Pasadena Memorial Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Found in Old Pasadena, this charming 5-acre urban oasis has quite the story to tell. Originally called Library Park, it dates back to the 1880s, making it one of the city's oldest green spaces.

If you wander to the northwest corner, you'll spot a stone arch - the last remaining piece of Pasadena's first public library built in 1890. After an earthquake damaged the original Romanesque-style building, it was torn down in 1954, but this arch still stands tall, a quiet reminder of the city's early love affair with books and learning.

What You'll Find There

The park unfolds with winding pathways, open grassy areas (though some patches might be a bit worn), and magnificent mature trees that create welcome shade on those sunny California days. It's a wonderful spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic.

One can't-miss feature is the Gold Band Shell built in 1930. In 2002, it got a makeover thanks to the Mortimer Levitt Foundation and became the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena. Today, the pavilion comes alive with concerts and community events, including summer performances and free coffee concerts that bring locals together, just as the park has done for generations.

Things to Do

Got kids? There's a small playground with swings and slides where they can burn off some energy. Scattered within the grounds are concrete picnic tables great for an outdoor lunch or afternoon snack.

You'll discover public restrooms within the park, but their condition can vary from day to day. For those with four-legged friends, the dog-friendly areas come equipped with waste bag dispensers, making this a pleasant spot for a stroll with your pup.

Honoring History

As you explore, you'll encounter several meaningful monuments, including a Civil War Memorial from 1906, beautiful fountains created by Ernest Batchelder in 1932, and a solemn Vietnam Veterans Memorial added in 1993.

These thoughtful tributes highlight the park's importance as a place for remembrance and reflection within the community.

Getting There

The park couldn't be more conveniently located - it's right near Pasadena's civic center, Old Town, and the Pasadena Senior Center. Coming by public transit? No problem - there's a Metro station nearby. If you're driving, you'll come across street parking and public lots in the area, but you might need to feed the meter.

Natural Surprises

One of the park's most unexpected delights? It's home to some of Pasadena's famous wild parrots, adding a tropical twist to your urban park experience.

If you visit in spring, you're in for a treat as the trees burst into bloom, creating a peaceful retreat in the midst of city life.