Chapter 7:

Parks, Recreation, and

Community Resources
Element
A r c a d i a G e n e r a l P l a n
7 x

Introduction
The parks, recreation and cultural facilities and programs, school system,
and historic buildings and places in Arcadia distinguish the community.
Residents often cite these factors among the reasons they moved here.
Public open spaces and facilities are where people come together to
exercise and enjoy the company of others. They provide forums where
Arcadians can enrich their lives through learning and connecting with
nature, and where Arcadians can appreciate and celebrate arts and
cultural diversity. This element addresses Arcadia’s plan for the continual
provision and maintenance of the parks, recreation, and community
resources that are important to Arcadia’s quality of life.

Arcadia has made a strong commitment to providing the highest quality

and variety of recreational, cultural, educational, and social service

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-1
programs to respond to residents’ needs. Given the City’s long-standing
policy of providing quality community services, this element broadly defines
Arcadia’s resources to include:

ƒ Parks and Open Space

ƒ Maintaining the Urban Forest
ƒ Recreation and Community Services Facilities and Programs
ƒ Educational Resources
ƒ Cultural Resources and Preservation
ƒ A Plan For a Healthy Community

Achieving Our Vision

Arcadia’s vision is to create a city rich with parks and open spaces,
community facilities, and historic and cultural resources that will remain
assets for future generations of Arcadians. As part of this vision, the City
will seek to create a diverse range of spaces that complement the City’s
form-spaces that make best use of available land such as mini-parks,
community gardens, and quasi-public spaces such as plazas and squares.
The City will seek to establish new community and cultural facilities that
respond to community needs. Arcadia will work to retain the great open
spaces that currently exist, such as Wilderness Park, and ensure that
Arcadia will always have enough parks that are accessible to the
community. Arcadia will also proactively work to preserve those historic
resources that are important to the background of the City, ensuring that
valuable sites remain to help tell the local history of Arcadia. The General
Plan Guiding Principles direct the City’s commitment to providing the
resources that make Arcadia special. The Guiding Principles promote:

ƒ Preservation of Special Assets

Arcadia’s quality of life is enhanced by special places and features
such as Santa Anita Park, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and
Botanic Gardens and Arcadia Park, a vibrant Downtown, the urban
forest, attractive streetscapes, diverse parks, hi
storic buildings and places, and nearby views of the mountains.
These assets are preserved and enhanced so they continue to
contribute to our City’s character.

ƒ City Services
The high quality services the City provides are a source of civic
pride and bring us together as a community. We adjust service
needs in response to demographic changes, and we take actions to
provide funding to support these services.

ƒ Schools
Our schools are a valuable community asset. The quality of the
schools draws people to our City. We remain committed to working
with the school district to achieve mutually beneficial goals.

7-2 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 ƒ Cultural Diversity
We embrace and celebrate the cultural diversity of Arcadia. Our
lives are enriched by the many cultures that contribute their arts,
food, values, and customs to our community. We promote activities
and programs that strengthen these community bonds.

ƒ Balanced Growth and Development

The General Plan establishes a balance and mix of land uses that
promote economic growth and maintain a high quality of life for
Arcadia residents. Our development decisions reflect Smart
Growth principles and strategies that move us toward enhanced
mobility, more efficient use of resources and infrastructure, and
healthier lifestyles.

Scope of this Element

State law requires that the General Plan address open space lands and the
functions they serve in a community as:

ƒ Places for active and passive recreation,

ƒ Places where biological resources can be preserved and protected,
ƒ Lands that cannot be developed due to physical conditions, such as
earthquake fault zones or severe slopes, and
ƒ Places used for the managed production of natural resources, such
as groundwater recharge basins.

In response, communities often prepare elements that focus only on

physical open spaces—parks in particular—and natural resource lands.
However, open space lands often have associated development that
complements the open spaces. This is often the case in urbanized cities like
Arcadia, a good example of which is the Civic Center with the adjoining
athletic field. Thus, this Parks, Recreation and Community Resources
Element addresses not just open spaces but the broad range of community,
cultural, and educational resources and services that Arcadia offers.

The City has adopted two key planning documents related to community
resources reflected in this element and that, if amended over time, will be
consistent with longer-range objectives set forth here.

ƒ Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Adopted in 2007, the Parks

and Recreation Master Plan was the first document to consolidate
City goals and strategies regarding park spaces and recreation
programs. As part of this comprehensive master planning effort,
the City established a standard for parkland provision/acquisition
based on population. Standards in the plan are used to maintain
park and recreational facilities impact fees commensurate with the
cost of developing new facilities.

ƒ Recreation and Community Services Strategic Plan. Adopted in

2006, the Recreation and Community Services Strategic Plan was
developed to assess the effectiveness of City parks, facilities, and

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-3
 recreation programs, and to identify priorities for providing new
recreational facilities, recreation programs, and services based on
changing demographics and community desires.

Parks and Open Space

Parks promote community health by providing places for outdoor
recreation, enjoyment of trees and nature, personal development, and
interacting with others. Arcadia is fortunate to have many different types
and sizes of parks distributed throughout the community that enhance the
beauty and character of Arcadia. They serve as places to gather and
engage in active and passive recreation. Research shows that when people
have access to parks, they exercise more. Regular physical activity has
been shown to increase health and reduce the risk of a wide range of
diseases, contributing to a healthier community.1 The goals, policies, and
programs in this element promote many types
of parks and open spaces that help make Parks can be
Arcadia a healthy city. places for people
and pooches.
Arcadia has many parks and open spaces to
serve the needs of the community, from small
parks that provide compact green spaces
within a neighborhood, to sports fields that
have facilities for activities such as softball,
soccer, and tennis. As of 2009, the City had
approximately 785 acres of City and County
parks and recreational open space within its
corporate limits. The County of Los Angeles
operates four large recreation facilities within
Arcadia. Also, the City has a joint-use
agreement with the Arcadia Unified School
District to allow residents’ use of school
facilities such as ball fields and courts.

Park Classifications
Parks in Arcadia range in size from the 0.24-acre Tripolis Friendship Park
to the 120-acre Wilderness Park. Depending on size, each park offers
differing levels of recreation use, from purely passive recreation to heavily
programmed use. Parks are classified as follows:

ƒ Mini-Parks. Mini-parks, also known as pocket parks, are generally

one acre in size or smaller and contain passive facilities such as
small landscaped spaces with benches and picnic tables. Mini-
parks may provide playground equipment for children. These parks
are intended to service the immediate neighborhood within one-
half mile of the park.

1
Why Americans Need More Parks and Open Space. The Trust for Public Land. San
Francisco, CA 2003.
7-4 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 ƒ Neighborhood Parks. Neighborhood parks are typically between
two to 10 acres in size. Neighborhood parks can include passive
open space, active play areas, and limited practice and play fields.
As with mini-parks, neighborhood parks service the immediate
neighborhood and have a service area of approximately one-half
mile.

ƒ Community Parks. Community parks are usually between 11 and 20

acres in size. Community parks serve a broader purpose than
neighborhood parks, accommodating more formal and highly
programmed activities. A community park usually serves several
neighborhoods. Wilderness Park is the only City-owned community
park in Arcadia, so classified based on its size.

ƒ Special Use Parks. Special use parks are parks that have facilities
developed for a special purpose. Examples include skate parks,
dog parks, and golf courses.

ƒ Joint-Use Parks and Facilities. Joint-use parks and facilities are

those located on a portion of school-owned land. The Arcadia
Unified School District and the City have a joint-use agreement to
allow use of recreational facilities on school property.

ƒ County Operated/Owned Parks and Facilities. Los Angeles

County maintains parks and recreation facilities within Arcadia:
Arcadia Park and the Peck Road Water Conservation Park. These
parks have significant recreational facilities that provide areas for
community events and gatherings and service the larger region.
Also in Arcadia are two unique County open space and recreation
facilities: the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
and Santa Anita Golf Course. The County charges entrance and
usage fee for both facilities. Arcadia High School’s turf
field provides an all-weather
Table PR-1 lists all local park and open space facilities available to City surface for active sports.
residents, and Figure PR-1 shows the locations.

