Ed P. Reyes Riverway Project Breaks Ground

Los Angeles City Councilmembers Ed P. Reyes and Tom LaBonge joined Public Works officials, community members and Los Angeles River enthusiasts today to celebrate the start of construction of the Lincoln Heights riverside green space named “The Ed P. Reyes Riverway.” Officials broke ground on the $4-million stormwater project originally called the Humboldt Greenway but renamed as a surprise to Councilmember Reyes to recognize his efforts to revitalize the Los Angeles River. The event also marked the 10th Anniversary of the City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River. In announcing the green space dedication to Councilmember Reyes, Public Works commissioner Jerilyn Lopez-Mendoza said, “With your vision and ability to inspire, you have changed the way we regard the Los Angeles River. You have helped Los Angeles realize that what was once a neglected, graffiti-scarred concrete channel is truly the lifeblood of our city. For that, we thank you and honor you with this project.”

The Ed P. Reyes Riverway project will convert a one-acre space between Avenue 18 and Avenue 19 into a stormwater greenway. The site will take runoff from a 135-acre sub-watershed through a storm drain beneath Humboldt Street, and allow stormwater to run through landscape features that will cleanse it of oils, bacteria, trash and other pollutants before flowing out to the Los Angeles River. The stormwater elements will be complemented by native vegetation, trees, and an irrigation system. Recreational features like solar lights, pedestrian bridges, drinking fountains and a bike stop will also be added. Councilmember Reyes, who spearheads the City’s Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, emphasized the value of the public works improvement to his district and his vision for L.A.’s main tributary: “This project is important to the health of the Los Angeles River, the health of the environment, our neighborhoods and our families, who live, work and play here.”

The Ed P. Reyes Riverway is scheduled to be complete by mid-2013. For additional information about the project, please download the Department of Public Works press release.

Photo courtesy of the City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works.