Sepulveda Dam#Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area

{{Infobox dam

| name = Sepulveda Dam

| name_official =

| image = sepulvedadam.jpg

| image_size =

| image_caption =

| image_alt =

| location_map = United States San Fernando Valley

| location_map_size =

| location_map_caption = Location in the San Fernando Valley

| location_map_alt =

| coordinates = {{coord|34.1671|-118.4732|type:landmark_region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}

| country = United States

| location = San Fernando Valley, California

| purpose = F

| status = O

| construction_began = {{start date and age|1940}}

| opening = {{start date and age|1941}}

| demolished =

| cost = $6,650,561

| owner = 24px U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District

| operator =

| dam_type =

| dam_crosses = Los Angeles River

| dam_length = {{convert|2.93|mi}}

| dam_height =

| dam_height_foundation=

| dam_height_thalweg = {{convert|57|ft}}

| dam_elevation_crest = {{convert|725|ft}}

| dam_width_crest = {{convert|30|ft}}

| dam_width_base =

| dam_volume =

| spillway_count =

| spillway_type = Concrete ogee

| spillway_capacity =

| res_name =

| res_capacity_total = {{convert|17300|acre feet|m3|abbr=on}}

| res_capacity_active =

| res_capacity_inactive=

| res_catchment =

| res_surface =

| res_max_length =

| res_max_width =

| res_max_depth =

| res_elevation =

| res_tidal_range =

| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20041018015630/http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=L175232 Corps Lakes Gateway - Sepulveda Dam]

| extra =

}}

The Sepulveda Dam is a dry dam constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withhold winter flood waters along the Los Angeles River. Completed in 1941, at a cost of $6,650,561 ({{Inflation|US|6650561|1941|r=-3|fmt=eq}}), it is located south of center in the San Fernando Valley, approximately {{Convert | 8 | mi | 0 | spell = in}} east of the river's source in the western end of the Valley, in Los Angeles, California.{{cite web

| url = https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Portals/17/docs/publicnotices/sepulveda_master10-1.pdf

| title = Sepulveda Dam Basin Master Plan and Environmental Assessment

| publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

| access-date = 2014-03-07

| url-status = live

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140308105807/http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Portals/17/docs/publicnotices/sepulveda_master10-1.pdf

| archive-date = 2014-03-08

}}

Sepulveda Dam, along with Hansen Dam located in the north San Fernando Valley, was constructed in response to the historic 1938 floods which killed 144 people. The dam's {{convert|17300|acre feet|m3|adj=on}} capacity would allow it to hold back roughly {{Convert | 2 + 1/4 | in}} of runoff from the {{Convert | 141 | sqmi}} of catchment upstream. It was placed at what was the then-current edge of the city. East of the dam, the river was crowded into a narrow channel by the city's growth. The flood control basin is a large and undeveloped area in the center of the Valley, used mostly for wildlife refuge and recreation. After the 1938 Los Angeles River flood, the channelization of all the Valley's dry washes was created with dry, concrete-lined river bottoms. Currently these are being devolved in part as interconnecting bike paths.{{cite web

| url = https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/477249/the-la-river-and-the-corps-a-brief-history/

| title = The LA River and the Corps: A brief history

| publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

| access-date = 2014-03-08

| url-status = live

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140308203118/http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsStories/tabid/1318/Article/18853/the-la-river-and-the-corps-a-brief-history.aspx

| archive-date = 2014-03-08

}}

Behind the dam, the Sepulveda Basin is home to several large recreation areas including Woodley Park, a model aircraft field, The Japanese Garden, a wildlife refuge,{{cite web

| url = http://www.laparks.org/dos/horticulture/sepulvedabasin.htm

| title = Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

| publisher = City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

| access-date = 2014-04-08

}} a water reclamation plant, and an armory. The facilities are compatible with occasional inundation from reservoir impoundment.{{Cite press release|date=February 4, 2024 |title=Rainstorm creates reservoir impoundment behind Sepulveda Dam |url=https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/3666036/rainstorm-creates-reservoir-impoundment-behind-sepulveda-dam/https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/3666036/rainstorm-creates-reservoir-impoundment-behind-sepulveda-dam/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |publisher=US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