Shared Use of School Facilities

Public school facilities in Arcadia offer additional places where residents
can enjoy outdoor recreation. Access is made available via joint-use
agreements that allow general public access when school is not in session,
or with some type of applied user fee. This arrangement maximizes the
usage of publicly funded facilities and provides better service to the
community. Because Arcadia is largely built out, creative use of school
fields and sports courts has helped expand the City’s ability to offer
organized sports programs and for private sports groups to remain local.
The joint-use agreement between the City and the Arcadia Unified School
District allows access to lighted baseball and softball fields, all-weather
running tracks, and tennis and basketball courts.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-5
Table PR-1: Park and Recreational Facilities by Type

Map Key Park Facility Name Size (in Acres)

Mini Parks
1 Bicentennial Park .63
2 Fairview Avenue Park .91
3 Forest Avenue Park .26
4 Tripolis Friendship Park .34
Total Mini Park Acres 2.14
Neighborhood Parks
5 Eisenhower Park and Dog Park 5.39
6 Newcastle Park 2.64
7 Orange Grove Park 2.66
8 Tierra Verde Park 1.55
Total Neighborhood Park Acres 12.24
Community Parks
9 Wilderness Park 120.01
Total Community Park Acres 120.0
Special Parks:
10 Arcadia Community Center/Senior Center 4.98
11 Bonita Park and Skate Park 3.38
12 Civic Center Athletic Field 2.24
13 Longden Park .99
14 Par-3 Golf Course 25.5
Total Special Park Acres 37.09
Joint-Use Parks and Facilities
15 Arcadia High School 20.47
16, 17 Baldwin Stocker Elementary School and Park 2.88
18, 19 Camino Grove Elementary School and Park 5.892
20 Dana Middle School 5.46
21 First Avenue Middle School 3.30
22 Foothills Middle School 6.72
23 Highland Oaks Elementary School 3.84
24 Holly Avenue Elementary School 3.98
25, 26 Hugo Reid Elementary School and Park 6.793
27 Hugo Reid Primary School .98
28 Longley Way Elementary School 2.56

7-6 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Table PR-1: Park and Recreational Facilities by Type

Map Key Park Facility Name Size (in Acres)

Total Joint-Use Park and Facilities Acres 62.87
County Parks and Facilities
29 Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical
127
Garden
30 Arcadia Community Regional Park 52
31 Peck Road Water Conservation Park 120
32 Santa Anita Golf Course 147
Total County Parks and Facilities 446
GROSS TOTAL PARKS and RECREATIONAL FACILITY
680.34
ACREAGE
Parks and Recreational Facilties Deducted 4 545.21
NET TOTAL PARKS and RECREATIONAL FACILITY
135.13
ACREAGE
Notes::
1
120 acres represents the gross total of park acreage; only 8.7 acres of parkland is improved,
111.13 acres are unimproved
2
Per 2007 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 1.8 acres are dedicated to park use and 4.09
acres are of school recreational facilities
3
Per 2007 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 4.35 acres are dedicated to park use and 2.42
acres are of school recreational facilities
4
Per Table PR-2: Area Deducted from Arcadia Parkland Inventory
Source: City of Arcadia Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2007 and Los Angeles County
Department of Parks and Recreation.

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7-8 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 9

Sierra Madre
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Ci ty P arks Parks Outs ide City Ba s e M a p F e a t u r e s

Mini Parks 33 - Sierra Madre Park City Boundary General Plan Residential Land Uses
Neighborhood Parks Sphere of Influence
34 - Sierra Vista Park
Freeway
Community Parks 35 - Michillinda Park Railroad
Joint-Use Parks and Facilities 36 - Temple City Park City Road Figure PR-1: Parks and
County Parks and Facilities Water Feature
37 - Live Oak Park Recreational Facilities
locations
Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-9
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7-10 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Special Use Parks
Special use parks are recreational facilities designed for a unique purpose.
Although some special use parks have limited accessibility due to usage or
reservation fees, these parks supplement local recreational opportunities
by providing specific recreational facilities that meet specialized
community needs. Bonita Skate Park has 10,700 square feet of concrete
for skateboarders and skaters to practice their skills and take classes.
Arcadia’s 18-hole par-3 golf course and the Los Angeles County owned and
operated Santa Anita golf course are available to anyone paying the
greens fees. Both golf courses have banquet halls, snack bars, and golf
practice facilities.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a major

regional destination in the San Gabriel Valley. The Arboretum, once part
of the Lucky Baldwin estate, is a 127-acre botanical garden and historical
site that contains a wide array of plants and vegetation and several
significant historic structures. The Arboretum hosts numerous special
events throughout the year such as outdoor concerts, educational tours,
and plant shows. The historic structures are discussed in the Cultural
Resources and Preservation section below.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-11
Park Facility Standards and
Service Area
In 2007, the City prepared a Parks and Recreation Master Plan and
adopted its first park standards to establish defined objectives for meeting
park needs in the future. In the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the City
established a citywide goal of providing 2.43 acres of parkland per 1,000
residents.2

Although all parks and recreation facilties and open spaces are important
components to the quality of life of Arcadians, certain recreation areas
cannot be counted toward developed parkland because either: 1) they are
not developed or maintained by the City of Arcadia, such as County parks
located within the City, or 2) they pose access issues to residents such as a
usage fee for entering or restrictions on the availability of use, or are open
space lands that are unimproved and cannot be utilized. As a result, the
park facility standard excludes certain facilities (see Table PR-2). Also,
although the City has joint-use agreements with Arcadia Unified School
District for the use of its facilities, the facilities are shared by private groups
as well, limiting full access. Thus, the inventory of available parks/open
space includes a 50 percent reduction of the total joint-use facilities
acreage. In the Master Plan, every one acre of unimproved land has been
assigned an equivalent of 0.59 acres of improved parkland.

Table PR-2: Area Deducted From Arcadia Parkland Inventory

Facility Name Deducted Acres

Excluded Inventory
Joint-Use Facilities 28.351
Arcadia Wilderness Park 45.42
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden 127
Santa Anita Golf Course 147
Arcadia Community Regional Park 52
Peck Road Water Conservation Park 120
Par-3 Golf Course 25.46
Total Excluded Inventory 545.21
1
Acreage amount reflects a 50% reduction of total joint-use facilities acres to account for limited
availability.
2
Acreage reflects partial conversion of unimproved acres to improved acreage, as calculated in the Parks
and Recreation Master Plan, 2007.
Source: City of Arcadia Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2007 and Los Angeles County Department of
Parks and Recreation.

2
Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Table 3.2: Park Facilities Existing Standard, June
2007.
7-12 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
With the above assumptions, the City has calculated a parkland inventory
of 135.13 acres. Based on a 2009 population estimate of 56,547 persons,3
Arcadia provides 2.38 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, slightly below
the goal of 2.43 acres.

To address the deficit and anticipate a modest population increase over

time, the City will expand the definition of “park space” to include public
plazas and gathering places that will be provided in Downtown. Also,
wherever opportunities exist to add acreage to established parks, they will
be pursued.

Access to park facilities is also an important measure of quality park

service. While recognizing the importance of acreage standards to
measure progress toward goals, the City is also focused on locating parks
so that all residents have easy access. Service area standards
recommended by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA)
indicate that a park typically should cover a one-quarter to one-half- mile
service area radius, depending on the size and function of the park. The
NRPA guidelines diagrammed in Figure PR-2 have been applied to City-
owned park facilities and joint-use facilities listed in Table PR-1. The same
facilities that were excluded from the Park Facility Standard calculation
have also been omitted from the analysis of park facility service areas.

Based on this standard, several residential areas in Arcadia can be

considered underserved. Notably, residential neighborhoods along the
western edge of the City do not have ready access to any City-owned
parks. Thus, while Arcadia is close to achieving its goals for providing
parkland acreage, that acreage is concentrated in large park and open
space areas; parks are not optimally located and distributed. However,
several parks and recreation facilities owned and operated by the County
or adjacent cities are near City boundaries. The use and enjoyment of
these parks are shared by both Arcadians and residents of adjacent
communities. Figure PR-1 shows parks and recreation facilities that
although are not part of Arcadia’s inventory, nonetheless are used by
Arcadia residents.

Although private open space and facilities supplement public recreational

spaces, these private amenities are not accessible to the general public
and thus are not included as local resources.

3
State of California, Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities,
Counties and the State, 2001-2009.
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7-14 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 Sierra Madre
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Grandview Av

Santa Anita Av
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Sierra Madre Blvd

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California Av
Mayflower Av
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Joint-Use Facilities Park Service Areas City Boundary

Public Parks Sphere of Influence
Note: Freeway
Private Parks
- Mini Parks (1/4 mile radius) Railroad
General Plan Residential Land Uses 1/4 1/2 1 2 - Neighborhood Parks (1/2 mile radius) Major Road
Outside of Park Service Areas - Special Parks (1 mile radius) Water Feature
- County Owned/Operated Park & Facilities (1-2 mile radius)

Figure PR-2: Park facilities Service Areas

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7-16 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Park Facilities Acquisition and
Maintenance
Funding
Consistent funding sources are needed to maintain Arcadia’s parks and
provide new public open space and recreation areas. The City has
established a Parks and Recreation fund and imposes an assessment at the
issuance of a building permit for all new residential construction. The funds
are used for the acquisition and improvement of public parks and
playgrounds.

Maintenance and Rehabilitation

In 2000, the City conducted a Playground Safety Audit and Parks
Infrastructure Analysis. The analysis was used to establish the Fifteen-Year
Parks Rehabilitation Master Plan, approved in 2001, for renovation of
existing park sites and playground equipment. The Master Plan establishes
City policy direction to bring the facilities up to the high standards the
community expects.

Innovative Use of Spaces for Parks and

Recreation Activities
Undeveloped space for future parks and recreation facilities is virtually
unavailable in Arcadia. However, innovative uses and design of projects For additional
can help provide supplemental public open spaces and recreational areas. discussion of the use of
Easements can work as linear parks, where walking, jogging, and bike trails utility easements as an
option for creating a
can connect neighborhoods to parks, schools, and shopping areas. Plazas
network of bicycle and
and courtyards in private developments and streetscapes with street
pedestrian trails, see
furniture and landscape areas can double as passive recreation space in the Circulation and
urban areas of Arcadia. These areas can act as informal gathering spots Infrastructure Element.
and places that can be programmed for community events, similar to the
popular summer concerts that are held on the Civic Center lawn. Arcadia
will seek to work with private developers and owners of utility and similar
easement to jointly plan, design, and develop active and passive open
spaces for community benefit.

