Headwaters Area Project, Canoga Park

The Headwaters of the Los Angeles River is located at the confluence of Bell Creek and Arroyo Calabasas in the West San Fernando Valley in the City of Los Angeles. The project area presents an iconic and unparalleled opportunity to reimagine the LA River in communities with some of the highest park need and climate change vulnerability in LA County. Additionally, the proposed concept design responds directly to several years of community engagement feedback from these communities who want to optimize habitat creation, park space creation, connectivity to the LA River and its trails, and cultural opportunities.

The project strikes a balance between incorporating the benefits of multi-use park space and open space for the community, as well as incorporating a low flow vegetated stream within the rectangular channel for greater habitat opportunities. The design further addresses community need through bridges and platform connectors for improved connectivity, gateway pavilions staggered on both banks to welcome visitors to the river, a confluence park and amphitheater for cultural events, and a large-scale bridge park to create new open space and foster connectivity, ecosystem function, and cultural resources while managing flood risk for community resilience. To address flood risk and very high water quality need, the design includes channel modifications that improve capacity to accommodate the 1% storm as well as green streets for water quality improvements.

Location
Los Angeles, CA

Owner
Los Angeles County Public Works

Status
In Progress

Key Team Members
Jessica M. Henson, Partner-in-Charge
Richard Roark, Partner
Laurie Olin, Partner
Nate Wooten, Project Manager
Claire Casstevens,  Senior Landscape Architect
Diana Jih, Landscape Architect
Evangeline Sheridan, Landscape Designer