I'm not sure if it's still there, but for many years driving home northbound on the 110 freeway, there was a sign that said "South Pasadena: one of America's most endangered places." The 40 year threat of connecting the 710 freeway at Valley Boulevard to the 710 freeway at California Ave. would certainly knock down quite a few houses and businesses in quaint lil' South Pas. Arguably, South Pasadena has some very old and vintage homes, built right up on top of each other practically. It's this last point that really stood out in my brain as I visited Orange Grove Park for the first time the other day.
The "park" is a smallish square of well-watered grass, smack dab between South Pasadena's downtown restaurants and shops, and one of many residential neighborhood intersections that decided two streets crossing each other wasn't enough.
The park was being well used on my visit, with several different youth sports games all competing first base. A baseball/softball diamond was being used by one team, another team had marked off an area in the grass, and my kids softball pitching lessons or facilitated over along the edge near a hedge. And quite the hedge it is: I've been visiting the Arco across the street for decades, I never even knew this park was here.
There is no vehicle parking to speak of, but you're welcome to look for a spot in the adjacent neighborhood. Hope you brought your walking shoes.
Honestly, kudos to the city for using the space for something green instead of something paved. Allegedly there is a play structure for the kiddies, but I didn't see it and wasn't looking for it. something you want finding any other review: the bleachers where I sat waiting for my daughter to finish her practice we're covered with tiny biting ants of a species I could not identify. And I know a thing or two about entomology.
There was no massive homeless encampment inside the fence either, so kudos for that too.
Not sure how long this park will be here, what was the endangered status of the surrounding community. But I suppose all those people that had to move out of their houses for the 210, the 10, the 405, the 605, 57, 91, and any other number of freeways probably know all too well what the good residents of South Pasadena have been feeling, for like... The last 50 years. All that to say, here's to 50 more years of joy at Orange Grove Park, and the pitter patter of little baseball cleated feet. read more
