LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles (LA) Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP), LA Recreation and Parks, and the LA Bureau of Engineering convened in Strathern Park North on the morning of October 29 to break ground on a stormwater capture project to collect rainwater and urban runoff at seven local parks in the East San Fernando Valley. Nazarian has worked on water conservation initiatives since his time in the Assembly, going all the way back to 2013.
“This innovative program will be instrumental in fortifying Los Angeles’s water supply,” said Councilmember Nazarian. “This initiative enables the capture of millions of gallons of water that would otherwise flow into the ocean. Once complete, this initiative enables the capture of millions of gallons of water that would otherwise flow into the ocean, especially in times of heavy rainfall. Consequently, municipal rates can remain stable by reducing reliance on imported water sources from hundreds of miles away. I’m so glad that the East San Fernando Valley will be the first region in the city to see the benefits of this new program.”
Once complete, this project will deliver key environmental, water-quality, and recreational benefits, including an average stormwater capture capacity of 158 acre-feet per year, improved downstream water quality and reduced localized flooding, a significant reduction in local pollutants entering the Tujunga Wash, the Los Angeles River, and the ocean, and park upgrades such as, two new baseball fields with dugouts, bleachers with shade, and a batting cage, new sports lighting, hydration stations, new trees and more.
“The Stormwater Capture Parks Program reflects the modern, climate-responsive infrastructure Los Angeles must advance,” said David W. Hanson, LADWP Interim General Manager. “Its ability to capture, treat, and store millions of gallons of stormwater strengthens system resilience, supports groundwater replenishment, and delivers long-term environmental benefits.”
“The Bureau of Engineering is pleased to partner with LADWP, the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Council office to make these projects a reality,” said Crystal Lee, City Engineer. “These collaborations are incredible examples of what we can do for communities when we work together. Bringing these projects to these parks not only provides new water retention opportunities and improves water quality, but they also provide park improvements that everyone can enjoy.”
“This project at Strathern Park highlights the innovative, dual roles our public spaces can fulfill for the community,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager of LA City Department of Recreation and Parks. “By converting our parks through neighborhood stormwater capture initiatives into advanced water management systems, we are making a direct investment in sustainability and advancing the City’s long-term water future goals.”
