First of all, allow me to congratulate Pasadena for its commitment to beautiful green spaces, vast tree and flora diversity and overall beauty. These were all factors in my decision to first move to Pasadena, and I appreciate it to this day.
However, I am reaching out to address my ideas to redevelop the running space at the Rose Bowl.
Currently, it is covered in asphalt, which provides little service for the runners and walkers who would appreciate a softer surface on which to move. Environmentally, it also sends any water that may be otherwise collected or, at the very least, retained in the soil off to the drains where it is no use to the grounds.
There is another way. Removing the asphalt and replacing it with a number of permeable paving materials would not only keep our rainwater from running straight to the ocean, bringing our waste with it, but it would also be easier on our knees.
This week, while a pipe is being upgraded, we are prohibited from watering our lawns or gardens. I can't help but think that our Rose Bowl could be redesigned to harvest rainwater and reuse gray water from the current buildings and no longer need to waste perfectly good drinking water for irrigation. The Rose Bowl, as a major landmark of our city, should set an example to the rest of Pasadena in terms of responsibility and resourcefulness.
Sarah Leone
Pasadena
