The MacArthur Park Stormwater Capture Project will be considered for recommending certification of the California Environmental Impact Report on October 16, 2025 at the Recreation and Park Commissioners Meeting. Meeting Agenda
MacArthur Park Stormwater Capture Project Description:
The Project is located at MacArthur Park and on adjacent streets south of the park in the Westlake community plan area of the City of Los Angeles. The Project would occur in the southern section of the park, with underground improvements in 7th Street south of the park, in an approximate one-block portion of Grand View Street south of 7th Street, in an approximate one-block portion of Lake Street south of 7th Street, and in an alley that parallels 7th Street to the south (specifically at the entrance of the alley at its intersection with Lake Street).
Stormwater Capture Area
The Project would divert a portion of wet weather stormwater flows as well as dry weather flows from a 200-acre drainage area via a 45-inch-diameter storm drain in Lake Street. These flows would be routed to the pretreatment unit in 7th Street and would then be conveyed to the stormwater treatment unit located in MacArthur Park, where it would receive additional treatment and be diverted into MacArthur Lake or returned to the storm drain system through a new pipeline in Grand View Street. A recirculation system would be used to convey and recirculate the lake water. Water would be conveyed to the water feature, where it would flow through a series of cascades that would follow the natural slope of the park down towards the lake. Some of the water stored in the lake would subsequently be discharged to the sanitary sewer.
Water Flow Schematic
This process would reduce the amount of stormwater and associated pollutant loads that enter Ballona Creek, the Ballona Creek wetlands, and, ultimately, Santa Monica Bay. The diversion of stormwater from the storm drain system into the lake would also reduce the use of potable water to refill MacArthur Lake due to evaporation. The Project also provides educational opportunities with signage and information boards about stormwater management.
