Central Park

A Piece of Pasadena's Past

Tucked within the urban bustle of Pasadena lies Central Park, a 9.2-acre green haven that's been offering residents a breath of fresh air since 1902. This historic space sits comfortably between South Raymond Avenue, Dayton Street, South Fair Oaks Avenue, and East Del Mar Boulevard, just a short stroll from downtown.

The park we enjoy today largely stems from a 1927 redesign by Thomas Chisholm's original vision, reimagined by Cook & Hall and Ralph Cornell. Their touch is still evident in the central oval and the meandering pathways that invite you to wander and explore.

Tall shade trees dot the lawns around the walking paths

Photo: Travis Swicegood (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Nature's Urban Sanctuary

Walk through Central Park and you'll find yourself surrounded by expansive lawns and the gentle giants of the plant world - trees that have quietly watched over the park for nearly a century. The diverse collection includes the prehistoric-looking Sago Palm, the imposing Bunya-Bunya, vibrant Flame Eucalyptus, aromatic California Bay, and the statuesque Canary Island Palm.

On sunny California days, these leafy sentinels provide welcome patches of shade well-suited for picnics or an afternoon with a good book. Keep an eye out for the park's unofficial residents - squirrels darting between trees, adding a touch of wildlife to your urban escape.

Whispers of Yesterday

As you explore, you'll come across little pieces of the past that tell Central Park's story. In the northeast corner stands a stone horse trough - a gift from the National Humane Society in 1905 - now repurposed as a water fountain, connecting visitors to the park's early days.

Another historical site is the Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, a Spanish Colonial Revival building designed by acclaimed architect Wallace Neff in 1929. Flanked by two perfectly square bowling greens, it's a reminder of when lawn bowling was the pastime of choice for Pasadena's well-to-do visitors.

Morning sunlight streams through tall palms

Photo: Travis Swicegood (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Something for Everyone

Central Park is the community's outdoor living room, adapting to whatever you need it to be. For families, there's a well-padded children's playground near the Green Hotel corner, complete with structures, slides, and swings that keep the little ones entertained for hours.

Scattered across the grounds are picnic tables for outdoor meals, however you might need to arrive early on busy days to snag one. Public restrooms are available - just be aware that cleanliness can vary depending on when you visit.

Decorative monument marking the edge of the park

Photo: AndrewGorden (CC BY 2.0)

Getting There

One of Central Park's biggest perks is its location - just blocks from the shops and restaurants of Old Town Pasadena. You can easily combine your park visit with urban adventures nearby. A Metro rail station sits conveniently close for those using public transportation.

If you're driving, look for metered spots on the surrounding streets. A practical tip: bring quarters for the meters - it's typically faster and cheaper than card payments.

Community Heart

The park is a regular venue for community gatherings. All year long, you might stumble upon art fairs, farmers markets, or craft festivals. The popular Jackalope Art Fair draws crowds, and during Thanksgiving, the park transforms into a distribution center for meals for those in need.

Dog lovers, you're welcome to bring your leashed companions for a stroll. While there's no dedicated dog area or fencing, the open grassy spaces provide plenty of room for your four-legged friends to enjoy the fresh air alongside you.