Pasadena's Recreation and Parks Commission will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 3, to discuss three recommendations for the installation of memorials for prominent Pasadena civic leaders. write a proper news story highlighting the recommendations and the accomplishments of the personalities being honored: Regular Meeting 
Recreation andParks Commission
Tuesday,October 3, 2023 
6:00 P.M.
City Yards, Public Works Building – Second Floor 
233 West Mountain Street, Pasadena

New business
Action items

Recommendation for installation of a memorial in the Central 
Arroyo for John Finch, Recommendation for installation of a dedication or tribute garden at Washington Park for Betty Sword, and recommendation for installation of a memorial bench with plaque in the Lower Arroyo Seco for Max Brenner. 


John Finch, the Headmaster of Chandler School for 22 years, retired in June 2023 and 
leaves a legacy of respect for nature to hundreds of students. When he began as 
Headmaster in 2001, Chandler School offered outdoor education in only the 7th and 8th
grades. John expanded that education to encompass 5th through 8th grades. Besides 
bringing outdoor education to students, he taught lessons about the history of the Arroyo 
Seco and established annual “Trash Pickup Days” by Chandler students in the Arroyo
Seco. 
John was an active hiker in the Arroyo Seco, chaperoning the 5th and 8th grade trips each 
year; and leading his sons and Chandler alumni in climbing the highest point in California 
– Mt Whitney.
The East Arroyo Residents Association proposes to install a memorial boulder with plaque
near the modest nature trail leading from Armada Drive down to Arroyo Blvd in the Central 
Arroyo Seco to be named after naturalist and educator John Finch. Parks Staff has 
reviewed the proposed location and determined it does not obstruct any recreational 
activity within the area. The East Arroyo Residents Association has committed to paying 
all costs associated with the installation of the memorial boulder and plaque.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has determined this 
proposal is “less than Citywide significance” as it is deemed minor in scope. The city has 
evaluated the request based on the following criteria: appropriateness, compatibility, impact 
on park use, aesthetics, maintenance, and safety. The Department of Parks, Recreation 
and Community Services finds that the request is consistent with the Public Monument 
Policy.

Betty Sword. The proposal is appropriate for Washington Park as Betty Sword has been an active, longtime resident in Pasadena’s 
Washington Square Landmark Neighborhood for over 30 years.
From working with neighbors, community leaders, and city staff to improve the quality of 
life in the Washington Square area, helping to establish the neighborhood as a landmark 
district, working tirelessly to restore Washington Park as a safe, welcoming space. Efforts 
include establishment of a pollinator garden, monthly weeding of the native gardens and 
organizing/planning community events at Washington Park. 
An avid lover of gardens and all things nature, Betty focused much of her efforts on bringing 
Washington Park back to its original beauty. The Friends of Washington Park was 
established in late 1992.
In 2005, the City in partnership with the Friends of Washington Park and the Theodore
Payne Foundation selected landscape architects Troller Mayer Associates, Perry & 
Associates, and Onyx Architects to implement the updated master plan, which included
retaining and enhancing the historic look and feel of the park, and a focus on the use of
local native plants. Also included were a stone stage, accessible pathways, and native
plant demonstration gardens, all completed in 2006.
Tim Wendler proposes this l garden to be installed near the new Community House and to 
be named the “Betty J. Sword Garden” in honor of all that Betty has done and continues to 
do to keep Washington Park beautiful, welcoming, and safe for all to enjoy.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has determined this 
proposal is “less than Citywide significant” as it is deemed minor in scope. The city has 
evaluated the request based on the following criteria: appropriateness, compatibility, impact 
on park use, aesthetics, maintenance, and safety. The Department of Parks, Recreation 
and Community Services finds that the request is consistent with the Public Monument 
Policy.

Max Brenner was an avid birder taking many photographs of birds in the Arroyo Seco. Overtime, she 
documented the horned owls of the Arroyo in addition to multitudes of other birds and 
animals. 
Norma Pierson proposes to install this Victor Stanley bench and plaque near the Colorado 
Street Bridge in the Lower Arroyo. Staff has reviewed the proposed location and determined 
it does not obstruct any recreational activity. Norma Pierson has committed to paying all 
costs associated with the installation of the memorial bench. 
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has determined this 
proposal is “less than Citywide significant” as it is deemed minor in scope. The City has 
evaluated the request based on the following criteria: appropriateness, compatibility, impact 
on park use, aesthetics, maintenance, and safety. The Department of Parks, Recreation 
and Community Services finds that the request is consistent with the Public Monument 
Policy.