After driving by the “zone of weird stagnant water” near Oxford and Washington Blvd. a zillion times since I was a kid, I finally motivated to figure out what it is. Meet The Oxford Flood Control Basin, which is slated to become a park with walk paths and observation decks in the near future.
A quick call to Greg at the Marina Del Rey Historical Society informed me that the Oxford Flood Control Basin was a remnant of days past when runoff would simply drain into the marshlands that existed before the Marina was made. Greg also put me in touch with some people at the City who explained that the Oxford Flood Control Basin is not the culprit behind the Marina Del Rey Odor Control Project (a sewer issue), but that the Basin is in fact slated for improvements starting next year.
The Oxford Flood Control Basin Project will reduce flooding on Oxford Ave, enhance the water quality at the basin, provide a habitat for wildlife, improve aesthetics and increase recreational opportunities. The project will consist of modifying catch basins on Oxford Ave, the removal of accumulated sediment in the Oxford Basin, construction of a berm to increase flow around Oxford Basin, planting of native vegetation and construction of a walking path around the basin.
The estimated total project cost is $12,000,000 and it is tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012.
