| Pasadena sits on an alluvial fan, deposited by stream
systems which eroded the bedrock of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. The primary
stream was carved out of a great gorge called the Arroyo Seco. Nature lovers and sports
enthusiasts are drawn to the tranquil Arroyo Seco, which has become a popular recreation
area. The Arroyo is home to the famous Rose Bowl, Brookside Golf Course
and other
recreational facilities.
In Pasadena's early days the Arroyo Seco was a pleasant village with orchards of
walnuts, olives and citrus trees. Because of its magnificent scenery and balmy climate,
the Arroyo Seco became a favorite spot for hiking, fishing and hunting.
In 1903, conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt declared his support for the
movement to keep the Arroyo Seco a natural park. However, when the necessary bond issue
failed to pass, many of Pasadena's wealthy citizens acquired the remaining land options.
Many of these wealthy residents built magnificent mansions that still fill the hills of
the Arroyo Seco today.
Before the historic Colorado Street Bridge was built in 1913, crossing the Arroyo Seco
was an arduous task. Horses and wagons descended the steep eastern slope, crossed the
stream over a smaller bridge, and then climbed up the west bank through Eagle Rock Pass.
The graceful curves of the Colorado Street Bridge resulted from difficulties in finding
solid footing in the Arroyo bed. Engineer John Drake Mercereau conceived the idea of
curving the bridge, thereby creating a work of art.
The Colorado Street Bridge stands 150 feet high and extends 1,468 feet. The bridge was
closed in 1989 after engineers declared it structurally weak. Every inch of its silhouette
was retained and the bridge was reopened in 1994 following a $27.4 million renovation.
In 1922 the world-famous Rose Bowl was completed in an area of the Arroyo Seco
designated as Brookside Park. Covering 61.1 acres, Brookside is Pasadena's largest park.
In addition to the Rose Bowl, the park also includes Brookside Golf Course and the Rose
Bowl Aquatics Center.
The Rose Bowl has been the site of major sporting events including five Super Bowls and
the 1994 World Cup Soccer Championships. The Rose Bowl hosts the annual Rose Bowl Game,
UCLA football, and Los Angeles Galaxy soccer home games.
Adjacent to the Rose Bowl lies lush Brookside Golf Course with its two 18-hole
championship courses. The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center houses two 50-meter pools and is the
host facility for premier local, national and international swimming, diving and water
polo events. Lessons for the public are offered.
Kidspace Children's Museum
opened its new state-of-the-art facility in the Arroyo Seco in December
2004. The one-of-a-kind museum features 20 interactive exhibits and two
acres of gardens, waterways and outdoor learning environments.
In addition, Brookside Park contains picnic accommodations, five lighted tennis courts,
four badminton courts, two handball courts, two lighted softball diamonds, six lighted
horseshoe courts, archery, casting and lawn bowling facilities. The park's regulation
baseball diamond, the Jackie Robinson Stadium, has grandstand seating for 4,200 people,
team rooms, showers and lockers.
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