Development and Operation of Public Land in the Hahamongna Watershed Park

The City of Pasadena (City) is soliciting proposals for a development and operations agreement and a long-term lease for an approximately 3.5-acre developed area, and an approximately 2.5-acre Oak Woodland area, within a 30-acre City owned parcel of land (portion of parcel APN #5823-003-911). The site is the former location of the Oak Grove Ranger Station and the project is located in the north-west end of the Hahamongna Watershed Park at 4550 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena. The property is zoned Open-Space (OS). The site is currently occupied by six concrete block buildings and a small parking lot, with a combined building square footage of 14,389 ft ² that was previously operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The Oak Woodland area is just south and adjacent to the previous ranger station. It was purchased by the City in 2005 with a covenant restricting the use to open space and park and recreation uses. The surrounding uses encompassing the 30-acre site include a Los Angeles County fire camp, a public equestrian center, a non-profit equestrian organization, an adaptive riding lessons and equine-assisted therapy organization, a nursery, a day camp for children ages 3-14, and the Oak Woodland natural area.

In 1993, Hahamongna Watershed Park (HWP) was established when the park's ownership, operations, and maintenance reverted back to the City from Los Angeles County. The City sold the 30 acres of land to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) for the intended purpose of a water treatment plant installation. However, MWD decided not to build the water treatment plant. In March 2005, the City purchased the 30-acre property back from the MWD. The City Council adopted a resolution to use the land for recreation and open space purposes.

The Hahamongna Annex area contains six vacant and severely deteriorated former U.S. Forest Service buildings and a parking lot. These structures, vacant since 2004, pose significant safety hazards due to mold, asbestos, rodent infestations, and structural damage. The Oak Woodland area south of the Annex is mostly open with a chain link fence at the north end separating the Annex from the Oak Woodland area.

In 2006, the Department of Public Works began a public planning process to determine the best uses for the Hahamongna Annex. This process included community outreach and the assistance of the National Park Service: Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. Between 2006 to 2010, the City hosted community workshops, disseminated questionnaires, conducted design charrettes, and held public outreach meetings which led to the completion of the HWP Master Plan Addendum for the Hahamongna Annex to guide the future development of this area.

The intent of this RFP is to solicit outside entities to develop the site and operate it under a long-term lease agreement. This is a rare opportunity to shape the use of public land and shall not be used for commercial purposes or for-profit entities. The potential uses would be best utilized by a non-profit organization or a group of organizations whose mission aligns with the guiding principles and the vision of the Master Plan for the HWP. The City will contribute no funding to the development or long-term operation of the project site.

Guiding Principles:

• To encourage and promote the stewardship and enjoyment of the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena.
• To balance and integrate the interrelated issues of water resources, recreation, natural resource preservation and restoration, and flood management in the Arroyo Seco.
• To provide a safe, secure, and accessible Arroyo Seco for public enjoyment.
• To recognize the importance to Pasadena of the history, cultural resources, and unique character of the Arroyo Seco, and to conserve and enhance these assets.

To recognize that the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena is comprised of distinct geographical areas that are interconnected by a number of resources and features including, but not limited to, water, habitat, geology, recreation, and culture; and that it is part of a larger watershed.

Vision:

As a unique, centralized part of the Hahamongna Watershed Park and the Arroyo Seco watershed, the Annex site will be a focal point for visitors to the park and the greater Arroyo Seco area, functioning as both a local and regional hub for education and passive recreation that is compatible with natural resource protection and enhancement. The Hahamongna Annex will also provide a gateway to the broader network of open spaces and trails that connect the Angeles National Forest, La Cañada Flintridge, Altadena, the central and lower Arroyo Seco of Pasadena, and reaches south.

As a model for demonstrating the integration of context-sensitive facilities within a natural setting by applying sustainable design and management practices, the Hahamongna Annex will emphasize protection of the site’s unique oak habitat, indoor and outdoor education, and continued passive recreation for the public. Key facilities will include an equestrian facility, multipurpose interpretive and education center, and a native plant nursery. As a public facility, the Hahamongna Annex will be sustained through partnerships and financing.

Allowable Uses:

• Nature and natural resources
• Watershed management
• Native American History
• Outdoor experimental education
• Water resources and conservation
• Habitat restoration, enhancement, and/or preservation
• Ecosystems
• Sustainability
• Open space conservation
• Enjoyment of the outdoors

Prospective Proposers shall possess (not limited to):

• Non-profit organization or group of organizations.
• Proven track record of providing intended services in the public sector.
• Fiscally sound with adequate financial resources to perform throughout the terms of the agreement.
• Ability to develop, operate, and maintain the public land and buildings to City standards at no cost to the City.
• Willing to commit to a development and operations agreement and a long-term lease of a minimum of 20 years with two, ten-year extension options.
• The organization’s business model falls within one of the allowable uses.
• Have an understanding and appreciation of the Hahamongna Watershed Park and be good stewards of the land.
• Provide a quantifiable public benefit that serves Pasadena residents, particularly youth.
• Provide direct public services that do not utilize the area and the buildings solely for office or administration purposes.
• Proposals to use the land for commercial purposes or for-profit entities will not be considered.
• Proposers shall review all supporting documents associated with the Hahamongna Annex area (HWP Master Plan, HWP Master Plan Addendum, HWP Master Plan Addendum Initial Study) and propose development and operations inline with the intent of said documents.

In addition, the successful Proposer(s) will have to complete all requirements of the City’s Planning and Community Development Department, including obtaining a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and any environmental review required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).