Open Space Resources

Parks are considered developed open space. However, as noted above,
open space also includes places where biological resources can be
preserved and protected, and places used for the managed production of
natural resources, such as groundwater recharge basins. Undeveloped or
protected open spaces give residents access to nature, create boundaries
for urban growth, absorb storm water, and can provide opportunities for
recreation. Arcadia’s location adjacent to the Angeles National Forest and

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-17
the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains balance the urban character of
the City with a natural environment.

Arcadia Wilderness Park

Arcadia Wilderness Park is a natural open space park located in the San
Gabriel Mountains in north Arcadia. The park’s 120 acres offer places for
hiking and picnicking. Visitors can experience and learn more about the
important ecological functions of
this natural space by visiting the
nature center and pond. The
2007 Parks and Recreation
Master Plan identified the
Arcadia Wilderness Park as
needing renovations, with many
of the facilities in the park
outdated and non-compliant
with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). The
Master Plan indicates that
expansion of the Wilderness
Park nature center would
accommodate more exhibits and
programmable space.

Peck Road Water Conservation Park

Located at the southeast corner of the City along the Rio Hondo River,
Peck Road Water Conservation Park, managed by Los Angeles County,
has approximately 120 acres of open space. While the primary park
functions are to facilitate groundwater recharge and provide flood control
capabilities, Arcadia residents can visit the park for hiking, fishing, and bird
watching.

Goals and Policies

While Arcadia has varied park facilities and other usable open space
resources, parks are not well distributed throughout the community; many
residential neighborhoods do not have ready access to even small-scale
parks. Thus, the planning priority regarding parks is to pursue innovative
strategies to create new park, recreation, and public spaces, and to
provide better access to existing parks by pedestrian, bicycle, and transit
linkages. In more densely developed areas such as Downtown or along
Baldwin Avenue, this space may take the form of public plazas or similar
areas where residents can gather. Creative design and joint or multiple
uses of spaces are examples of methods the City will explore, including
joint-use arrangements with private entities, the County, and neighboring
jurisdictions.

7-18 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Goal pR-1: Providing superior parks, public spaces, and
recreation facilities to meet the community’s
evolving needs

Policy PR-1.1: Maintain a system of City parks and recreation

facilities that provide a variety of active and
passive recreational opportunities throughout
the City.

Policy PR-1.2: Strive to provide a minimum of 2.43 acres of

parkland per 1,000 residents.

Policy PR-1.3: Provide park and recreation facilities that are

appropriate for the individual neighborhoods in
which they are located, reflect the needs and
interests of the population they serve, and meet
the performance standards identified in the
General Plan.

Policy PR-1.4: Require parkland dedications, provision of on-

site usable public space, and/or payment of in-
lieu fees for development projects involving new
residential construction.

Policy PR-1.5: Maximize public space by requiring plazas and

similar spaces in private developments that can
serve multiple uses, including recreation and
public gathering areas.

Policy PR-1.6: Prioritize acquisition of land for parks in

neighborhoods that are underserved (Figure
PR-2).

Policy PR-1.7: Locate new community facilities in

neighborhoods and centers where they will
serve populations of the greatest needs.

Policy PR-1.8: Explore opportunities to create joint-use

community space at facilities owned by private
organizations such as faith-based groups,
service clubs, banks, and hospitals.

Policy PR-1.9: Continue to coordinate with the Arcadia Unified

School District to supplement City park facilities
through joint-use agreements.

Policy PR-1.10: Explore the conversion of marginal lands, such

as street corridors, parkways, and public
property between buildings to serve as
recreation and green spaces.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-19
 Policy PR-1.11: Work with neighboring communities and County
agencies to establish joint use of park and
recreation facilities, and to preserve open space
resources, including trails that may lie outside
the City’s jurisdiction but which are important to
meet the demands of Arcadia residents.

Policy PR-1.12: Maintain and enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and

transit linkages to provide better access to
parks, recreation, and public spaces and meet
the needs of Arcadia residents.

Policy PR-1.13: Improve existing park and recreation facilities

pursuant to the Fifteen-Year Parks
Rehabilitation Master Plan.

Policy PR-1.14: Periodically adjust and update development fee

programs to accumulate funds for the
acquisition and improvement of parks and
recreation facilities commensurate with
identified need.

Policy PR-1.15: Incorporate flexible design characteristics into

the renovation of existing and development of
new parks and community facilities.

Policy PR-1.16: Perform regular maintenance of facilities to

ensure proper working order of all recreation
facilities and equipment.

Policy PR-1.17: Develop, obtain, and install recommended

equipment and facilities as described in the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Policy PR-1.18: Develop additional indoor facilities for senior

citizens, youth, and overall community use.

Policy PR-1.19: Retrofit, when feasible, parks and recreation

facilities to provide disability access.

Policy PR-1.20: Design and re-design parks to reflect the latest

recreational features that are responsive to
population trends and community needs.

Goal PR-2: Preserving open space resources to meet the

City’s recreation and conservation needs

Policy PR-2.1: Coordinate with Los Angeles County to ensure

the preservation and maintenance of the Peck
Road Water Conservation Park as a multi-use
facility, including recreation uses.

7-20 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 Policy PR-2.2: Coordinate with Los Angeles County to
investigate the long-term possibility of multi-use
functions for the Santa Anita sediment basins.

Policy PR-2.3: Maintain and enhance the trail system in

Wilderness Park to provide connections to lands
and open space resources in adjacent
jurisdictions.

Policy PR-2.4: Maximize the retention of natural open spaces

within any hillside development projects.

Policy PR-2.5: Maintain open space features that are critical

components of the City’s flood control system.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-21
Maintaining the Urban
Forest
The trees along Arcadia’s
boulevards and throughout the
residential neighborhoods create an
“urban forest” that enhances the
aesthetic quality of the City. The
trees also provide cooling shade,
absorb greenhouse gases and help
clean the air, increase property
values, and control soil erosion. The
urban forest is comprised of street
trees, trees on parks and other
public lands, and trees on private
properties throughout Arcadia. Arcadia has been designated as a “Tree
City USA,”4 meeting these four standards: 1) having a tree department or
board, 2) adopting a tree care ordinance, 3) maintaining a community
forestry program with a budget of at least $2 per capita, and 4) having an
Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Public Trees
Public trees are trees on public property, including those in City parks,
within street medians and along parkways, and on other public properties.
Public trees add character to the neighborhoods and distinguish Arcadia
as a tree city. The City maintains more than 17,000 public trees. The
Municipal Code includes an entire chapter devoted to a comprehensive The Community Design
public tree management program, and the City has adopted a street tree section of the Land Use and
Community Design Element
master plan that regulates the types of trees planted.
discusses other public
landscaping and
Residents often perceive that parkway trees (those in landscaped areas beautification efforts of
between a sidewalk and a street, within any landscaped public right-of-way Arcadia.
adjacent to a private property, or if no parkway exists, typically the area
within 12 feet from the curb or edge of pavement) are private trees, with
maintenance the responsibility of the homeowner or business owner.
However, Municipal Code provisions clearly spell out City versus property
owner responsibilities and City objectives for “conserving and enhancing
the distinctive and unique aesthetic character of many areas in the City”
through the street tree program. 5

4
“Tree Cities in California.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed September 3, 2009.
<http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/treecities.cfm?chosenstate=Cal
ifornia>.
5
Arcadia Municipal Code, Article IX, Chapter 8 – Comprehensive Tree
Management Program.
7-22 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Landmark
Trees
In 1992 the City Council
adopted an ordinance
recognizing oak trees as
significant aesthetic and
ecological resources. The
ordinance established
criteria for the preservation
of oak trees. The
regulations (Article IX,
Chapter 7 of the Arcadia Municipal Code) provides that Engelmann Oak,
Coast Live Oak, California Live Oak, and any other living oak trees shall
not be removed, relocated, damaged, or have their protected zones
encroached upon unless an Oak Tree Permit is granted.

Goals and Policies

With programs firmly in place to preserve Arcadia’s status as a Tree City
USA, planning priorities regarding the urban forest focus on maintaining
those policies and programs that allow trees to continue to make a
significant contribution to the overall community aesthetic.

Goal PR-3: Ensuring that trees and the urban forest make
a continuing and significant contribution to
community character

Policy PR-3.1: Provide consistent funding for the street tree

program reflective of the importance of the
urban forest to community aesthetics and the
environment.

Policy PR-3.2: Heighten public awareness regarding the City’s

Street Tree Master Plan and comprehensive
tree management program.

Policy PR-3.3: Strive to be business friendly regarding the

planting and maintenance of street trees in
business districts without compromising overall
City objectives regarding public landscaping
and community aesthetics.

Policy PR-3.4: Continue to use the Arcadia Tree Commission

or any successor advisory group to further City
objectives regarding public trees.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-23
 Policy PR-3.5: Require that new private and public
developments incorporate trees in a manner
that maximizes the utility of trees for passive
cooling, screening, carbon sequestration,
erosion and runoff control, and integration of
landscape design into the overall design of the
development.

Policy PR-3.6: Ensure that existing mature trees on private

property are considered in the planning and
development process and are retained to the
greatest extent feasible.

7-24 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Recreation and
Community Services
Facilities and Programs
Recreation and community services facilities and programs contribute
substantially to the social, mental, and physical well-being of community
members; they also foster an inclusive community by providing places and
activities where people of all ages and backgrounds can engage. Arcadia
has long history of sponsoring community programs and events that
respond to the specific recreation and social service interests and needs of
all residents, with programs constantly adjusted to reflect changing
demographics. Many activities occur at the community centers and parks,
although joint-use agreements have expanded the opportunities to meet
community needs. Through the provision of quality community facilities and
programs, the City promotes active engagement that improves residents’
health, responds to basic human needs, involves people in volunteer work,
and brings together people of diverse backgrounds.

