City Plans to Invest $1,231,500 in Parks and Arroyo Improvements in Fiscal Year 2026

The Pasadena Recreation and Parks Commission will review recommendations for the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their meeting Tuesday, March 4, including $1,231,500 in proposed investments across multiple park facilities for the upcoming fiscal year.

The recommended funding includes $1,111,500 for park projects and $120,000 for Arroyo Seco initiatives, according to the staff report presented by Hayden Melbourn, P.E., Acting Assistant City Engineer with the Public Works Department.

Significant allocations include $50,000 from Residential Impact Fees (CENTRAL) for a Villa Parke Pool and Pool Area Upgrades concept study, which will explore the possibility of adding a second pool to the community center. The project was moved from the Future Unfunded list after community advocacy highlighted the need for expanded aquatic facilities.

For Arroyo Projects, $120,000 is designated for habitat monitoring across three areas: Hahamongna Watershed Park’s Oak Grove ($40,000), the Lower Arroyo Seco ($40,000), and Hahamongna’s Berkshire Creek Area ($40,000). These five-year environmental programs, funded through the Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W), began in 2022 and will continue through 2026.

The Central Park Clubhouse Retrofit and Lawn Bowling Improvements project ($4,100,000 total estimated cost) continues design work anticipated to be completed in the third quarter of FY 2025, though construction will only begin when funds are identified.

Brookside Park will see continued planning for two new outdoor basketball courts and one hybrid basketball/pickleball court, with stakeholder outreach continuing in FY 2026. The project has $150,000 already appropriated through FY 2025, with no additional funds proposed for FY 2026.

Several projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2025, including the Villa Parke Community Center ADA Improvements — Locker Room and Parking Lot, Vina Vieja Pickleball Courts, and Central Park Improvements. Additionally, the One Arroyo Project – Upper Arroyo Trail Loop and Lower Arroyo Trail Loop – Environmental & Design Phase is anticipated to be completed.

The Recreation and Parks Commission, chaired by Commissioner Terri Ashley-Macquarrie with Vice Chair Betsy Mitchell, will meet Tuesday, March 4, 2025, to discuss the recommendations. The eight-member commission previously reviewed these items through their CIP Ad Hoc Committee on February 20, 2025.

Staff members including Phyllis Hallowel, Management Analyst V, who prepared the report, along with other department leadership from Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Community Services will be present to answer questions.

The CIP will ultimately require approval as part of the overall budget process for the 2026 fiscal year.