City Seeks Community Input for Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project

City officials are asking residents to help design a new park that will capture and treat stormwater while providing recreational amenities.

The Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project will transform a vacant city-owned lot into a multi-purpose facility. The site sits adjacent to Eaton Blanche Park where the former Earthside Nature Center once operated.

Community members can share feedback through an online survey open until Friday, July 25. The survey will help determine above-ground features for the project.

The facility will treat stormwater from a 10,294-acre drainage area. Underground components will filter water before it flows into Eaton Wash, Rio Hondo and Los Angeles Rivers.

Plans include a paved pedestrian plaza, demonstration gardens with four plant communities, and a community garden. The design also calls for water features using filtered stormwater, a dog park, and new parking.

The project will incorporate elements from the former nature center. A repurposed version of the existing Earthside Gateway will remain along with shaded gathering areas.

An outdoor classroom for science education and interpretive signage will help visitors understand the site’s history and ecology. The former nature center showcased California native wildflowers.

The Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program is funding the project through Measure W regional grants. The program provides local funding to increase water supply and improve water quality.

Pasadena’s Measure W Local Returns funded the original feasibility study for the concept.

Residents can complete the survey at bit.ly/EatonWashSurvey. Project updates are available at https://bit.ly/EatonWashProject.

The Department of Public Works is leading the design process.