Introducing Playhouse Village Park
The City Council voted unanimously on a motion to name the new park being constructed at 701 E. Union St. as “Playhouse Village Park” and its stage area as “Van Halen Stage” in honor of the legendary rock band formed in Pasadena in 1972.
Playhouse Village Park is scheduled to be completed by summer and we look forward to a season of fun outdoor programs & activities in our neighborhood! The park will have open space for informal recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings; a children’s playground with shade structures; a 48-space parking plaza; and a dog run.
We are incredibly grateful for our park advocates and for the leadership and support of local Council members John J. Kennedy, Andy Wilson and Jess Rivas and the entire Pasadena City Council and Mayor as well as the Interim City Manager and staff as we celebrate the first green open space in Playhouse Village.
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Construction Begins
On July 29, 2021, the City of Pasadena officially broke ground on its newest park and the first in Playhouse Village. After years of planning, community engagement, and visioning – this moment was met with much anticipation and excitement from city officials, city staff, Playhouse Village Association, and community members. “This to could be a destination that Pasadena is proud of” exclaimed City of Pasadena mayor, Victor Gordo, as he underscored the importance of building a sense of place for our residents and now adding a jewel to the Village with its own park. The park is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2022. Check out the video above for a montage of this exciting day or click here to view the entire ceremony.
About the New Park
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Back in 2012, City Council approved the purchase of the Banner Bank property, and $3.15 million of Residential Impact Fees was appropriated for the development of the park. The transfer of up to one-half of the Union and El Molino parking lot parcel was approved by City Council for park use in 2019.
Over the past two years, the City’s Department of Public Works staff worked with MIG Landscape Architects, and a group of community stakeholders comprised of residents, business owners, Playhouse Village Association board members, and City Council district representatives to develop the park’s design. Construction commenced following three community meetings, a virtual community open house, and a presentation by the design team to the Recreation and Parks Commission and City Council.
The now under-construction park is located on 701 E Union St (between El Molino Ave and Oak Knoll Ave) and will have a variety of amenities for our community to enjoy. Just over an acre in size, the park will cover approximately two-thirds of the site, while the parking lot will cover the other third. Visitors can expect open space for informal recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings; children’s playground with shade structures; public restrooms; a 48-space parking plaza; and a dog run.