With the planning of 148 trees, the implementation of the Playhouse District’s Streetscapes, Walkways and Alleys Plan will be advanced. The City Council approved to implement the Colorado Boulevard street tree program with a 6-to-1 vote on January 12, 2009.

“The Playhouse District Association sincerely appreciates the City Council’s support for the final implementation of the 1996 Playhouse District Streetscapes, Walkways, and Alleys Plan.  We have waited 13 years for this  final stage of the tree planting that will beautify the Playhouse District and unify Colorado Boulevard from Pasadena Avenue to Lake Avenue,” says Paul Jacoy, President of the Playhouse District Association.

71 trees will be planted on Oakland, Madison, Oak Knoll and Hudson Avenues between Green and Union Streets, and an additional 77 Ginkgos and Mexican Fan Palm trees on Colorado Boulevard.

Regrettably, 33 trees, including 11 Ficus trees, 20 Carrotwood trees, and 2 London Plane trees on Colorado Boulevard are in the process of being removed.  The tree removal was necessary because the Ficus trees are known to cause damage to underground utilities, sidewalk-uplifting, tripping hazards and other issues for pedestrians and the disabled individuals.

The Ginkgos and the Palms along Colorado Boulevard link the Playhouse District to Old Pasadena and the Civic Center / Mid-Town areas. The Ginkgos provide a lacey canopy and dramatic seasonal color, are considered to be extremely adaptable in an urban environment, and are highly praised by horticulturalists.

The Playhouse District Streetscapes plan was approved 13 years ago by the City Council.  In 1999, a phased planting of the Colorado Boulevard street trees was developed by a consensus and involved Pasadena Beautiful Foundation, Urban Forestry Advisory Committee, City of Pasadena, and the Playhouse District Association, and was approved by the City Council.  The streetscapes plan was developed with the help of a team of experts in design, landscaping, lighting, historic preservation, along with residents, business and property owners and city staff members. The landscape concept for the plan was designed to enhance the aesthetic quality of the District, and to create accessible, pedestrian-safe spaces.

The multi-phase plan began with the removal of the existing trees along Colorado Boulevard in 1999; planting Ginkgo trees, installing street furniture and street lights along Colorado Boulevard and El Molino Avenue.
The new sustainable landscape in intended to create a sense of place, improve the safety of the streets, and unify the Playhouse District corridor.