Council Tables $1 Million Loan Request From Rose Bowl Operating Company for Brookside Improvement Project

The Pasadena City Council tabled consideration of a controversial request by the Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC) for a $1 million loan to further develop the Brookside Golf Course Improvement Project, which would expand its driving ranges and add mini-golf courses. 

Councilmembers Steve Madison and Tryon Hampton on Monday called for the pause so that neighbors living nearby could be notified and brought up to speed on the proposed project.

Madison made note of a dozens-page letter from a neighborhood association that outlined alleged violations. 

The Linda Vista-Annandale Association raised concerns regarding the Brookside Golf Course Improvements Project’s potential impacts on human and environmental health. 

“In light of the following concerns the LVAA [Linda Vista Annandale Association] requests that the City deny adoption of the MND [Mitigated Negative Declaration].”

In California, a “Mitigated Negative Declaration” (MND) is a document prepared for a project when the initial study has identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but revisions to the project plans or proposals would avoid or mitigate these effects to a point where there would be no significant impact on the environment.

The LVAA also urged the Council to mandate the RBOC to commission a project-specific Environmental Impact Report before granting project approvals. 

Additionally, the LVAA has called for a comprehensive environmental review that encompasses all aspects of the project, including actions such as Conditional Use Permitting, design review, and tree removals.

The proposed project would include reorienting the existing heavily-used driving range and expanding it from 20 to 60 “hitting bays,” including new netting, poles, lighting, and tracking technology. 

The new miniature golf course near the Brookside Clubhouse would be “family-friendly” with a themed design, educational information, and low-level lighting. The complex would have an 18-hole, ADA-accessible course with play options for 9 holes. 

The Brookside Golf Complex is located in the Pasadena Arroyo Park and Recreation District, a designated historic district that includes 27 contributing historic features, including the Brookside Golf Course.

In a video presentation, the RBOC presentation pushed mini golf as a new and fun modern experience. 

“This is not your typical mini golf,” the narrator said. “Absent are windmills and bumpers present are fairways, bunkers, and slopes. Modern mini golf incorporates an elegant clean design and utilizes natural style elements that mimic a traditional golf course.”

“A challenge awaits, but some have found their way and others are just here for the fun. There’s no right or wrong way to play  modern mini golf is where all are welcome. A safe place for family, friends, and colleagues of all ages, demographics, and abilities can gather together and share a memorable experience while enjoying the great outdoors. Could this be the next generation of golfers?”

Nonprofit Pasadena Heritage expressed its support for the project in correspondence to the City Council.

“Pasadena Heritage believes that the environmental review has been sufficient and the mitigation measures are proper,” the group said. “The RBOC has retained Historic Resources Group to advise on this project and it is important that this consultant help safeguard the historic features of the course.”

“The design has yet to be defined, it is important that the final design be compatible with the aesthetics of the Arroyo. We plan to review and comment as needed as the project moves forward and will be concerned about preserving the historic features of the site and achieving a compatible project.”

The group said it plans to stay engaged throughout the design process of the project.

“The Arroyo has long served as an outdoor oasis for Pasadena, with sports, horseback riding, archery, fly fishing, golf and more. It is important that design be achieved that fits into this aesthetic and preserves the Arroyo’s picturesque, natural environment and historic features,” the group said.

“We think these changes can be accommodated, but will stay engaged through the design process. The RBOC and its management team are aware of our concerns, and we appreciate their reaching out to us on several occasions to keep us informed and share information as the project has evolved.”

Mayor Victor Gordo said residents should send their questions and concerns to the City Manager. 

No date was set for when the matter would return to the Council.