One Arroyo Foundation Launches Community Planning Effort to Restore Overlook and Historic Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary

Public invited to help shape the future of a treasured Lower Arroyo Seco destination

PASADENA, Calif. - The One Arroyo Foundation, in partnership with the City of Pasadena and RJM Design Group, is launching a new community planning initiative to restore and reimagine a promontory along the Lower Arroyo Seco, home to the Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary, one of Pasadena's historic landmarks. As the project enters its first phase of planning and design, community members are invited to help shape the future of the site by participating in a public survey and attending community workshops this August.

The planning effort marks the first step in a comprehensive restoration initiative that will preserve the site's historic character while improving accessibility, safety, ecological habitat, and the overall visitor experience. The process will result in a site 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."

Originally established in 1935 in honor of Pasadena resident and bird advocate Emma Dickinson, the sanctuary was designed as a peaceful place for bird observation, reflection, and panoramic views of the Lower Arroyo Seco. Centered around a memorial fountain adorned with historic Batchelder tile, the site has suffered decades of deterioration. Today, the fountain is no longer operational, historic stone walls require stabilization, and the overlook lacks a safe pedestrian connection to the Lower Arroyo trail system.

The One Arroyo Overlook Project will address these challenges through a thoughtful restoration that balances historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and public access. The long-term vision includes:

• Restoration of the Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary, including the memorial fountain, Batchelder tile, benches, and stairways
• Stabilization and repair of historic stone retaining walls
• Improved accessibility and pedestrian safety
• Construction of a new trail connection linking the overlook to the Lower Arroyo trail system
• Expansion of native habitat to support birds, pollinators, and the Arroyo ecosystem
• Development of a comprehensive Park Site Master Plan to guide future implementation

The planning and design process includes site analysis, engineering and environmental review, concept development, community engagement, and preparation of the final project scope and construction cost estimate. The process is being led by RJM Design Group, the landscape architecture firm that partnered with One Arroyo and the City of Pasadena on the recently completed One Arroyo Trail Critical Linkages Project. It is funded by One Arroyo Foundation with the generous support of donors.

Community participation is a central component of the planning process. Residents, neighbors, Arroyo users, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives by completing the project survey and attending one of two public workshops at Brookside Golf Club.

Community Workshops

Saturday, August 1
Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Ave.
9 a.m.-11 a.m.

RSVP HERE

Wednesday, August 26
Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Ave.
5 p.m.-7 p.m.

RSVP HERE

Feedback gathered through the survey and workshops will help inform the project's vision before design work advances.

For additional information, project updates, meeting details, and to participate in the community survey, visit OneArroyo.org.