Preservationists and residents that have been against creating a sports field in Hahamongna Watershed Park may get their wish if a proposed alternative occurs.
Pasadena officials are proposing that field construction happen on the John Muir High School campus instead, funded by a $1 million grant “that officials hope to reallocate for expanding and improving Muir’s existing south athletic field, located above the bus drop-off area on Cañada Avenue,” the Pasadena Sun reports.
The alternative would be good news for locals that have voiced their desire to see Hahamongna remain a natural habitat.
Arroyo Seco Foundation outreach coordinator Tim Martinez created a video last August in which he toured the site of the proposed athletic field and expressed why it should not be changed.
See the athletic field site tour video on Patch here.
Pasadena has not formally proposed the Muir site plan to state officials but the process would require collecting statements of public support, City Engineer Dan Rix told the Sun.
Evaluating proposed alterations to Hahamongna, including the soccer field, was put on hold after the City of Pasadena and Arroyo Seco Foundation received a $3.2 million grant in late October.
Patch highlighted at the time that the $3.2 million Hahamongna grant included:
- Upgrading the Arroyo Seco water intake structure to capture Pasadena's full water rights;
- Evaluating the potential advantages of an inflatable dam;
- Improving recreational opportunities for local residents by installing a restroom, interpretive signage, picnic tables, a water fountain, and a horse trough;
- Restoring riparian habitat in the Arroyo Seco stream by removing unused facilities, planting native plants, improving fish conditions, and removing invasive species.
A public meeting about the proposed alternative for John Muir’s field will be held March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the John Muir High School auditorium.
What do you think of the proposed Hahamongna Watershed Park field possibly becoming an improvement and expansion at John Muir High School’s field instead? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