Community Facilities
The Community Center and other facilities host many social, cultural, and
civic activities. These facilities provide venues for annual events such as
the Holiday Festival at the Community Center and the Summer Concert
Series on the City Hall Lawn, as well as small community programs such as
computer training and exercise classes. These events support culture and
entertainment in the City and build community bonds.

Arcadia has a single community center/senior center that provides multi-

purpose space for recreation, enrichment, and educational classes and
activities. The center is available to local civic and non-profit organizations
for activities and programs that contribute to the social, cultural, human
service, recreational, and civic needs and interests of Arcadia residents.
Demands on this single facility are significant; thus, the City Library,
facilities at Arcadia Park, and local school campuses are used to expand
program capacity. As described in the 2007 Parks and Recreation Master
Plan, the City will continue to pursue creative ways of supplementing
community center spaces and alleviate demand by retrofitting facilities to
serve multiple functions, developing new facilities when feasible, and
exploring the use of underutilized commercial spaces for community use.

Arcadia’s population, like much of the rest of the country, is expected to

age. This factor, combined with increasing adult interest in sports and
enrichment programs the City offers, will put increased demand on limited
community facilities, particularly those that serve senior residents. Many
local non-profit and faith-based organizations provide activities and
services in their own facilities, and these facilities represent a possible

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-25
resource for joint use. Other potential locations that can be explored for
shared use include Santa Anita Park, including any subsequent private
development on race track properties, and the regional mall. At many
indoor malls throughout the country, groups of walkers have organized
activities, and theaters are available for classroom space.

The Recreation and Community Services Department’s 2006 Strategic

Plan complements the Parks and Recreation Master Plan by identifying
priorities for the development of facilities. Facilities cited as a need include
a performance arts theater, a community gymnasium, and a youth center.
In 2008, the City Council and the Arcadia Unified School District Board
agreed to a joint project to construct a joint-use gymnasium at Dana
Middle School. Priorities within the Strategic Plan will continually be
evaluated as opportunities arise.

Table PR-3: Community and Cultural Facilities

Table PR-3: Community
Facility Name Location and Cultural Facilities
lists all the facilities
Community Centers
available to residents
Community Center/Senior Center 365 Campus Drive within Arcadia.
Specific discussion of
Civic Center 240 W. Huntington Drive cultural facilities is
Cultural Facilities located in the Cultural
Resources and
Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum 380 W. Huntington Drive Preservation section
Santa Anita Park 285 W. Huntington Drive which follows.

Los Angeles County Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Avenue

Arcadia Wilderness Park Nature Center 2240 Highland Oaks Drive
Libraries
City of Arcadia Public Library 20 W. Duarte Road
Los Angeles County Library - Live Oak Branch 4153 E. Live Oak Avenue

7-26 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 Figure PR-3: Community/Cultural Facilities in Arcadia
Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-27
Recreation and Community
Services
The Recreation and Community Services Department has the chief
responsibility of developing and running recreation and related programs,
with advisory support from two City commissions: the Recreation and Parks
Commission and the Senior Citizens’ Commission. Together with these
volunteer commissions, the Department manages programs and activities
that meet the needs of the community.

Popular activities include active

sports; drop-in programs for youth,
teens, and seniors; and special
family events. Most classes are
fee-based programs, although
some programs are free. The
Youth Opportunity Grant
Program, funded by the federal
Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Program, provides
resources for low-income residents
to participate in Recreation and
Community Services activities,
classes, and excursions that they
may not otherwise afford. In
addition to the collaboration with
the Arcadia Unified School
District, the Department works with the Arcadia Library and Museum
Services Department for joint programs, class space, and shared resources.

The key concern of the Department is ensuring that programs respond to

changing community desires and needs. As noted above, an aging
population and increased adult interest in Arcadia’s programs will require
the City to continually assess and adjust programs, and to make sure that
appropriate facilities are available to support those programs. Also, in
times of financial challenge, the City may find it necessary to reduce
spending on non-essential community programs and services or to adjust
user fees.

Meeting the Needs of Senior Residents

The Senior Citizen Services Division of the Recreation and Community
Services Department organizes recreation programs directed at Arcadia’s
senior residents (50 years and older). For residents 65 years of age and
older, more extensive programs are offered to foster social interaction,
stimulate minds, and keep seniors in good physical health. Programs
include lectures, workshops, dances, fitness activities, dinners, travel and
social clubs, classes, games, and special events. Seniors also can receive
health screenings, and counseling is available to promote seniors’
independence by providing access to information, assistance, and

7-28 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
knowledge of resources that can help them live at home. The Arcadia
Community Center is the hub of activity for senior programs.

Arcadia’s Youth
The Youth Master Plan, which the City updates as needed, assesses the
recreation needs of Arcadia’s youth and identifies what types of programs,
facilities, and funding are needed to accommodate those needs. Typical
programs include:

ƒ Tots Classes: The variety of classes range from pee wee sports to
dance classes and tumbling classes geared towards teaching
children basic physical skills.

ƒ Youth-Oriented Programs: Youth programs respond to the needs

of youth to stay engaged during non-school hours in productive
activities, and accommodate and encourage their diverse interests.
The City offers such activities as martial arts classes, dance classes,
instructional sports classes, organized intramural sports leagues,
and day camps.

ƒ After-School Programs: The Arcadia Recreation and Community

Services Department offers after-school programs at the
elementary, middle, and high school levels that offer recreational
activities for participants. All elementary schools offer a free drop-
in program for children in grades 1 through 5 that include organized
recreation.

ƒ Drop-In Zone: The Arcadia Recreation and Community Services

Department has a free drop-in program at the City’s Public Library
for youth in grades 6 through 8. The program offers indoor and
outdoor programs, including sports, crafts, table games, and video
games.

ƒ Apache Pit: Students in high school can participate in the Apache

Pit, a free after school drop-in program courtesy of the Arcadia
Recreation and Community Services Department.

ƒ Private Organizations: In addition to programs and recreational

resources devoted to the City’s youth, numerous private
organizations provide programs for youth. Examples include, Little
League and Pony Baseball, Arcadia Youth Basketball, Junior All
American Football, AYSO (soccer), and Arcadia Indian
Cheerleading, programs offered by the Boy and Girl Scouts, and
Youth Ministry, among others.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-29
Goals and Policies
The City recognizes that public/public and public/private partnerships will
continue to be the best means of providing places and programs for the
community to engage. With the senior population projected to grow,
longer-term needs will likely include expanded facilities and programs
geared toward this population. Other priority needs have been identified
in the Department of Recreation and Community Services 2006 Strategic
Plan, including more after-school activities for youth (given parents’ work
demands), recreation programs for adults, and development of new
facilities such as multi-purpose community facility, a community gymnasium,
and a performing arts center. In conjunction with meeting long-term facility
needs, the City recognizes the need to continually maintain existing
community events, activities, and programs, and to develop and promote
new ones to meet the changing needs and demands of Arcadians.

Goal PR-4: A network of City, school, and private

community facilities that provides spaces for
recreation, education, enrichment, and social
service programs

Policy PR-4.1: Maintain the Arcadia Community Center in

superior condition so that it can meet diverse
community needs.

Policy PR-4.2: Look for opportunities to provide additional

City-owned community facilities, such as
performance space, a gymnasium, or multi-
purpose building, which can provide additional
space for emerging and evolving community
needs. Examine how such facilities might be
incorporated onto the grounds surrounding City
Hall and the Police Station.

Policy PR-4.3: Strengthen joint-use agreements with the

Arcadia Unified School District and Los Angeles
County to expand the types of local facilities
that can be available to the community.

Policy PR-4.4: Partner with non-profit and faith-based

organizations for the use of their facilities and
their use of City buildings.

Policy PR-4.5: Investigate opportunities for partnering with

commercial entities for the development and
use of private spaces for City-sponsored
activities and events.

7-30 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 Policy PR-4.6: Provide greater access for community and
cultural organizations to community centers and
cultural facilities.

Policy PR-4.7: Prioritize the development of needed facilities,

such as a multi-purpose facility, as described in
Arcadia’s Department of Recreation and
Community Services 2006 Strategic Plan.

Goal PR-5: Recreation, education, enrichment, and social

service programs that respond to a broad
range of community interests, promote
healthy lifestyles, and meet the needs, desires,
and interests of the Arcadia community

Policy PR-5.1: Continue funding City-sponsored programs that

are produced and operated by the Recreation
and Community Services Department.

Policy PR-5.2: Monitor community interests and desires for

programs on a consistent basis, and craft
programs to respond to identified needs.
Engage the community in assessments of
needed programs.

Policy PR-5.3: Expand community programming activities and

services.

Policy PR-5.4: Encourage community involvement in programs

and activities that create a shared identity and
attract a diverse audience.

Policy PR-5.5: Provide quality service to the community

through City departments’ management
philosophy, structure, and employees.

Policy PR-5.6: Continue to support senior residents’ needs

through recreational, educational, and
supportive programs.

Policy PR-5.7: Support the needs of Arcadia’s youth to engage

in recreation and education, and expand
opportunities for youth to be involved as
volunteers in a multitude of programs.

