City Adds Washington Park Stormwater Project to Capital Improvement Program

As part of Monday’s consent calendar, the City Council approved an amendment to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.

The amendment makes way for a $12.6 million grant for the Washington Park Stormwater Project.

The project intercepts and treats stormwater runoff from the east side storm drain—Pasadena’s oldest and largest storm drain system—which currently discharges untreated water into the Rio Hondo River, a tributary of the Los Angeles River.

The initiative will reduce pollutants such as bacteria and heavy metals from reaching local waterways and the Pacific Ocean.

The City will consult an arborist before moving to the construction phase. Several community members have expressed concerns over trees in the park.

“We really want to protect the park and I am happy to hear that’s one of the goals,” said Mayor Victor Gordo.

The City will come back to the City Council for approval during the design process.

City Manager Miguel Márquez will execute a fund transfer agreement for the grant, awarded through the County’s Measure W Safe, Clean Water Program.

Under the proposed concept, stormwater will be diverted to an underground system beneath Washington Park for filtration, storage, and infiltration into the groundwater. The project will also include surface enhancements such as new park amenities, native landscaping, and the creation of riparian habitats.