Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/26/2026
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Brookside Golf Club
Category(ies)
The Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary (File Photo – Bob Reiter)
The One Arroyo Foundation, in partnership with the City of Pasadena and RJM Design Group, has launched a community planning initiative to restore and reimagine a promontory along the Lower Arroyo Seco that is home to the historic Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary.
As the project enters its initial planning and design phase, community members are invited to help shape the future of the site by completing a public survey and attending community workshops scheduled for August.
August Workshops and Survey Link
Community participation is a central component of the project. Residents, neighbors, Arroyo users and other stakeholders are encouraged to complete the project survey and attend one of two public workshops at Brookside Golf Club.
The workshops will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Saturday, Aug. 1, and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena.
Project organizers say that feedback gathered through the survey and workshops will help refine the project’s vision before the design process advances.
The Project Scope
The planning effort marks the first step in a comprehensive restoration initiative aimed at preserving the site’s historic character while improving accessibility, safety, ecological habitat and the overall visitor experience. The process will culminate in a site master plan to guide future construction and fundraising efforts.
“The Overlook is Pasadena’s most spectacular viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the Arroyo, the Colorado Street Bridge and the San Gabriel Mountains while serving as home to the historic Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary,” said Daniel Rossman, executive director of the One Arroyo Foundation. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore a cherished public landmark in a way that honors its history, protects its natural character, and ensures it can be safely enjoyed for generations to come. Community input is essential to shaping that vision, and we encourage everyone to participate.”
Established in 1935 in honor of Pasadena resident and bird advocate Emma Dickinson, the sanctuary was created as a destination for birdwatching, quiet reflection and panoramic views of the Lower Arroyo Seco. The site is centered on a memorial fountain featuring historic Batchelder tile but has fallen into disrepair over the decades. According to project organizers, the fountain is no longer operational, the historic stone retaining walls require stabilization, and the overlook lacks a safe pedestrian connection to the Lower Arroyo trail system.
The One Arroyo Overlook Project aims to address those challenges through a restoration that balances historic preservation, environmental stewardship and public access.
The long-term vision includes restoring the Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary, including the memorial fountain, Batchelder tile, benches and stairways; stabilizing and repairing the historic stone retaining walls; improving accessibility and pedestrian safety; constructing a new trail connection linking the overlook to the Lower Arroyo trail system; expanding native habitat to support birds, pollinators and the Arroyo ecosystem; and developing a comprehensive park site master plan to guide future implementation.
The planning and design process will include site analysis, engineering and environmental review, concept development, community engagement, and preparation of a final project scope and construction cost estimate.
RJM Design Group is leading the planning effort. The landscape architecture firm previously partnered with the One Arroyo Foundation and the City of Pasadena on the recently completed One Arroyo Trail Critical Linkages Project. Planning is funded by the One Arroyo Foundation with support from private donors.
Location of Dickinson Fountain and Sanctuary (Photo – One Arroyo Foundation)
Wider view map of overall project location (Photo – One Arroyo Foundation)
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