Ladera Park Stormwater Improvements Project

The Ladera Park Stormwater Improvements Project (project) is part of the county’s multi-benefit approach to improve water quality in the Ladera Heights community of Los Angeles County. The project is located at Ladera Park, which is a vital 15-acre public space within the densely urbanized Ballona Creek watershed. The Ballona Creek has been identified as impaired for bacteria, toxic pollutants, and metals, and regulations have been imposed to protect wildlife and water contact activities. The project will capture and infiltrate stormwater and urban runoff via an underground infiltration system. Infiltration will be achieved through the installation of a diversion structure, a pretreatment system, and a series of 70-foot deep infiltration wells. Stormwater and urban runoff will be redirected into the infiltration system and allowed to percolate into the ground. A portion of the diverted water will be stored and used for park irrigation purposes after undergoing ozone treatment. Impacts to park users will be minimal since most of the improvements will be underground. Above ground, a watershed themed demonstration garden will replace traditional turf and feature drought tolerant plants, and educational signage which will increase public awareness of water quality and conservation. In addition, the garden will also feature LID bio-swales, a walking path with decorative bridges, a shade structure, and seating areas. The project received $4.8 million in grant funding from the State of California’s Proposition 84 Santa Monica Bay Restoration Grant Program. Project construction began in January 2019.