March 29, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Marina “Duck Pond” Now Officially Fancy

6:12pm

After six years of planning and a year of construction, Los Angeles County officials cut the ribbon today on a renovated flood-control basin that had become a foul-smelling eyesore but has been rebuilt into a park-like area with wildlife-viewing platforms.

Oxford Basin
Don Knabe and friends put finishing touches on the new Oxford Basin photo courtesy: LA Public Works Twitter

Originally constructed in 1959 on the outskirts of Marina del Rey as a flood-control facility at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Oxford Avenue, the Oxford Retention Basin was once known as the “Duck Pond” due to the number of waterfowl that were kept on the site. But the site deteriorated over the years, becoming a magnet for abandoned animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and even chickens.

Most of the animals were cleared from the site more than 20 years ago,
but the basin stood stagnant, and in recent years was marked by a sediment-
fueled stench easily detectable by bike riders on the otherwise pristine Marina
del Rey bike path, pedestrians on Admiralty Way and some residents of the
adjacent Marina City Club condominium complex.

After about six years of community meetings and planning, the county Department of Public Works embarked on a $14.5 million renovation project last summer in hopes of improving the basin’s flood-control function and re-invigorating the wildlife habitat and water quality.

At the onset of construction, some residents and environmental activists protested the removal of hundreds of trees from the area. County officials insisted the trees were non-native species and were removed at the recommendation of project biologists, with the removal timed to avoid bird-nesting season. The renovated basin includes 730 newly planted native trees and 45,000 native plants, according to the county.

Today’s ribbon-cutting event included a tree-planting ceremony. The renovated basin includes six wildlife-observation decks, four on Admiralty Way and two on Washington Boulevard. The decks will include display panels providing information on the wildlife and vegetation.

Related Posts

California: Pioneering the Future of Online and Digital Payments

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

In the fast-paced digital economy of the 21st century, California has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of online...

A Guide to the Current Gambling Situation in Canada

January 1, 2024

January 1, 2024

For centuries, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of human culture; in recent years–marking an era where evolution pervades...

Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Entertainment Budget

December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

Many individuals and families in today’s fast-paced world share a common goal: finding ways to save money. The entertainment budget...

California’s top sports teams.

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

California is known worldwide for a multitude of exciting things. They’re known for their incredible beaches, glorious sunshine, and fabulous...

Your Lucky Numbers: Six Tips Towards Lottery Success

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people win money from the lottery? They may not always hit the jackpot, but they...

Five different ways to unwind.

October 1, 2023

October 1, 2023

Modern life is always busy and it can feel like your to-do list is never ending. When you’re not working,...

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...

Over Half of Short-Term Rentals Advertised in LA Don’t Comply With City’s Home Sharing Ordinance

April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation...

Venice Shorts: Averill Defeats Tyminski 63%-37% to Become President of Venice Neighborhood Council

April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

In second bid for top spot, surfer/photographer Brian Averill coasts to an easy win against Venice attorney and outgoing Vice-President...

Column: Install at LAX Tiny Homes From The State Grant

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

By Clark Brown On March 16  Governor Newsom announced in Sacramento, his first stop on his State of the State of...

Venice Shorts: Night & Day – Flower & Lincoln Transformed, Back in Business

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

By Nick Antonicello In what was a Venice eyesore just a few months ago has been transformed into a place...