A new planning initiative is underway to restore and redesign the hillside Overlook area along the Lower Arroyo Seco that is home to the Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary, one of Pasadena’s landmarks.
The One Arroyo Foundation has partnered with the city and RJM Design Group for the project’s first phase of planning and design. City officials Thursday invited the community to help shape the site’s future look by completing a survey and attending community workshops in August.
The planning effort is Step 1 in the One Arroyo Overlook Project that aims to preserve the location’s historic character and also improve accessibility, safety, habitat for local wildlife “and the overall visitor experience,” according to a statement by Pasadena officials announcing the project’s launch.
The design process will culminate with a plan for site renovation to guide future construction and fundraising efforts, officials said.
“The Overlook is Pasadena’s most spectacular viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the Arroyo, the Colorado Street Bridge and the San Gabriel Mountains while serving as home to the historic Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary,” Daniel Rossman, executive director of the One Arroyo Foundation, said in a statement. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore a cherished public landmark in a way that honors its history, protects its natural character and ensures it can be safely enjoyed for generations to come. Community input is essential to shaping that vision, and we encourage everyone to participate.”
Established in 1935 in honor of Dickinson, a Pasadena resident and bird advocate, the sanctuary was designed to be a tranquil destination for observing birds and other wildlife, reflection and to behold the panoramic views of the Lower Arroyo Seco, according to the city.
However the site, which is centered around a memorial fountain adorned with historic Batchelder tile, has suffered decades of deterioration. The fountain no longer works, historic stone walls need stabilization work and the promontory’s overlook lacks a safe pedestrian connection to the Lower Arroyo’s trail system.
Officials said the wide-scale restoration project’s long-term vision includes:
- “Restoration of the Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary, including the memorial fountain, Batchelder tile, benches, and stairways;
- “Stabilization and repair of historic stone retaining walls;
- “Improved accessibility and pedestrian safety;
- “Construction of a new trail connection linking the overlook to the Lower Arroyo trail system;
- “Expansion of native habitat to support birds, pollinators and the Arroyo ecosystem;
- “Development of a comprehensive Park Site Master Plan to guide future implementation.”
The planning and design process includes site analysis, engineering and environmental review, concept development, community engagement, and preparation of the final project scope and construction cost estimate, according to the city.
RJM Design Group based in San Juan Capistrano is leading the project. The landscape architecture firm has partnered with the foundation and city on the recently completed One Arroyo Trail Critical Linkages Project.
Officials said community participation is a central part of the planning process. Residents, neighbors, people who visit the Arroyo and other interested stakeholders were encouraged to share their views by completing the survey and attending one of two public workshops at Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Ave. in Pasadena.
For links to the survey and to RSVP for workshops set for Aug. 1 and Aug. 26, visit cityofpasadena.net/city-manager/news/one-arroyo-foundation-launches-community-planning-effort-to-restore-overlook-and-historic-emma-dickinson-bird-sanctuary.
More information on the project and the foundation is at onearroyo.org.