Policy PR-5.8: Incorporate these core values into the planning

framework for the future:

ƒ Inclusivity
ƒ Accessibility
ƒ Diversity of experience

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-31
 ƒ Spirituality
ƒ Lifelong Learning
ƒ Service to community
ƒ Environmental stewardship
ƒ Personal development
ƒ Healthy lifestyles
ƒ Professional growth
ƒ Fun and celebration

Policy PR-5.9: Work with community sports leagues and

organizations to support offering diverse
recreation programs that supplement those of
the City.

7-32 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Educational Resources
Education occurs throughout our lives. Even after we have completed high
school or college or training in a technical trade to prepare us for careers,
we continue to learn as adults for personal enrichment and professional
growth. As older or retired residents, we find continued learning important
for adapting to changed life circumstances or connecting with younger
generations. A community that values and
promotes education and learning benefits its
residents and businesses. An educated
community contributes to economic success, and
keeps youth and adults engaged in productive
activities. High-quality schools and libraries
provide a positive learning environment, and a
high-quality educational system positively
influences the future of Arcadia’s children and
the City itself. Arcadians value education, as
seen in the investment in the Arcadia Unified
School District and local private schools and
residents’ participation in educational programs
sponsored by the City.

School Facilities
The Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) provides academic services to
most City residents, with portions of neighborhoods along the east and
south City boundaries lying within the Pasadena Unified, Temple City
Unified, El Monte City, El Monte High School, and Monrovia Unified school
districts. AUSD receives consistent recognition for high academic
achievement, and AUSD schools have the reputation of providing quality,
academically challenging educational programs that result in high student
achievement. On standardized tests, Arcadia students consistently score
well above State and national averages. Many people cite AUSD schools as
a key reason for moving to Arcadia.

In addition to its core mission to educate Arcadia’s youth, AUSD and the
City have partnered to make available school recreation and enrichment
programs and facilities to supplement those of the City. Success in all local
districts has been facilitated by considerable community involvement of
parent groups such as Parent Teacher Associations, booster clubs, the
Intercultural Committee within the AUSD, and music clubs.

AUSD serves a student population (grades kindergarten through 12) of

approximately 10,000 youth, and has six elementary schools, three middle
schools, and one high school (see Figure PR-4). Table PR-4 lists the AUSD
schools that serve Arcadia. Students from neighboring cities can also
attend AUSD schools on a space-available basis through interdistrict
transfers. In addition to AUSD, five neighboring school districts also serve
students in Arcadia (see Figure PR-5). Schools within districts other than

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-33
AUSD that have enrollment areas within Arcadia or the sphere of influence
are Rio Hondo School and Clemison Elementary (El Monte School District);
Arroyo High (El Monte High School District); Plymouth Elementary, Santa
Fe Middle, and Monrovia High (Monrovia Unified School District); Field
Elementary, Willard Elementary, Wilson Middle, Pasadena High, and Blair
High (Pasadena Unified School District); and Longden Elementary, Emperor
Elementary, Temple City High, and Oak Avenue Intermediate (Temple City
Unified School District).

School overcrowding and strains on classrooms have been concerns in

many districts, particularly following class size reductions in the K-3 grades
to 20 students (which allows students in these critical primary years to
receive more focused attention). AUSD has not experienced critical
overcrowding conditions and has capacity to accommodate growth that
may result from long-term implementation of General Plan land use policy.

In addition to public schools, Arcadia is home to many private schools,

including Arcadia Christian School (K-8), Barnhart School (K-8), Holy
Angels Elementary (K-8), and Rio Hondo Preparatory (6-12).

Adult Education
Adult education programs achieve many purposes: providing education
opportunities for people who did not have access earlier in life, creating
paths to supplement job skills, allowing adults to make a career transition,
or for personal development/betterment. The City supports such programs
for its mature residents in recognition that well-rounded and well-educated
adults can attain better job satisfaction, economic security, and personal
fulfillment.

The Recreation and Community Services Department offers classes for

adults that change frequently, ranging from art and music to basic life skills.
AUSD sponsors the Community-Based English Tutoring program, a
program that provides free or subsidized classes to adults wishing to learn
the English language. Arcadia Public Library offers the Learning Lab, a
program supported by the Arcadia Public Library Foundation, which allows
residents to improve their computer and online skills. In addition, the
Library co-sponsors a weekly English conversation class for people looking
to improve their communication skills.

7-34 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
 Figure PR-4: AUSD School locations

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-35
 Sierra Madre
Elkins Av

Grandview Av

Santa Anita Av
Monrovia

Dr
Baldwin Av
Sierra Madre Blvd

s
d
t B lv

Oa k
r es
Hillc
Orange Grove Av
Pasadena

v
Myrtle Av

n dA
Gr a
Highland
Foothill Blvd
Foothill Blvd

Mountain Av
FOOTHILL FRWY

5th Av
r
Vaquero D

Old Ranch Rd

Harvard Dr Colorado Blvd

California Av
Mayflower Av
Pal o Co
Michillinda Av

lo
Rosemead Blvd

Santa Anita Av
m a ra d
Pasadena Dr oP
Huntington Dr
l
Unified
School District
Hug o Reid Dr
r D
Av

ton

FOOTHILL FRWY
ng
Baldwin Av
st

n ti
We

Hu

Arcadia Unified
n
Go ld e

School District Campus Dr

Du ar te
Rd
Sun set Blv d

Rd

10th Av
Du ar te
2nd Av

Los Angeles
Camino Real County
Temple City
Santa Anita Av
El Monte Av

Unified School
Holly Av

6th Av

District

Longden Av
Monrovia Unified
Longden
Av
School District
Tem pl e
Rosemead Blvd

City Blvd

Temple City Av e
Live O ak
Las Tunas Dr Irwindale

El Monte City School &

Live Oa
k Av e High School District
El M on

Ol ive St
Ba ld win

Av te
Encinita Av

Av

Rdk
Pec

Y
W
FR
EL

Lowe r Azusa
I

Mapped by: Hogle-Ireland Inc., 2010.

BR

Rd
GA

Data Sources: City of Arcadia, 2008.

N

El Monte
SA

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 Feet

Scho ol Districts in Arcadia Ba se M ap Fea ture s

Arcadia Unified School District City Boundary
Pasadena Unified School District Sphere of Influence
El Monte City School and High School District Freeway
Monrovia Unified School District Railroad
Temple City Unified School District City Road
Water Feature

Figure PR-5: School Districts in arcadia

7-36 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
Table PR-4: School Facilities

Facility Name Enrollment (2008) Joint-Use Amenities

AUSD - High School (Grades 9-12):
Provides athletic facilities, with amenities
including a lighted baseball and softball
Arcadia High School 3,628 Students field, multipurpose fields, tennis courts,
swimming pools, all weather track,
basketball courts, and football field.
AUSD – Middle Schools (Grades 6-8):
Dana Middle School 835 Students Lighted multi-purpose field, basketball courts
First Avenue Middle Semi-lighted multi-purpose field, basketball
810 Students
School courts
860 Students Football and multipurpose field, track,
Foothills Middle School
baseball field, and basketball courts

AUSD – Elementary Schools (Grades K-5):

Baldwin Stocker Picnic table, baseball diamond, basketball
609 Students
Elementary School courts, multi-purpose athletic field
Tennis courts with lighting, play area, picnic
Camino Grove
shelter, picnic tables, benches, walkway,
Elementary School and 660 Students
baseball diamond, concession and storage
Park
buildings, and basketball courts
Highland Oaks Picnic table, barbeque, multi-purpose
662 Students
Elementary athletic field, basketball courts
Holly Avenue Tennis courts with lighting, multipurpose
689 Students
Elementary School athletic field, basketball courts, benches
Tennis courts, multipurpose field, baseball
Hugo Reid Elementary
595 Students diamond with bleachers, concession, play
School and Park
area, and batting cage
Longley Way Baseball diamond, multipurpose athletic
488 Students
Elementary School field, basketball courts
Source: Arcadia Unified School District

Public Libraries
Libraries are repositories of knowledge and community and cultural assets.
People have access to countless volumes—either in traditional book or
journal form or via the internet—that provide knowledge on any possible
topic a person may wish to learn. Libraries often are also the venue for
cultural programs and provide community space for civic engagement.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-37
City of Arcadia Library
Arcadia has had its own library since 1920, when the former Los Angeles
County Library branch in the City became one of Arcadia’s great civic
resources. The Arcadia Public Library building now on West Duarte Road
was built in 1961 and modernized in 1996 to accommodate expanded
community needs. This 48,000-square-foot facility contains over 190,000
items, from books, magazines, and periodicals to compact discs, digital
video discs, video and audio cassettes, and other electronic resources
available on the Library’s website. Visitors may use computers and other
media in the Tech Center to
access the internet, research,
and share information. During
the school year, local school
children are frequent after-
school visitors, and during the
summer, they come to
participate in summer reading
programs. The Library offers
many programs and activities
that cater to children, youth,
and adults.

Included in the building is a

much-used auditorium with a
seating capacity of 200
persons. The auditorium is
regularly used for Library and
other City department
programs, and is also
available to community
groups.

The Arcadia Library and Museum Services Department works with the
Recreation and Community Services Department on joint programs, class
space, and shared resources. The Library’s history collection is discussed in
the Cultural Resources and Preservation section that follows.

