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FIRM
MIG
TYPE
Civic | Park
LOCATION
Pasadena, PA
AERIAL VIEW OF EXISTING SITE
SIZE
0.67 acres
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE PARK (PLAYHOUSE VILLAGE PARK)
I had the unique opportunity to work on the design for Pasadena Playhouse Park (renamed Playhouse Village Park) from the early SD phases through CD design. The park opened in 2022 and is located on the north side of Union Street between Oak Knoll and El Molino Avenues. The site spans approximately 0.67 acres and formerly housed a very small bank and a large parking lot in the heart of Pasadena. This was a community-led project where I facilitated community meetings and focus groups to gather input and ensure the park met the needs of local residents. The transformation of this predominantly paved parking lot site into a vibrant urban park was driven by the community’s desire for accessible green spaces amidst new multifamily developments in a central area of Pasadena.
Playhouse Village Park features a shaded children’s play area with a rubberized surface, a dog run, a central lawn for informal recreation, and the Van Halen stage area for performances and community events. Additionally, the park integrates a 48-space parking plaza with electric vehicle charging stations, that is tucked behind generous planting and the 'El Molino Entry Garden'.
Pasadena Playhouse Village Park has become a vibrant hub for the community, hosting numerous events and activities that bring people together and enrich the cultural fabric of Pasadena.
SITE PLAN
The plan for Playhouse Village Park includes a linear green space along Union Street to enhance pedestrian connectivity, a mix of spaces for passive recreation and gathering areas, and a central stage area with a pergola. The pergola or serves as a central gathering spot. The sidewalk expands and is enveloped by the park at both the southwest and southeast entry points.
COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS TO COORDINATE DESIGN
COORDINATING DESIGN FEATURES
UNION STREET PROMENADE
The redesigned sidewalk along Union Street expands at the entries with the park enveloping the sidewalk. This creates a welcoming experience with shaded walkways lined with native, drought-tolerant plants and London Plane trees, as well as specimen trees to accent each corner entrance. These inviting entries offer a mix of spaces for relaxation, passive recreation, and social interaction.
CENTRAL PLAZA & FLEXIBLE USE PARKING
The central plaza features a pergola/Van Halen Stage serves as the focal point of Playhouse Village Park, providing a versatile space for community events, performances, and casual gatherings. Adjacent to the plaza is the flexible use parking area, designed to function as both a parking lot and a vibrant space for farmers' markets.
