Connecting the Communities of the Arroyo Seco

To create more livable communities across Southern California, we must strengthen our connections to each other, to nature, and to our past. The ideal place to begin this task is the Arroyo Seco. Connecting the rugged San Gabriel Mountains with the Los Angeles River, this 22-mile stream links together the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, La Canada-Flintridge, and Los Angeles. On June 15, 2003, over 5000 people came together to explore ways to improve the quality of life for communities along the Arroyo and throughout the region. The centerpiece of this gathering was a bike ride and walk ON the Historic Arroyo Seco Parkway, otherwise known as Pasadena Freeway This historic event grabbed the imagination of participants, spectators and the media and helped point the way toward a new way of life in Southern California and the possibilities of creating healthy, livable communities for everyone. Learn more about the ArroyoFest event: FREEWAY BIKE RIDE - About 3000 cyclists rode on the Historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (a.k.a. Pasadena Freeway) from Glenarm St. in Pasadena to Avenue 26 and back again. See photos. FREEWAY WALK - Several thousand people enjoyed a leisurely stroll on the oldest freeway in the American West in support of a clean, convenient and people-friendly transportation system. See photos. COMMUNITY FESTIVAL– Cyclists, walkers as well as people from around the region enjoyed a community festival in historic Sycamore Grove Park that featured performances from local artists and exhibits of community organizations working to improve the quality of life in the Arroyo Seco. See photos. OTHER EVENTS - Other organizations also held special events as part of ArroyoFest. These events included hikes, open houses, musical performances and special exhibits. See a complete schedule of ArroyoFest activities. Look at a map of the event. Want to help out with ArroyoFest and its mission of creating livable communities along the Arroyo? Become a Friend of ArroyoFest, contact Marcus Renner at (323) 341-5093 or send e-mail to arroyo@oxy.edu. Also keep checking our web site for updates and news about ArroyoFest.

Photos courtesy of Joan Dooley, Eileen Takata, Jerilyn Lopez Mendoza and Tony Lin.