According to the California State Library’s 2009 Library Statistics, the

statewide mean of providing print materials (books, documents, and serial
volumes) is approximately two print materials per capita. The Arcadia
Public Library exceeds the statewide average, providing 3.51 printed
materials per capita.

Los Angeles County Library - Live Oak

Branch
The 2,890-square-foot Live Oak branch of the Los Angeles County Library
system has a collection that is primarily a popular reading collection, with a
significant collection of children’s books and viewing and listening

7-38 | Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Arcadia General Plan - November 2010
materials. The library’s collection consists of approximately 55,500 items
that include books, paperbacks, magazine, and newspaper titles. The
library has 16 shelves dedicated to Spanish-language material and 35
shelves of materials in Chinese.

Goals and Policies

Promoting quality educational facilities and programs is a priority for the
City, as they reflect the value the community places on education. The
City will encourage and foster increased coordination and communication
with the AUSD and other school districts serving local residents to enhance
and maintain a high quality of educational resources for residents, and to
provide cooperative programs that reach residents of all ages. Arcadia will
continue to require new development to provide appropriate mitigation for
impacts on school and library services.

Goal PR-6: Continued superior educational facilities and

resources for residents of all ages and
backgrounds

Policy PR-6.1: Maintain effective lines of communication with

the Arcadia Unified School District and other
districts serving Arcadia residents to address
school planning and financing issues.

Policy PR-6.2: Require that new development provide

adequate mitigation for impacts on area
schools as provided in State law.

Policy PR-6.3: Coordinate closely with the Arcadia Unified

School District on an ongoing basis to resolve
issues such as expanding the joint use of
facilities and the use of vacant or underutilized
school sites.

Policy PR-6.4: Support the development of educational

curriculum designed to enhance student
awareness of their community.

Policy PR-6.5: Support life-long learning for adults through

computer training, programs, and library
collections.

Policy PR-6.6: Use development impact fees to fund City

Library facilities, equipment, and programs that
are needed as a result of new development
projects.

Arcadia General Plan – November 2010 Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources | 7-39
Goal PR-7: A library system that continues to provide a
superior level of educational, informational,
and cultural services for the Arcadia
community

Policy PR-7.1: Provide access to materials and services that

meet the educational, informational, historical,
and language- and cultural-specific interests of
the community.

Policy PR-7.2: Maintain, enhance, and promote the Arcadia

Library as an important central resource for
informational materials, life-long learning, and
personal development.

Policy PR-7.3: Provide up-to-date library and data technology

and information systems to assist with the use
and delivery of materials, services, collections,
programs, and exhibits.

Policy PR-7.4: Provide adequate library and museum facilities

for collections, exhibitions, programs, and
services.

Policy PR-7.5: Facilitate public access via the library to public

information at all levels of government.

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Cultural Resources and
Preservation
The appreciation of and exposure to the arts and history help people
celebrate their shared and unique heritage and culture, and promote a
greater understanding of the rich diversity of the community. Arcadia
maintains arts and culture venues that celebrate the City’s rich heritage
and that provide a place where residents can share their appreciation for
visual and performing arts. The support of these resources has been
achieved through a combination of City programs, societies, volunteers,
and both private and public sector support.

Cultural/Historic Organizations
and Facilities
Multiple cultural and historic venues celebrate the City’s traditions and
heritage. These places are a source for community enrichment and add to
the special quality that distinguishes Arcadia. Also, many local
organizations have established missions focused on increasing public
awareness and interest in Arcadia history and culture.

Arcadia’s History
Vestiges of Arcadia’s colorful history can be seen throughout the City. The
Santa Anita Depot, one of the original train stations that brought visitors to
Santa Anita Ranch in the 1900s, has been relocated to the Los Angeles
County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Arcadia Grammar School, which
was established to serve the first generations of Arcadians in 1907, has
slowly transformed over the years and is still educating Arcadians today as
First Avenue Middle School. Knowledge and awareness of the people,
places, and events that have helped shape Arcadia are important to
preservation efforts. Understanding our history and knowing the
contributions those places and people have made to our community help us
easily identify places to preserve for future Arcadians.

Pre- and Early-European History

The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Tongva Indians. Meaning
“people of the earth” in the Tongva language, the Tongvans settled areas
of the Los Angeles basin because of its water sources and terrain
conducive to hunting and gathering. The Tongvans fell into rapid decline
with the arrival of the Spanish and the establishment of the San Gabriel
Mission in 1771. It was during the Mission Period that the Tongvan name
was changed by the Spanish and referred to as Gabrielinos. By the time
Spanish rule gave way to the independent Republic of Mexico in 1821, the
Tongva population that remained was minute and left to work low-level
jobs on Mexican land grants.

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Santa Anita Rancho
The land that now forms Arcadia was once a part of the San Gabriel
Mission’s land holdings. However, as power transitioned from the Spanish
to Mexico, the Mission’s land holdings became public land. In 1831,
Scotsman turned Mexican citizen Hugo Reid petitioned the local council to
acquire the Rancho Santa Anita tract that would eventually encompass
Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia. He successfully acquired the full title
to 13,319 acres of land in 1845, and as required by the Mexican
government, Reid cultivated the land, raised cattle on the ranch, and it is
believed, built the first permanent structure in Rancho Santa Anita, a three-
room adobe house. The Hugo Reid Adobe house was reconstructed on the
grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. After a series of bad
business decisions, Hugo Reid was forced to sell off Santa Anita Rancho.

Elias “Lucky” Baldwin

After several changes in ownership, the
Rancho was purchased by Elias “Lucky”
Baldwin for $200,000 in 1875. Baldwin
cultivated the land for farming and orchards
and established a working ranch that, at the
time, was known throughout the region for
high-quality livestock and thoroughbred
horses. Later, due to financial necessity,
Baldwin began to subdivide his ranch and sold
portions of Santa Anita Rancho to Nathaniel
Carter and William Monroe (who developed
Sierra Madre and Monrovia, respectively). In
1887, Baldwin executed a contract with the
Los Angeles & San Gabriel Valley Railroad
that exchanged cash and railroad right-of-way
through Baldwin’s tract for the rail access and
construction of two rail depots on Baldwin’s
property. However, the rail line failed to bring
in investors into Baldwin’s Rancho due to its
proximity to the more attractive city of Monrovia. Undeterred, Baldwin
pursued the Santa Fe Railroad line through Santa Anita Rancho, a rail
service that would connect Los Angeles to the Rancho in about half the
time it took the Los Angeles & San Gabriel line, providing a second, and
much faster, direct train connection to the Santa Anita Rancho for visitors
from Los Angeles and Pasadena. Baldwin convinced the Santa Fe Railroad
to build through his tract by offering cheap land and improving his Rancho
by commencing the construction of the Town of Arcadia. The growth of a
town occurred under the careful watch of Baldwin, who built the town’s first
hotel—the Oakwood Hotel—and helped finance the construction of the
Santa Anita Depot across from the Oakwood Hotel on the corner of First
Avenue and Santa Clara Street.

Beginnings of a City
In 1903, the City incorporated, with Elias Baldwin as the first mayor of
Arcadia and government operations occurring out of the Oakwood Hotel.
The City of Arcadia’s beginnings were based on an economy of tourism and

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entertainment. What resulted was a landscape of saloons, gambling halls,
entertainment venues, and horse and dog-racing tracks. The first
incarnation of the Santa Anita Park racetrack opened in 1907 on the land
that is now Arcadia Community Regional Park and Santa Anita Golf
Course. In 1909, California made horseracing illegal, prompting the
closure of the racetrack. A subsequent fire destroyed the grandstand in
1912, and the land remained unused.

Only after Elias Baldwin’s death in 1909 did Arcadia begin to fully change
and function as a complete city. Local citizens sought to change Arcadia’s
image and in 1912, voted to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages to eliminate
Arcadia’s reputation as a pleasure park. In the 1910s, critical infrastructure
and services were established. Streets were paved; water, gas, and electric
systems were developed; and a school, church, and community
organizations were established. City services that were once operating out
of offices of Elias Baldwin’s Oakwood Hotel finally found a home in 1918 in
the first City Hall at the corner of Huntington Drive and First Avenue.

Anita Baldwin and Anoakia

In 1913, an inheritance was bequeathed upon Anita
Baldwin, one of Elias Baldwin’s children, which she
used to convert a portion of the Santa Anita Ranch
land into the Anoakia Stock and Breeding Farm, on
she which she also built her extraordinary home,
Anoakia. Although the lavish estate has since been
demolished, remnants of its walls can still be seen
today along Baldwin Avenue. An important figure
to Arcadia’s growth, Anita Baldwin was a great
benefactor to many of Arcadia’s community
organizations and a supporter of America’s war
efforts, and was largely responsible for selling the
acreage that made up the original Santa Anita
Ranch back to the public. As noted above, she sold
part of her estate for public use. Sold to Los Angeles County, the old field
of the racetrack was in turn deeded to the U.S. War Department. During
World War I, the field was christened Ross Field and used for military
reconnaissance training and a ballooning school. Ross Field has been
turned into the modern day site of Arcadia Community Regional Park.

Community of Homes and Post World War II

Dividing up large tracts of land into smaller residential subdivisions during
the 1930s led to Arcadia’s identity as a “Community of Homes.” Arcadia’s
population more than quadrupled following World War II. During the post-
war boom, the City and Southern California in general experienced
tremendous growth in population and housing. The last remaining fields
dedicated to orchards and poultry farms were sold and developed into
large tracts of single-family homes. Between 1940 and 1960, over 10,000
homes were constructed in Arcadia. In addition to residential development,
the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens opened in 1955,
Arcadia Methodist Hospital was completed in 1957, the Foothill Freeway

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was built through the City during the 1960s, and the Santa Anita Fashion
Park (the regional mall) opened in 1975.

