Board of Water and Power Commissioners Approves LADWP Property for Use as Public Park in Atwater Village

Sunnynook River Park, a Priority of the Los Angeles River Master Plan, to Increase Recreational Space, Expand Watershed and Improve Ecology of the Area.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Board of Water and Power Commissioners today approved use of LADWP property located along the Los Angeles River for development of a Sunnynook River Park, by the City's Department of Recreation and Parks.

The park, to be located on the west side of the Los Angeles River at Glendale Boulevard, is a component of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan and lies within an LADWP transmission line right of way. A major aspect of the park provides for restoration of the riparian habitat, which will allow for the capture and treatment of stormwater, and expanding passive recreational opportunities that further the Master Plan's mission of improving the ecological health of the river corridor.

"This project furthers the LADWP's mission to reduce urban stormwater runoff and recharge our City's groundwater while creating a new public space for community use. We are proud to participate in this outstanding project," said Lee Kanon Alpert, President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners.

"This agreement will enable the capture and treatment of stormwater, which is one of the goals of the Mayor's 20-year Water Supply Action Plan and will help fulfill the commitment LADWP has made to support the L.A. River Master Plan," said S. David Freeman, Interim General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

LADWP has worked collaboratively with Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed Reyes, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering and members of the Los Angeles River Revitalization staff to bring this new park to life.

The project site, co-owned by LADWP and CalTrans, is comprised of an approximately 3.4-acre parcel bordering the Golden State Freeway on the west, just north of the Glendale/Hyperion Viaduct. Once lease and maintenance agreements are finalized, construction will commence with an anticipated completed date expected in early 2012. Funding sources include $1.35 million from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (Prop. 84) and $350,000 from State of California EEM Grant Program (A.B. 471.)

The scope of the project includes removal of invasive plant species and replacing with Sycamore, Coast Live Oak and Elderberry and native shrub plantings such as Toyon, Buckwheat and Wild Rose. Envisioned as an "Outdoor Classroom," the park will feature explanative panels describing the river's role in flood protection, the local ecosystem, Los Angeles history and other elements. Amenities may include walkways, benches and picnic tables as well as signage to explain important connections to local destinations such as Griffith Park, Red Car River Park and other areas.
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