Looking for a hidden oasis on the westside of Los Angeles? One that provides native habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife while offering a place of respite?
Look no further than the newly opened Paul Koretz Westwood Greenway—two acres of open space that works to improve the water quality of stormwater and dry-weather runoff entering Ballona Creek, provides habitat for wildlife, and creates open green space with recreational, educational and environmental benefits for Angelenos in an urban area.
The Paul Koretz Westwood Greenway (Greenway) is located in Council District 5 at 2657 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065 on city-owned parcels, on the north and south side of the Metro’s Exposition Light Rail. In addition to creating recreational space for residents, the greenway diverts and cleans urban runoff from the Overland storm drain, which drains stormwater flow from 2,400 acres. The project improves the water quality of stormwater and dry-weather runoff entering Ballona Creek to help meet LA’s Clean Water Act requirements, which are regulated by the LA Regional Water Quality Control Board. In an optimal year, the Greenway has the potential to capture and treat up to 97 million gallons of stormwater runoff each year.
The Greenway was completed in two phases. Phase I included its design and construction, which created two vegetated streams to intercept and divert runoff flow for cleaning. The placement of river boulders, native trees and plants, and a walking trail completed Phase I. Phase II included providing for the Greenway’s ongoing operation and maintenance needs and the installation of a remote monitoring system and operation system to integrate the Greenway with the Venice Pump station. Phase II is not fully completed but will be completed soon.
This project was a collaboration between LA Sanitation and Environment and the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering. Former and current Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz and Katy Yaroslavsky, and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission were key supporters, along with the Westwood Neighborhood, Inc., whose tireless grassroots efforts were instrumental in the development of the Greenway.
The Paul Koretz Westwood Greenway Project was completed for $5,460,000: $3.26 million from the City’s Clean Water Bond (Proposition O) and $2.2 million from the State Water Control Board’s Proposition 84 funds. Moving forward, Safe Clean Water Program funds will be utilized for the operation and maintenance of the Greenway.
Paul Koretz Westwood Greenway
2657 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Open: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., daily
