City Closes Rose Bowl Loop

After warning local residents the 3.1-mile Rose Bowl loop would be closed if proper social distancing was not sufficiently maintained, the city shut down the popular exercise location on Sunday.

“Effective immediately the Rose Bowl loop will be closed to pedestrian traffic,” said Lisa Derderian on Sunday shortly before noon.

The closure applies to bicyclists, Derderian said.

City tennis courts and pickleball courts are also closed.

City parks are open, however playgrounds in the parks are closed.

“Out of an abundance of caution we’re closing the loop to recreational users to mirror L.A. County and L.A. City orders,” Derderian explained.

“We still encourage people to get out and get fresh air in their neighborhoods for mental and physical well being with safe social distancing. ”

Electronic billboards around the Bowl announce the closure and police are monitoring the situation, she said.

The state has issued a Safer at Home order requiring people to stay in their homes. Local residents are allowed to leave for exercise and to purchase food.

So far there are 10 Pasadena residents have tested positive for the Coronavirus.

It is not known how the city planned to execute the immediate closure of the area. Last week Mayor Terry Tornek drove to the area after hearing that people were not properly social distancing in the area.
Electronic signage was placed in the area emphasizing the need to remain six-feet apart. Despite the signs, the Pasadena Police Department still received calls and concerned residents posted on the city’s social media page.

Los Angeles County however closed trails on last Monday when people did not follow calls for proper distancing.

“Because of overcrowding we’ve decided to close our County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation trails,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger wrote on Monday.

Earlier this week, Derderian said the city recognizes the importance of mental and physical well-being during these trying times.