Echoes of the Lake to Come

Mid-July has traditionally been the time of year that Angelenos enjoy the Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake. Although the Lotus Festival isn’t happening this year, now seems like a good time to provide an update on the construction project that is currently going on at Echo Park Lake.

The Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation Project is a $64.7 million Proposition O-funded project whose goal is to improve water quality in both Echo Park Lake and the Los Angeles River watershed by rehabilitating the lake.  It will also give the Echo Park community an improved and more sustainable lake to enjoy and allow its iconic Lotus flowers to blossom once again for generations to come.

What’s happening now?

Construction crews have completely drained Echo Park Lake and are currently working on dredging the lake bed soil. They’ve placed lime on the lake bed soil to expedite the drying of the sediment before exporting it to authorized disposal sites. A retaining wall is slowly being built all around the lake, replacing the old, dilapidated lake edging.

What’s next on the construction schedule?

After the lake is completely dredged, in-lake basin improvements will begin and will include the replacement of the lake liner and implementation of stormwater BMPs like bioswales and permeable walkways. Soon thereafter, in-lake vegetation and habitat improvements will begin. The Lotus bed will be reconditioned, floating wetland islands will be installed, lake edge improvements completed and educational elements added.  

When will Echo Park Lake open to the public?

Construction will continue through 2012 with Echo Park Lake slated to open again in spring 2013.

Where can I learn more about this project?

If you’d like to learn more about this project and see weekly construction photos, we encourage you to visit Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation Project.  There’s also a project hot line at (213) 978-0317 where a Public Works representative can answer any questions you may have.