.m. from the Metropolitan Baptist Church at Figueroa St. going south on Fair Oaks Ave. before coming to an end at Robinsons Park.

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