Many of the homes and buildings constructed in Arcadia after World War II
have already, or will, reach the age of 50 years old during the time frame
of this General Plan. Fifty years is the common threshold for a property
qualifying as historic in California. Identifying and preserving these
“recently” built structures, as well as districts such as Santa Anita Oaks and
The Highlands, will pose new challenges; more analysis will be necessary to
determine which important characteristics and design features of post-
World War II structures are important to preserve in the community.

Recognized and Potential Historic Places

and Features
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles
County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is located in Arcadia on Baldwin
Avenue. The Arboretum houses plant collections from around the world,
including many rare and endangered plant species. Throughout the
Arboretum are outdoor historical landmarks that represent major phases of
California’s history. These resources include:

ƒ The Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn: A cottage built by

Lucky Baldwin in 1881. The architect who designed the cottage was
also responsible for the designing the California Capitol Building
dome and the Governor’s mansion in Sacramento (National
Register of Historic Places and California Historic Landmark).

ƒ The Hugo Reid Adobe: It is believed to be the first permanent

structure to be built on Rancho Santa Anita, ca. 1840 (California
Historic Landmark).

ƒ Santa Anita Depot: Constructed in 1890, the two-story Santa Anita

Depot was the train station for Santa Anita Rancho along the
Santa Fe Railroad. The building was moved to the Arboretum in
1967 (California Point of Historical Interest).

Santa Anita Park

Built in 1934, Santa Anita Park is the oldest racetrack in Southern
California. It was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Gordon B.
Kaufman. Major racing events such as the Santa Anita Derby and the
occasional hosting of the Breeders’ Cup draw national and international
visitors and participants. Although races are held seasonally, Santa Anita
Park operates programs that provide activity all year long.

The grandstand, paddock, circular receiving barn, clubhouse, saddling

stalls, and stables are eligible for listing on the California and National
Registers of Historic Places. The Santa Anita Assembly Center (California
Historic Landmark) within the park commemorates the use of the site as a

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temporary relocation camp for Japanese
Americans during World War II. The rich history
of the racetrack, its close identification with
Arcadia through the 20th and 21st centuries, the
distinctive architecture of the grandstand’s
southerly façade, and the high visibility of the
grandstand structure combine to make the
racetrack a significant cultural and historical
landmark.

The City of Arcadia is committed to supporting

the continuation of thoroughbred horse racing
at Santa Anita Park. With the decline in
attendance at the racetrack and closures of
other tracks in California, the City
acknowledges that the long-term viability of
Santa Anita Park as a horse racing venue may be in question. This General
Plan recognizes the iconic grandstand and other structures, as well as the
racetrack itself, as important features within the City worthy of
preservation. Land use considerations involving Santa Anita Park are
discussed in the Land Use and Community Design Element.

Potential Historic Places

The City has not established a formal listing of local historic places or
landmarks. However, inventories of potentially historical resources have
been compiled to identify sites for future consideration. The inventory
process involved dividing the City into eight segments, with each segment
evaluated for potentially significant buildings or “cultural landscapes.” The
criteria used to identify potential resources included searching for
unaltered buildings over 50 years of age, and identifying buildings that
appeared architecturally significant but were less than 50 years old.
“Cultural landscapes” were defined as places that exhibited the work of an
important landscape architect or designer, or the site of an important
event or activity. Using the criteria cited, at the time of the survey, 289
buildings and one cultural landscape were identified to be potentially
significant. The majority of the resources identified were residences but
also included churches, schools, and commercial and industrial buildings.

Absent any City ordinance or other program aimed at identifying or

protecting such historic places, property owners can use and modify the
properties consistent with standard zoning ordinance regulations. As of
2010, the City had no requirement for documenting conditions or
preserving any defining aspects of potentially historic properties or
features such as landmark landscaping. Any and all preservation efforts
are privately initiated.

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Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical
Museum

The Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum opened in 2001 as a
collaborative effort of the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Historical
Society. Named after is lead donors, the museum is maintained and
operated by the City of Arcadia and houses artifacts and artwork
representative of local Arcadia history, the majority of which was collected
and is owned by the Arcadia Historical Society.

The museum rotates collections in and out of the exhibit spaces. Among
the displays are artifacts related to Elias “Lucky” Baldwin, the Santa Anita
racetrack, and the World War I Balloon School. The museum also provides
extensive historical education programs for both children and adults. The
museum’s Adult Learning Series are monthly lectures that invite the
community to come and attend lectures from guest speakers who discuss
Arcadia’s history. The museum also coordinates with teachers and schools
to organize guided tours and customized programs to help children learn
about history through a hands-on approach.

The Arcadia Veteran’s Local History Room within the Arcadia Historical
Museum is a permanent exhibit space dedicated to war veterans in
Arcadia. The exhibit honors all veterans of all ages in all services. The
exhibit changes every three months and each time presents the personal
story of one Arcadian’s experience as a veteran.

Arcadia Public Library History Collection

The Arcadia Public Library has special a collection that features the history
of Arcadia. The Arcadia history collection serves the Library’s mission to
collect and preserve materials that relate to the cultural and intellectual
heritage of Arcadia. Prominent pieces in the collection include Tournament
of Roses photographs, artwork by past local artists, and photographs of the

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Santa Anita Assembly Center for the Japanese. Indexes to some of the
Library’s historical collection are searchable from the Library’s website.

Local Cultural Organizations

Arcadia Chinese Association
Since 1982, the nonprofit, nonpolitical, and nonreligious Arcadia Chinese
Association has been active in dedicating its services and support to
different programs, departments, and organizations within Arcadia. The
Arcadia Chinese Association’s mission is to help the community with better
understanding of cultural diversity. The association has been instrumental
in involving the non-Chinese community within Arcadia in Chinese cultural
events, with the goal of establishing a better understanding of Chinese
culture and tradition. Other goals of the association have been to assist
Chinese immigrants with assimilation into the American culture, promote
volunteerism in the community, engage in community fundraising, and
support education through involvement with honors and scholarships.

Arcadia Historical Society

Established in 1952, the Arcadia Historical Society is a group whose mission
is the preservation of Arcadia’s history. With a membership of over 270
people, the society creates and participates in programs that involve, for
example, placing historic site markers, conducting history lectures, and
holding vintage fashion shows.

Resources Available for Preservation

Initiatives
Preservation is the act of deciding what is important, determining how to
protect it, and ensuring that whatever is protected is enjoyed by future
generations. Given the relatively limited number of monuments and
buildings from Arcadia’s history remaining, focused community effort on
preservation is increasingly important.

National and State Efforts

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which established the

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in 1966, allows federal
agencies to act as responsible stewards of our nation's resources when
their actions affect historic properties. The ACHP is the only entity with the
legal responsibility to encourage federal agencies to factor historic
preservation into federal project requirements. Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to take into
consideration the potential effects of proposed federal undertakings on
culture resources listed on or determined eligible for inclusion in the
National Register of Historic Places. The Queen Anne Cottage and Coach
Barn located within the Arboretum are listed in the National Register of
Historic Places.

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Cooperation with the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is
one effort Arcadia undertakes to help preserve historic resources in the
City. The mission of OHP is to partner with local governmental agencies to
preserve and enhance California’s irreplaceable historic heritage in the
interest of the public. Overall, OHP serves to protect historical resources
which demonstrate a cultural, educational, recreational, aesthetic,
economic, social, or environmental legacy for future generations. OHP can
designate qualifying resources as the following:

California Landmarks are buildings, sites, features, or events that are of

statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political,
architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or
other historical value.

California Points of Historical Interest are buildings, sites, features, or

events that are of local (city or county) significance and have
anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic,
scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other historical value.

California Register of Historical Resources includes buildings, sites,

structures, objects and districts significant in the architectural, engineering,
scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or
cultural annals of California.

Once designated, the resource is protected from any detrimental changes.

Any alterations, repairs, and additions must be approved under rigorous
the State Historic Building Code to ensure that the quality of the resource
remains intact. As described above, three structures within Arcadia, all
located on Los Angeles County Arboretum grounds, are under the
protection of the OHP.

In 1972, the California legislature adopted a bill known as the Mills Act.
The Mills Act grants property tax relief to owners of qualified historic
properties. The Mills Act is a preservation tool created by the California
legislature to encourage the preservation and restoration of historic
properties. The act enables cities to enter into historical property
agreements with owners of qualifying properties. Under these agreements,
owners must rehabilitate and maintain their properties to designated
standards in exchange for reductions to the owner’s property taxes. The
agreements provide a benefit to cities in that they ensure preservation and
guarantee authentic rehabilitations and a high level of maintenance of
historical resources important to communities.

Local Efforts

The City has initiated preservation efforts by taking steps toward

identifying potentially significant local historic structures. In February of
2000, the City Council approved setting aside $40,000 in Community
Development Block Grant funds for a historic resources survey program
which surveyed approximately 16,000 parcels within the City.

