Marina del Rey Flood Control Basin Turning Into a Lovely Park

Marina del Rey's Oxford Basin is more than just a man-made channel to aid in flood control in a former marsh—it's a park waiting to happen. A new $14.5-million makeover has already begun to turn it into a kind of Echo Park Lake of the Westside, surrounded by a walking path, new native plants, and interpretive installations, says Urbanize LA.

The Oxford Basin Multiuse Enhancement Project is more than just a pretty park. The project, which includes the installation of new water filtration systems and the removal of sediment in the basin, will not only beef up flood protection capabilities, but also improve the overall ecosystem of the site, as well as cut back on stormwater pollution.

Also among the upgrades will be new lighting and fencing and a separated walking path along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail "to reduce potential conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists." The LA County Department of Public Works' site for the project says that all the work at the basin is expected to be done by next spring.

· Improvements Underway at Marina Del Rey's Oxford Basin [Urbanize LA]
· Oxford Basin Multiuse Enhancement Project [Official site]