City Reports on Eaton Wash Stormwater Project Community Meeting

The City of Pasadena Department of Public Works hosted third community outreach event for the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project last month at Lamanda Park Library Pocket Park. The initiative will capture and treat stormwater from a 10,294-acre drainage area while transforming an undeveloped city-owned site into a vibrant public park designed with community input.

Director of Public Works Greg de Vinck led the on Thursday, September 18 evening event, which invited residents to review refined park designs, explore the newly expanded project area, and envision future uses for the community space. The open-house format featured updated design boards, interactive displays, and opportunities for attendees to provide feedback on the evolving site vision.

Residents who participated received complimentary plants, gardening bags, gloves, and hand shovels as thanks for their input. Community members of all ages attended, with many expressing excitement about the expanded park area and the thoughtful inclusion of native and climate-appropriate plant species.

The proposed design integrates stormwater capture features both above and below ground. Key enhancements include a dog park, community garden, outdoor classrooms, and additional green space to support Willard Elementary School, the Boys & Girls Club, and Gro Works.

The project comprises two distinct components. Underground stormwater and water quality elements will divert storm and urban flows from Eaton Wash for pretreatment and subsurface storage and infiltration, with additional treatment by filtration to return clean water back to the channel. This treatment process will remove trash, sediments, and pollutants from stormwater, improving water quality within Eaton Wash, which flows downstream to the Rio Hondo River, then the Los Angeles River and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.

The design team will identify and prioritize fire-resistant plants, including native riparian plants that will provide wildlife habitat and thrive in this environment. Restoration of native vegetation can serve as natural firebreaks, reducing the spread and intensity of wildfires and provide community protection.

City staff will continue to collaborate with residents and key partners to finalize the project vision in Council District 4. Future engagement opportunities and project updates will be shared in the coming months.

Funding for the project’s design comes from the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program Regional Funding, which secured $2.3 million in design funds. The California Department of Transportation is contributing $6.5 million in funding for project construction, scheduled to take place from 2027 to 2029.

City of Pasadena Department of Public Works. 175 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena. For more information, visit bit.ly/EatonWashProject.