History

File:Looking upstream in the outlet channel. Form work has been stripped from the outlet control tower and service bridge... - NARA - 295321.jpg

File:Westerly view along the top of the spillway showing the completed service bridge and handrails. The outlet control... - NARA - 295322.jpg

When the 1914 flood caused $10 million in damages to the developing basin areas, a public outcry began for action to address the recurring flooding problems. During the following year, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District was formed. Some of the early flood control efforts included smaller areas of channelization and the planning for needed reservoirs. Taxpayers approved bond issues in 1917 and 1924 to build the first major dams. However, they were not willing to provide enough funding for the much needed and substantial infrastructure downstream of these dams. After two more destructive floods in the 1930s, most notably the 1938 flood, federal assistance was requested. The Army Corps of Engineers took a lead role in channelizing the river and constructing several dams which would create flood control basins behind them. Channelization began in 1938, and by 1960 the project was completed to form the present {{Convert | 51 | mi | adj = on}} engineered waterway. Included in this work were Hansen Dam, completed in 1940 and followed by Sepulveda Dam in 1941.{{cite web |url=http://ladpw.org/wmd/watershed/LA/History.cfm |title=History of the Los Anegeles River |author= |date=2014 |publisher= Los Angeles Department of Public Works|access-date=2014-06-17}} In 1973, Burbank Boulevard was built through the Sepulveda Basin, and Woodley Ave was also built in the recreation area in 1975.

File:Woodley park picnic area.jpg group picnic area.]]

During the 2028 Summer Olympics, the area around the dam will host Basketball (3x3), BMX/Cycling, Modern Pentathlon, and Skateboarding.{{Cite web| title=Governance, legal and venue funding | url=http://la24-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/pdf/LA2024-canditature-part2_english.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010162747/http://la24-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/pdf/LA2024-canditature-part2_english.pdf | archive-date=2016-10-10}}

Access

Transit users can exit the G Line at either Balboa station or Woodley station.{{Cite web |last=Linton |first=Joe |date=2020-01-29 |title=Thirteen Fun Family-Friendly Bike Rides Accessible Via Metro Transit |url=https://la.streetsblog.org/2020/01/29/thirteen-fun-family-friendly-bike-rides-accessible-via-metro-transit/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=Streetsblog Los Angeles |language=en-US}}

Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area

The {{convert|2,000|acre|adj=mid}} Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is a flood control basin in Encino managed by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=126 |title=LAMountains.com: Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214023817/http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=126 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.laparks.org/dos/reccenter/facility/sepulvedaBasinRC.htm |title=City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks: Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406094638/http://www.laparks.org/dos/reccenter/facility/sepulvedaBasinRC.htm |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Haskell |first=Josh |date=2024-06-18 |title=LA lays out vision for Sepulveda Basin; includes LA River restoration |url=https://abc7.com/post/la-lays-vision-sepulveda-basin-includes-la-river/14966843/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=ABC7 Los Angeles |language=en}}

=Woodley Park=

Woodley Park is a large city park located on Woodley Avenue between Victory and Burbank Boulevards. The Leo Magnus Cricket Complex, a dog park, and group picnic areas are within the park. The park was opened in 1975.

The Japanese Garden is a {{convert|6.5|acre | adj = on}} public Japanese garden located on the grounds of the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant adjacent to Woodley Park.[http://www.thejapanesegarden.com The Japanese Garden website] . accessed 28 June 2016.

