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Richard Humphreys
/ Categories: News

Forrest Richardson develops masterplan for Arroyo Seco facility in California

Forrest Richardson has developed a renovation masterplan for the 18-hole par-three Arroyo Seco course in South Pasadena, California, as well as the public facility’s driving range and mini golf course.

The layout, designed by city engineer Frank Alderman, originally opened in 1955. It is part of the multi-city Arroyo Seco recreation area that extends from the mountains above Pasadena down through the neighbouring city of South Pasadena.

In 2023 the city selected Richardson to develop a plan for the 26-acre site, and he has worked with consultants in civil engineering, clubhouse architecture, irrigation design and range technology. Pat Gross, former regional agronomist with the USGA, provided turfgrass assessment and directives for water conservation and better conditioning. National Golf Foundation’s director of consulting services, Ed Getherall, oversaw public outreach and programming with an aim to attract new user groups.

“Public projects require us to listen to multiple voices across multiple groups,” said Richardson. “It’s different than working for an owner, a resort developer or even a private club where team members may have different thoughts, but it’s far easier to reach a common denominator. When it comes to a municipal facility, especially one that’s been around for 70 years, the constituents often see things with completely different perspectives.”

After a year of public input and planning, Richardson has submitted his plan to reimagine the course, driving range, clubhouse and ‘old school’ mini golf course.

“Our work has focused on preserving the good, while redesigning the components that have simply outlived their life cycle,” said Richardson. “We listened intently to the players to understand the type of golf that makes them smile, and we also spend time with residents who long – once again – be able to drop in to grab a coffee or sandwich along the Arroyo Seco Trail.”

Richardson’s plan includes a renovation and rerouting of the 18-hole course, with revamped holes ranging from 75 to 170 yards. Proposals also include rectangular tees with artificial turf, expanded greens and a reduced turf footprint of 12 acres. An aim of the plan is to reduce water use by more than 40 per cent.

The architect has proposed renovating the nine-hole mini golf course, which has a windmill, gingerbread house and an overall 1950s motif. “The temptation to create a PopStroke-like ‘modern’ mini golf experience was always on the table,” said Richardson. “But we quickly heard how many families loved it the way it is, and that got us thinking about options where we could make the most of this classic corner of the site.”

Richardson’s plan includes restoring the old holes and adding nine more. “The Public Art Commissioners loved the idea,” he said. “We plan to bring in nine artists, each given the latitude to create something cool for a particular hole, and to help bring their idea to reality with a team of craftsmen to build out the designs.”

A new clubhouse and community meeting building, designed by Dahlin Architects, will serve as a hub for a two-level ‘entertainment range’ that will continue to be lighted. Tracking and night targets will be added to the range and new wetland habitat will be integrated to improve water quality.

South Pasadena’s city council has reviewed the masterplan for the project and has directed city staff to begin looking at ways to finance it. There is no set schedule for the project.

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  • Arroyo Seco Golf Funding Masterplan Renovation Forrest Richardson
    Forrest Richardson Golf Course Architects

    A visualisation of how the Arroyo Seco course in California could look should Forrest Richardson’s renovation plan receive funding

  • Arroyo Seco Golf Funding Masterplan Renovation Forrest Richardson
    Forrest Richardson Golf Course Architects

    Richardson’s masterplan calls for a renovation and rerouting of the 18-hole par-three layout and a renovation and extension of the mini golf course

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