One Arroyo Overlook Improvements Project

Today, the Emma Dickinson Bird Sanctuary and the surrounding overlook are in significant disrepair. Originally created in 1935 to honor Pasadena resident and bird lover Emma Dickinson, the site was designed as a quiet place for reflection, nature observation, and scenic views of the Lower Arroyo Seco, centered around a memorial fountain adorned with historic Batchelder tile, a hallmark of Pasadena’s Arts and Crafts heritage. The fountain is now non-operational, historic features have deteriorated, and years of neglect have left the area overgrown and unsafe. Most critically, sections of the historic stone walls are deteriorating and falling into the Arroyo Seco below, creating a safety hazard for both visitors standing at the overlook and trail users below. In addition, pedestrians leaving the overlook to access the Lower Arroyo must share a narrow stretch of roadway with vehicles, as there is no designated pedestrian path connecting the site to the trail system. Although a rehabilitation effort was proposed in 2009, it was never realized. Without intervention, continued structural failure and site deterioration place both public safety and this historic Pasadena landmark at increasing risk.