Pasadena, foundation to host event for Arroyo Seco trail project

A groundbreaking ceremony to start revitalizing the Arroyo Seco’s trail system is set for Saturday, Pasadena city officials announced Tuesday.

The Pasadena, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the One Arroyo Foundation are organizing the 10 a.m. event at Brookside Park, Picnic Area G in the park’s southern section, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd.

The event signals the beginning of the One Arroyo Trail Critical Linkages Project that addresses the deterioration of the Arroyo Seco trail system, according to the city’s announcement. The project intends to connect three distinct areas, improve trail conditions and reopen the historic Mayberry-Parker bridge in the Arroyo Seco, which has nearly 1,000 acres of urban forest and 22 miles of potential continuous trails.

Heavy use by the public, erosion and neglected maintenance have made some trails inaccessible and unsafe.

“We are thrilled to initiate this project, which not only enhances the safety and accessibility of our trails but also preserves the natural beauty of the Arroyo Seco for generations to come,” Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement. “This project represents a significant investment in our community’s health, well-being, and enjoyment of our unique urban open space. We would like to thank Senator Anthony Portantino’s Office, the Pasadena Community Foundation and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for their contributions and continued support.”

Vice Mayor Steve Madison and other community leaders also were expected speak at the groundbreaking.

“The Arroyo Seco is the crown jewel of west Pasadena, and we’re so excited to break ground on this project to improve miles of well-loved trails in this beautiful natural resource,” Madison, who represents Council District 6 that includes much of the Arroyo, said in a statement. “A project of this type is long overdue, so thank you to the One Arroyo Foundation for helping get shovels in the ground.”

Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the trail improvements, the bridge reopening and how these efforts will benefit the community, officials said.

A California State Parks grant of $500,000 sourced from the Federal Highway Administration funds the Arroyo Seco revamp, according to the city.

More information about the One Arroyo Foundation is at OneArroyo.org.