Sepulveda Dam

When the 1914 flood caused $10 million in damages to the developing basin areas, a public outcry began for action to address the recurring flooding problems. During the following year, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District was formed. Some of the early flood control efforts included smaller areas of channelization and the planning for needed reservoirs. Taxpayers approved bond issues in 1917 and 1924 to build the first major dams. However, they were not willing to provide enough funding for the much needed and substantial infrastructure downstream of these dams. After two more destructive floods in the 1930s, most notably the 1938 flood, federal assistance was requested. The Army Corps of Engineers took a lead role in channelizing the river and constructing several dams which would create flood control basins behind them. Channelization began in 1938, and by 1960 the project was completed to form the present engineered waterway. Included in this work were Hansen Dam, completed in 1940 and followed by Sepulveda Dam in 1941. In 1973, Burbank Boulevard was built through the Sepulveda Basin, and Woodley Ave was also built in the recreation area in 1975. group picnic area. ==Access==

Transit users can exit the G Line at either Balboa station or Woodley station. ==Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area==

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is a flood control basin in Encino managed by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks. During the 2028 Summer Olympics, the area around the dam will host basketball (3x3), BMX racing/BMX freestyle, modern pentathlon, and skateboarding. Woodley Park Woodley Park is a large city park located on Woodley Avenue between Victory and Burbank Boulevards. The Leo Magnus Cricket Complex, a dog park, and group picnic areas are within the park. The park was opened in 1975. The Japanese Garden is a public Japanese garden located on the grounds of the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant adjacent to Woodley Park. Lake Balboa Park Lake Balboa Park, also known as Anthony C. Beilenson Park, is an park and water recreation facility with boat rentals and fishing. Lake Balboa is a lake filled with water reclaimed from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. It also has barbecue pits, children's play area, picnic tables, and covered picnic pavilions. The Balboa Station on the G Line is located at the north end of the park, at Balboa Boulevard. Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is at the southeast end of the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin and Recreation Area. It has two sections, the North Reserve and South Reserve, located north and south of Burbank Boulevard. Both have nature paths and hiking trails. Access and parking are in eastern Woodley Park near to the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, or from Burbank Boulevard east of Woodley Avenue. Many, attracted by the water, gather here during fall and spring migrations. Native trees include Fremont's cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ), Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), California Black Walnut (Juglans californica), and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa). This "very popular bike path" runs from Victory Boulevard near the San Diego Freeway (I-405), westward to White Oak Avenue, south on White Oak to Burbank Boulevard, east on Burbank to Woodley Boulevard, and north on Woodley returning to Victory Boulevard. The loop sections along Victory and Burbank can be frequented by joggers. The bike path can seasonally have burr-bearing weeds, which may cause flats in less durable tires. The Apollo II Model Airplane Field is visible from the path. The Sepulveda Basin bike paths are accessible from Granada Hills via the Class III path on Woodley Ave. Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone The Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone extends from above Balboa Boulevard to the confluence of Haskell Creek below Burbank Boulevard. It is open for recreational non-motorized boating during the summer, with restricted access to some protected wildlife areas along the banks. Other facilities Other recreation facilities within the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area include: • Hjelte Sports Center, with softball diamonds. • Sepulveda Garden Center, a community garden with 800 garden plots on , and public activity center building. • Sherman Oaks Castle Park, with miniature golf, an arcade, and batting cages. • Encino Golf Course, Balboa Golf Course, and Woodley Lakes Golf Course (all 18-hole). • Apollo XI Field for model airplanes. ==See also==