Pasadena Memorial Park

Pasadena Memorial Park is a historic 5-acre urban park located in Old Pasadena, California. Originally known as Library Park, it is one of the oldest parks in the city, dating back to the 1880s. The park features curving pathways, open grassy areas, and mature trees that provide shade and greenery in the heart of the city.

At the northwest corner of the park stands a stone arch, which is a preserved remnant of Pasadena's first public library building that was constructed on the site in 1890. Though the original Romanesque-style library building was demolished in 1954 after being damaged in an earthquake, this arch serves as a memorial to the city's early commitment to public education and literature.

A notable feature of Memorial Park is the Gold Band Shell, built in 1930. In 2002, this structure was renovated with support from the Mortimer Levitt Foundation and renamed the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena. The pavilion now hosts concerts and community events, continuing the park's long tradition as a gathering place for Pasadena residents.

The park also contains several memorials and monuments, including a Civil War Memorial dedicated in 1906, fountains created by Ernest Batchelder in 1932, and a Vietnam Veterans Memorial added in 1993. These elements reflect the park's role in honoring local history and service members.

Conveniently located near Pasadena's civic center and accessible via public transportation, Memorial Park serves as both a tranquil green space and a hub of community activity. The park is known to be home to Pasadena's famous wild parrots, adding a unique element of urban wildlife to the landscape.