The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) recently broke ground on Caballero Creek Park Project (Project), LA’s first net-zero park which will capture stormwater and dry weather runoff, treat it on-site using solar power and then use the water to irrigate Caballero Creek Park.
The $5.5 million Project will convert 1.6 acres of vacant land at the confluence of the Los Angeles River and Caballero Creek in Tarzana (south of Victory Boulevard on Lindley Avenue) into a model multi-benefit public park. Its features will include a wetland and bioswale (a shallow depression that collects rainwater), wildlife habitat, native drought tolerant landscaping, trails and a boardwalk, fitness stations, seating and picnic areas, interpretive learning areas and a shaded platform near the wetland to serve as an outdoor classroom. The confluence of the LA River and Caballero Creek will be visible from the site and a future segment of the LA River Greenway will run adjacent to the park.
The Project will use an innovative mix of low-tech methods to protect the LA River watershed. Currently, stormwater runoff from a 17-acre urban area flows untreated to the LA River, carrying pollutants like trash, sediment, oil, and bacteria. This Project will create the first net-zero, self-sustaining park in Los Angeles – meaning stormwater runoff will be captured on and off-site and using solar power, be cleaned and then used to irrigate the park. The new wetlands will create wildlife habitat, clean water and help connect Angelenos to California’s struggling riverine ecology. The site plan includes a variety of offerings for the community including outdoor fitness, access to the LA River bike paths and more.
The Project’s partners include the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, LA Sanitation and Environment, LA General Services Department, and the County of Los Angeles.
This project will assist LASAN in attaining compliance with the LA River Trash, Bacteria and Metals Total Maximum Daily Loads (or TMDL’s) as outlined in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (or NPDES) Municipal Stormwater Permit. The project is scheduled to be completed in mid-2025.