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The nonprofit Arcadia Historical Society's Historical Marker Committee
began a program of placing a series of sizable markers around City with
the intent to inform the community of significant historical resources. The
markers, themed as "History Lives Here," provide text and photos that
showcase long-demolished buildings such as the original City Hall that once
stood on the corner of First Avenue and Huntington Drive. The marker
program also calls attention to historical buildings still standing, such as the
100-year-old First Avenue Middle School. The markers provide a history of
organizations that were housed in the buildings, such as the Woman's Club.
Another effort of the Arcadia Historical Society is to create a printed
brochure intended to encourage a walking tour of the “History Lives Here”
markers.

While the effort of the Arcadia Historical Society carries no legal weight or
authority for preservation, the purpose of their programs is to bring to the
community greater awareness of and appreciation for Arcadia’s historic
buildings and properties in the hope that valuable historic resources are
preserved.

Cultural Programs
The City hosts events and programs that enrich the lives of Arcadians. A
popular summertime series is Concerts in the Park. During the course of
the summer, musicians give free performances on the City Hall lawn. Other
popular music events are the concert sessions held in the Arcadia Public
Library auditorium. The Arcadia Chinese Association holds cultural events
throughout the year such as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year
celebrations, and other holiday celebrations such as Mother’s Day. Cultural
programs are and will continue to be important parts in our diverse city.
Cross-cultural programs and activities are integral to fostering community
pride and creating connections among Arcadia’s residents.

Goals and Policies

Recognizing the importance of the historical resources identified, the City
considers community initiatives to preserve significant sites, buildings,
and/or landscapes. New development within and adjacent to privately
owned historical sites (as defined by the criteria set forth in the California
Register of Historic Places) will be examined for appropriate context with
the building’s or site’s significance.

The remaining physical examples of the City’s history and cultural heritage,
other than those identified above, are located on individual parcels
throughout the City. Any preservation efforts or programs will require both
City and individual property owner support. The City will consider all
available avenues for preserving resources significant to Arcadia’s history
and culture. If a formal program is established, potential historical and
cultural sites which show merit for preservation will be judged using the
following and other appropriate criteria.

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 A resource will be considered to be of significant cultural value if it
possesses one or more of the following characteristics:

ƒ It exemplifies or reflects the broad cultural, political, economic or

social history of the U.S., California, or City of Arcadia.
ƒ It has yielded or has the potential to yield information in history or
prehistory.
ƒ It is representative of one of the diverse styles and variations of
residential and commercial architecture found in Arcadia, whether
vernacular or a work of identifiable artisans, master craftsmen,
builder, or architects important locally or with wider significance.
ƒ It is an object of significance because of its design or pleasing
appearance in a setting.
ƒ It is a site or structure that is important to the prehistory or history
of the community.
ƒ It is a surviving site, route, or structure important to the early
settlement, economic origins, or technological development of the
locale.
ƒ It is a grouping or set of structures, historic sites or features, design
components, natural features and landscape architecture, or other
interesting details which together create exceptionally rich history
or cultural ambiance.
ƒ It is a hillside, geologic formations, body of water, arroyo, remaining
natural vegetation, or other striking or familiar physical
characteristic that is important to the special character, historic
identity, or aesthetic setting of the community.

Goal PR-8: Continued recognition and support of the

diverse historical and cultural organizations
that celebrate and enrich the community

Policy PR-8.1: Support programs that promote a full range of

cultural activities and their appreciation among
all age groups, all levels of education, and all
cultural backgrounds.

Policy PR-8.2: Nurture and support local arts organizations,

and promote the appreciation of and
involvement in the creative and performing arts.

Policy PR-8.3: Build community identity through educational,

informational, and cultural art events that focus
on local art, food, music, ethnic diversity, and
other topics.

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Goal PR-9: Retention and proper stewardship of historical
and cultural resources

Policy PR-9.1: Encourage the maintenance and preservation

of historically, culturally, and or/ architecturally
significant structures and sites in the
community.

Policy PR-9.2: Explore partnerships with local community

organizations, such as the Arcadia Historical
Society, to continue the preservation of historic
and cultural resources.

Policy PR-9.3: Collect, preserve, and celebrate Arcadia’s

heritage with quality exhibits and programs.

Policy PR-9.4: Preserve Santa Anita Park’s use as a live horse

racing venue while economically feasible, and
preserve and maintain iconic structures at the
racetrack such as the grandstand.

Policy PR-9.5: Identify historic sites, structures, neighborhoods,

and other resources through a Historic
Resource Inventory.

Policy PR-9.6: Explore the establishment of a Cultural

Heritage Ordinance.

Policy PR-9.7: Develop incentives that promote preservation

and rehabilitation of historic structures, sites,
and other resources.

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A Plan for a Healthy
Community
The health of the public has become a major national concern. National
trends have shown increases in health problems like obesity, diabetes, and
heart disease affecting both children and adults. Studies show that these
health problems are partly the result of factors such as physical inactivity.
Having a healthy community is important to Arcadia. Arcadia’s plan for a
healthy community consists of facilitating access to health care facilities
and services; developing and providing community programs that
encourages healthy living; and creating a physical environment that
stimulates physical activity and social interaction.

Medical Resources and Facilities

Although most healthcare is privatized, having healthcare facilities in the
City provides residents with access to medical services that can keep the
community healthy. Arcadia is home to the Methodist Hospital, a 460-bed
not-for-profit facility that sits on 22 acres of land. Hospital services include
comprehensive acute care such as medical, surgical, pediatrics, oncology,
neonatal intensive care, adult intensive care, and complete cardiovascular
services. Many small and private medical facilities also in the City provide a
wide selection of healthcare services to Arcadia residents. Financial access
to these facilities may be an issue for some residents. Fortunately,
Arcadia’s medical resources and facilities are supplemented by those of
Los Angeles County. Although there are no Los Angeles County medical
facilities or health clinics located within the borders of the City, three major
Los Angeles County hospitals and numerous public health centers in the
region provide free health care, immunizations, and various testing and
treatments to all County residents.

The Land Use and Community Design Element establishes land use policies
that accommodate the growth of healthcare facilities within the Santa
Anita Avenue and Colorado Place corridors, in proximity to Methodist
Hospital. In addition to creating new places for medical service providers
to locate, these policies can help encourage jobs growth in well-paying
industries.

Community Health
Arcadia has been proactive in stimulating positive community health. The
City has long offered diverse recreation and enrichment classes through
the City’s Recreation and Community Services Department that promote
active lifestyles, encourage exercise and physical activity, and provide
organized athletics for Arcadians of all ages. These programs help
influence lifestyle changes, teaching people to incorporate healthy
activities into their daily lives.

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The City recognizes that there are other opportunities to help promote
community health. Through re-evaluating transportation from a health
perspective, the City understands that creating a transportation network
that balances multiple modes of transportation will encourage
fundamentally healthy habits such as biking and walking to work or for
errands. As discussed in the Circulation and Infrastructure Element, the
Bicycle Plan will create a network of paths and trails that connect major
amenities throughout the City.

Efforts to revitalize Downtown with mixed-use

development areas surrounding the Metro Gold
Line station will create walkable neighborhoods.
Walkable neighborhoods are neighborhoods
where Arcadians can conveniently walk from their
homes to work or other destinations or even hop
on public transit to travel regionally, all without a
car.

Arcadia’s vision of healthier land use and

transportation options can have significant
positive health effects. Residents will have the
option of leaving their cars at home and choosing
healthier transportation alternatives such as
biking or walking to move about in the City. If
Arcadians take full advantage of biking and
pedestrian opportunities, they will simultaneously
help reduce traffic and air pollution from
automobiles while getting some exercise.

The City supports public education efforts

focused on informing Arcadians of City-sponsored
activities and possibly creating health-centric educational programs such
as nutrition and dieting classes. Vigorous outreach can stimulate higher
participation, and understanding the impacts of food choices and the
benefits of proper nutrition can help people choose the healthy alternative.

Goals and Policies

Arcadia recognizes the positive impacts that an individual’s health can
have on quality of life, and that community–wide efforts to increase health
and well-being can multiply those impacts in terms of increased Read more about
productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced community Arcadia’s Downtown
interaction and engagement. The most effective means of creating a revitalization efforts
healthy community in Arcadia is to establish a “healthy” physical and other mixed-use
infrastructure through the implementation of mixed-use and multi-modal sites in the Land Use
transportation networks. As evidenced in both the Land Use and Focus Areas section of
the Land Use and
Community Design Element and the Circulation and Infrastructure
Community Design
Element, the City’s priority is to re-establish walkable neighborhoods such Element.
as Downtown, implement a bicycle plan, and maximize the effectiveness of
the Metro Gold Line. Additionally, the City will continue programs and

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services that promote exercise, sports, and recreational activities. The City
will also explore other means of promoting healthy lifestyles through
education and outreach.

Goal PR-10: A healthy Arcadia

Policy PR-10.1: Encourage physical activity in residents of all

ages and income levels through various efforts
such as developing and providing health-
oriented classes; encouraging walking to school;
maintaining programs that stress physical
activity; continually supporting City-sponsored
and private sports and recreation leagues; and
providing convenient access to parks and other
outdoor spaces.

Policy PR-10.2: Assist in the reduction of childhood obesity by

increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation
and promoting physical activity within and
outside of school and child care settings.

Policy PR-10.3: Support the managed growth of complementary

medical facilities at and surrounding the
Methodist Hospital.

Policy PR-10.4: Support Los Angeles County in its efforts to

offer a broad array of healthcare services in the
County.

Policy PR-10.5: Provide public education regarding practices

that promote good health.

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