Tucked away in Glendora’s Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness area lies a spacious picnic area with access to the local trails throughout the mountains. This picnic area, along with an amphitheater, restrooms and pedestrian bridge is known as Big Dalton Canyon Campground. This site was formally named and added to the list of recreational areas within Glendora on May 10, 1985. Many of the features were created with the help of a volunteer committee known at the time as the Blue-Ribbon Committee, later known as the Glendora Riding and Hiking Trails Advisory Committee (Trails Committee). The committee advised City Council and staff on matters relating to the development of a trail system within Glendora and each member represented a certain task which they would represent when making reports. One of those founding members was a gentleman named Gordon Rowley, who moved to Glendora in 1956 with his family.
During his life in Glendora, Gordon made it his mission to serve the community and the local wilderness areas in the Angeles National Forest. He served with the Forest Service for 34 years where he received the bronze Smokey Bear award, given to individuals who show outstanding public service in forest fire prevention. When Gordon’s sons joined the Boy Scouts of America, he answered the call to action to become a Scoutmaster and held that position from 1980-1997. His dedication and commitment to the local Glendora Boy Scout troops earned him the presentation of the Silver Beaver award by Boy Scouts of America. He was heavily involved with Troop 483 who took great pride in the American flags flown on Glendora Ave surrounding the Civic Center. Troop members and Gordon made sure to properly retire any damaged or fallen flag through a ceremony typically held at the fire ring at the Big Dalton Canyon Campground. Gordon was also a part of numerous Scout ceremonies that took place at the bridge and amphitheater area within the campground. Troop 483 dedicated a flagpole at the amphitheater in his honor and declared May 7th as Gordon Rowley Day.
During his time as a Scoutmaster and member of the board on the Trails Committee, Gordon supervised over 100 Eagle Scout projects in South Hills and Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness area. Gordon was always heavily involved in the construction phase of those projects, participating with the scouts as they worked. He took pride in teaching the Scouts various skills and knowledge regarding trail maintenance and fire prevention in wilderness areas. Gordon helped to complete the three bridges over Big Dalton Canyon stream bottom, constructed with telephone pole segments and wood planks. He also oversaw the construction of the stone steps leading up to the Day Camp building, where hundreds of kids flock to participate in the City’s annual Camp Cahuilla program. Gordon assisted with the supervision and construction of all twelve trails created through Eagle Scout projects in the South Hills Wilderness area since 1991.
In addition to his many years serving the community and the local trail system, Gordon received various honors including the Founder’s Day Cup from fellow scout leaders, for volunteers who show commitment and dedication to the society at the highest levels. Gordon received the Community Service Award from the Glendora Chamber of Commerce in 1979, the Buck Dunham Award from the Glendora Community Services Commission in 1984, The Humanitarian Award from the Glendora Community Coordinating Council, as well as the Glendora Citizens of the Year Award along with his wife Norma in 2006. Along with his involvement with Scouts and the Glendora Trails Committee, he was a dedicated member of the Glendora Historical Society, ensuring that the flag was kept in good condition and always staffed.
With Gordon’s passing in 2020, his family and fellow Trails Committee members wanted to recognize the time and dedication Gordon put into the community and wilderness areas. The committee and family decided to request the renaming of the Big Dalton Campground to the Rowley Wilderness Amphitheater, to highlight Gordon’s involvement in Scout groups and the development of the local wilderness trails. The City Council approved this renaming unanimously on May 24 and chose to memorialize his wife Norma who passed away in February 2022. In the coming months residents can expect to see new signage installed to recognize this change.
Gordon strived to live a life of service for the community and surrounding wilderness areas. He took great pride in his service to the community and dedicated his time in Glendora to serving others. The impact that Gordon had on the city and the community is evident through his accomplishments and years of service. The Trails Committee, the Rowley family, and the City of Glendora feel that this renaming request is aptly fitting for Gordon given his years of service.