A Park with Purpose: Improving Water Quality and Enhancing a Valued Community Space in a Disadvantaged Community

Municipalities, water agencies, and communities in Los Angeles County, California are working collaboratively to identify, fund, and implement regional multi-benefit stormwater capture projects that provide equitable benefits to the communities they serve. The City of Inglewood, a disadvantaged community in Los Angeles County, used funding provided through Los Angeles County's Safe, Clean Water Program, to develop a feasibility study for a regional stormwater capture project at its historically significant Edward Vincent Jr. Park. Building off the original stormwater improvements concept developed for the site, the study assessed an optimal selection of best management practices (BMPs) and enhanced park amenities to provide a range of benefits to regional partners and the surrounding local communities. The primary project components developed through the feasibility study include an infiltration gallery to maximize stormwater capture for the 895-acre contributing area, a dry creek channel that seeks to mimic a historic watershed feature, and a bioretention system that prioritizes nature-based solutions while conserving and enhancing park space. In considering the existing park infrastructure, the feasibility study identified opportunities to improve the baseball field, create a boardwalk over the bioretention area, build out the dry creek to add natural seating for park users, and provide educational signage to highlight the park's green infrastructure features and the importance of stormwater management. The overall project looks to incorporate green infrastructure while considering placemaking and education opportunities. The engineering solution becomes an opportunity to create a new circulation spine and organizing element that enhancements can be built around, defining an enhanced community space while leaving ample opportunity for the community to provide feedback on program and amenities design during future phases of the project. The presentation will focus on how the City of Inglewood is partnering with stakeholders to develop a multi-benefit project that will be implemented to meet stormwater compliance but with significant and expanded benefits to park users and the broader community. The presentation will provide the audience with examples of how to: Identify and incorporate park needs and community interests. Integrate planned projects into concept designs to enhance the connection with stormwater improvements. Improve site access, mobility, and safety for the community. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand project impacts and identify additional benefits