File:Lake Balboa.jpg

=Lake Balboa Park=

Lake Balboa Park, also known as Anthony C. Beilenson Park, is an {{convert|80|acres | adj = on}} park and water recreation facility with boat rentals and fishing. Lake Balboa is a {{convert|27|acre | adj = on}} lake filled with water reclaimed from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.[http://www.laparks.org/Dos/aquatic/balboa/index.htm City of Los Angeles Parks Department: Lake Balboa Park (Anthony C. Beilenson Park)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919161546/http://www.laparks.org/DOS/aquatic/balboa/index.htm |date=2012-09-19 }}[http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/balboa/parking_permit.htm Map of Lake Balboa Park] It also has barbecue pits, children's play area, picnic tables, and covered picnic pavilions. There are many Flowering cherry trees (Prunus serrulata 'Pink Cloud') in the park.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Cherry_blossoms_at_Lake_Balboa Wikimedia gallery: Cherry trees and blossoms at Lake Balboa Park]

The Balboa Station on the G Line is located at the north end of the park, at Balboa Boulevard.

=Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve=

The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is at the southeast end of the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin and Recreation Area.[http://www.sepulvedabasinwildlife.org/sbwr.html SepulvedaBasinWildlife.org: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve website] It has two sections, the North Reserve and South Reserve, located north and south of Burbank Boulevard.[http://www.sepulvedabasinwildlife.org/northreserve.html North Reserve, Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve][http://www.sepulvedabasinwildlife.org/southreserve.html South Reserve, Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve] Both have nature paths and hiking trails.[http://www.sepulvedabasinwildlife.org/images/local%20trail%20map.jpg Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve Trails Map] Access and parking are in eastern Woodley Park near to the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, or from Burbank Boulevard east of Woodley Avenue.

Haskell Creek flows through the nature preserve, and there are several wildlife ponds. Over 200 species of birds have been seen in the basin.[http://www.sepulvedabasinwildlife.org/fauna.html Wildlife of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve] Many, attracted by the water, gather here during fall and spring migrations. The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is an ongoing habitat restoration project, with locally native California plants.[http://www.sepulvedabasinwildlife.org/flora.html Flora of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve] Native trees include Fremont's cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ), Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), California Black Walnut (Juglans californica), and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa).

File:An excursion on the Los Angeles River begins with equal parts portage and paddle (120728-A-IE537-029).JPG

=Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area Bike Path=

File:Woodley Ave bike path.jpg

The Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area Bike Path is a {{convert|9|mi|km|sp=us|adj=on}} bicycle path route looping around the recreation area.[http://labikepaths.com/bike-paths/sepulveda-dam-recreation-area/ L.A. Bike Paths.com: Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area Bike Path] This "very popular bike path"{{cite book |last=Brady |first=Patrick |url= |title=Bicycling Los Angeles County: A Guide to Great Road Bike Rides |date=2007-04-28 |publisher=Menasha Ridge Press |isbn=978-0897329507 |location= |chapter=31}} runs from Victory Boulevard near the San Diego Freeway (I-405), westward to White Oak Avenue, south on White Oak to Burbank Boulevard, east on Burbank to Woodley Boulevard, and north on Woodley returning to Victory Boulevard. Public access is continuous along it. The ride features no steep or sustained hills, and has a maximum grade of no more than 2%.

A shorter route heads south on Balboa Boulevard, which crosses a natural stretch of the Los Angeles River that lined with native Arroyo willows, California sycamores, and other California native plants.

The bikeway "cruises around the Balboa Sports Center and several golf courses, and has several open areas with spectacular views of into the mountains to the north and east."

{{cite book

|last1=Brundige

|first1=Don

|last2=Brundige

|first2=Sharron

|date=2007

|edition=2nd

|title=Cycling Los Angeles

|location=San Diego, Calif.

|publisher=Sunbelt Publications

|chapter=38

|isbn=978-0-932653-81-9

}}

The loop sections along Victory and Burbank can be frequented by joggers. The bike path can seasonally have burr-bearing weeds, which may cause flats in less durable tires. The Apollo II Model Airplane Field is visible from the path.

There is ample free parking available in the public park, sports field, and/or golf course parking lots on Burbank, Woodley and Balboa Boulevards.

