One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A Big Muddy Puddle In Marina Del Rey Will Become A Beautiful New Park
The revitalization plans for the L.A. River have received plenty of attention and now a waterway on the Westside looks to be getting a fancy new makeover, too.
Marina Del Rey's Oxford Basin—a flood control channel for the former marshland—is in the process of being turned into a cool public park, which will feature a walking path, new native and drought-tolerant plants, educational signs and observation areas. The $14.5 million Oxford Basin Multiuse Enhancement Project will also increase the site's ability to prevent flooding, reduce stormwater pollution and improve the overall ecosystem of the area, according to Urbanize LA. Upgrades will include new lighting, more attractive fencing and a separation between the walking path and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, will help "cyclists and pedestrians to more conveniently share the bike trail in this location."
The Oxford Retention Basin, sandwiched between Washington Boulevard and Oxford Avenue, was first built in 1959 to reduce flood risk to nearby communities. Previously the area was used for agricultural purposes and then a municipal dump for many years. Several years after the flood control basin was built, the area was also designated as a Bird Conservation Area at the request of the Audubon Society. From the 1960s to 1980s, it was known as "Duck Pond" for the domesticated ducks that had been introduced to the area. The site was also home to "several hundred abandoned dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens," according to the LAC DPW, which were removed in 1989 due to environmental disruption. Precautions will be taken to avoid harming existing wildlife during the new construction.
The Oxford Basin Multiuse Enhancement Project is expected to be completed by next spring, and will hopefully get a better nickname by then.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
