Big changes are coming to Brookside Park in Pasadena—right next to the iconic Rose Bowl—and they’re all about water, sustainability, and community input. Pasadena’s latest $11 million stormwater project is more than just infrastructure: it’s a forward-thinking investment in our city’s water future.
If you frequent the Rose Bowl loop, visit Kidspace, or use Brookside’s picnic areas and athletic fields, you may have heard murmurs about a large project brewing under Parking Lot I. That’s because this quiet corner of the Arroyo Seco is about to become one of the city’s most critical environmental upgrades.
💧 Why This Project Matters
Pasadena plans to capture, clean, and reuse stormwater runoff from over 1,100 acres of the city. That water—collected during rainstorms or even light runoff—will be diverted from the historic Seco Street Drain, filtered through underground systems, and then directed into a massive 11-acre-foot infiltration gallery right beneath the parking lot. This system will help recharge the Raymond Basin, Pasadena’s critical groundwater supply, while also improving the health of the Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles River.
Think of it as an invisible, underground sponge—doing its job quietly while the park above continues to serve the community.
🌳 What Will It Look Like?
That’s where you come in.
The surface-level improvements—like shade trees, bioswales, and bioretention cells—are still being shaped by community feedback. A public survey (open through August 1) is gathering opinions on how to enhance the park’s usability and beauty while supporting this critical infrastructure. The goal is to strike the right balance between parking needs, green space, and public enjoyment.
So, will Parking Lot I disappear? No, but it may be reconfigured. The parking area will remain, with portions redesigned to integrate stormwater features and nature-based elements. Expect something greener, more inviting, and more sustainable—without losing access to the amenities parkgoers rely on.
🛠️ How It All Started
This project has been in the works for several years. It began with a feasibility study funded through Pasadena’s Measure W Local Return funds, followed by additional support from the L.A. County Safe Clean Water Program. Brookside Park was chosen due to its location, access to storm drains, and ample space for subsurface work—all without disrupting the park’s core functions.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with completion likely by 2027. During this time, you can expect some temporary closures and rerouting—but the long-term benefits will be well worth the short-term inconvenience.
🌎 Why This Project Sets a New Standard
This isn’t just a stormwater upgrade—it’s part of a bigger trend across California, where cities are preparing for climate change by capturing rainfall and improving urban water resilience. Infiltration projects like this one keep stormwater out of polluted drains, recharge local aquifers, and help fight the urban heat island effect through added greenery.
For Pasadena, it’s a chance to lead by example—investing in a cleaner, greener, more sustainable city while honoring the historic beauty of Brookside Park and the Arroyo Seco.
✅ Make Your Voice Heard
If you live in or near Pasadena—or simply enjoy Brookside Park—take a moment to fill out the community survey and help shape the future of this exciting project.
📍 Final Thoughts
As someone who’s deeply rooted in the Foothill communities, I’m always excited to see cities investing in smart, sustainable infrastructure. Projects like this don’t just protect our natural resources; they also create more livable spaces for all of us.
Stay tuned as we follow the progress of the Brookside Park Stormwater Capture Project, and if you have questions about how changes like this may impact real estate in the area, I’m always happy to chat.
Robbyn Battles | The House Agent
Serving the Foothills for 35+ Years
📍 La Crescenta | Glendale | Pasadena | Altadena
📞 (818) 388-1631 | 📧 [email protected]