"Not all of [the park’s bike paths] show up on the official city Rec and Parks map or Google maps. The bike paths connect to play areas along Lake Balboa, several bathrooms, natural areas (including a natural soft-bottom stretch of the L.A. River), and to the cross-valley Orange Line bike path."

To access the park from the Orange Bikeway start at Victory Boulevard and Balboa Boulevard, go south, then turn east on a bike way.{{Cite web |title=Bike the Basin {{!}} Weekend Sherpa |url=https://www.weekendsherpa.com/stories/bike-ride-around-sepulveda-basin-recreation-area/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=www.weekendsherpa.com |language=en}}

The Sepulveda Basin bike paths are accessible from Granada Hills via the {{convert|6.5|mi|adj=on}} Class III path on Woodley Ave.

=Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone=

The Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone extends from above Balboa Boulevard to the confluence of Haskell Creek below Burbank Boulevard. It is open for recreational non-motorized boating during the summer, with restricted access to some protected wildlife areas along the banks.{{cite web

| url = https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/484975/corps-opens-recreational-boating-program-at-sepulveda/

| title = Corps opens recreational boating program at Sepulveda

| date = 2014-05-23

| website = US Army Corps of Engineers

| url-status = live

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140524053903/http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases/tabid/1319/Article/484975/corps-opens-recreational-boating-program-at-sepulveda.aspx

| archive-date= 2014-05-24

}}

=Other facilities=

Other recreation facilities within the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area include:

Balboa Sports Complex, with a children's play area, community room, indoor gym; and lighted: baseball diamonds, basketball courts, soccer fields, football field, handball courts, tennis courts, and volleyball courts.[http://www.laparks.org/dos/reccenter/facility/balboasportscomplex.htm City of Los Angeles Parks Department: Balboa Sports Complex] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325002424/http://www.laparks.org/DOS/reccenter/facility/balboaSportsComplex.htm |date=2010-03-25 }}
Hjelte Sports Center, with softball diamonds.[http://www.lamag.com/askchris/along-burbank-boulevard-in-encino-is-a-place/ Los Angeles Magazine: "Along Burbank Boulevard in Encino is a place called the Hjelte Sports Center. What’s a Hjelte, and how do you say it?"], by Chris Nichols , 20 June 2011.
Sepulveda Garden Center, a community garden with 800 garden plots on {{convert|20|acres}}, and public activity center building.{{Cite web |url=http://www.laparks.org/dos/horticulture/sepulveda.htm |title=City of Los Angeles Parks Department: Sepulveda Garden Center |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703234116/http://www.laparks.org/dos/horticulture/sepulveda.htm |url-status=dead }}
Sherman Oaks Castle Park, with miniature golf, an arcade, and batting cages.{{Cite web |url=http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/ |title=City of Los Angeles Parks Department: Sherman Oaks Castle Park |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622230126/http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/ |url-status=dead }}
Encino Golf Course, Balboa Golf Course, and Woodley Lakes Golf Course (all 18-hole).
Apollo XI Field for model airplanes.[http://flyingsocal.com/flying-fields/los-angeles-county/apollo-xi-field-at-the-sepulveda-basin/ Flying SoCal.com: Apollo XI Field at the Sepulveda Basin]

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20100322230759/http://www.sepulvedabasin.org/ Friends of the Sepulveda Basin], organization website
[http://www.FriendsOfLakeBalboa.org Friends of Lake Balboa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615135652/http://www.friendsoflakebalboa.org/ |date=June 15, 2010 }}, organization website
[https://www.laparks.org/info/biking/sanfernando_biking SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BIKE ROUTE]

Category:Dams in Los Angeles County, California

Category:Los Angeles River

Category:Buildings and structures in the San Fernando Valley

Category:United States Army Corps of Engineers dams

Category:Parks in the San Fernando Valley

Category:Parks in Los Angeles

Category:Encino, Los Angeles

Category:Lake Balboa, Los Angeles

Category:Van Nuys, Los Angeles

Category:Dams completed in 1941

Category:1941 establishments in California

Category:Geography of the San Fernando Valley