The Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project will significantly enhance water quality for the City of Pasadena and the surrounding region. This is made possible by the project’s upstream drainage area of 10,294 acres and its proximity to the adjacent storm channel (Eaton Wash), as well as an undeveloped City-owned site (project site). This project site will provide underground stormwater infiltration and treatment components to improve water quality within Eaton Wash, the Rio Hondo and Los Angeles Rivers. Additionally, the project site will be transformed into new usable park space, with incorporated above-ground amenities that will be guided by comprehensive community outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring that the design elements reflect the needs, preferences, and priorities of the local community.
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Community Outreach, Notifications, and Public Meetings
EATON WASH STORMWATER CAPTURE CO-BENEFITS
The Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project integrates both underground stormwater infrastructure and above-ground improvements within the project intended to create an inclusive, multi-benefit park space that enhances environmental, recreational and social value for the community. The Project has two distinct components:
Underground Stormwater and Water Quality Elements: The project will divert storm and urban flows from Eaton Wash for pretreatment and subsurface storage and infiltration, with additional treatment by filtration to return clean water back to the channel. This treatment process will remove trash, sediments and pollutants from stormwater, improving the water quality within Eaton Wash, which flows downstream to the Rio Hondo River, then the Los Angeles River and, ultimately, the Pacific Ocean.
Aboveground Park Space and Community Amenities: The project site offers the opportunity to create new usable park space and community amenities. The park may incorporate features such as new trees, native plantings, lighting, recreation features, walking paths, outdoor classrooms, community gardens, and gathering areas with park seating. The community amenities will be refined through community input during the design process.
CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS
The Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture project conceptual drawings, which were developed during the consultant selection process will be used to drive the project’s initial design. Final designs for the project will be dependent on guidance and feedback from outreach efforts.
Project Schedule
Project Background
The Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project is a vital step towards enhancing Pasadena’s water and climate resilience by increasing local water supply through groundwater recharge, improving water quality and assisting the City in meeting critical regulatory compliance requirements. Additionally, it aims to transform the surrounding area by creating new public park space, providing enhanced recreational opportunities, and fostering a more sustainable and vibrant environment for the local community.
The project site was first identified by the City as part of the Storm Drain Master Plan. The City prepared a Safe, Clean Water Program Feasibility Study application that secured $2.3M in design funds to re-envision open spaces along the Eaton Wash and create multi-benefit opportunities to address critical City resiliency goals. The current design effort will build upon the previously completed feasibility study and help push towards the securing of future construction funds from the SCWP to fully realize the project.
DEPARTMENT LEAD AND FUNDING
The Department of Public Works is leading this project, working collaboratively with the community, key stakeholders, and agency partners. Funding for the project’s design comes from the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program Regional Funding with the Feasibility Study funded by the City’s Measure W Local Returns. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is contributing $6.5M in funding for project construction.
The Safe, Clean Water Program provides dedicated local funding to increase local water supply, improve water quality, and protect public health. For more information regarding Los Angeles County’s Safe, Clean Water Program please go to https://safecleanwaterla.org/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Will the stormwater capture project and treatment system provide assistance during wildfire emergencies?
Treated stormwater will only be temporarily stored within the underground storage system before percolation into the unlaying soils, therefore it will not be available for use during a fire. However, harnessing local stormwater enhances local water resources and promotes landscape and water resilience. By capturing and storing stormwater, these projects help replenish groundwater supplies, which can be critical for firefighting efforts during and after wildfires. Moreover, the diverted water captures and removes pollutants including ash, heavy metals and debris from upstream fire impacted areas thus preventing further distribution to downstream waterways and eventually the ocean. Additionally, the creation of green spaces and the restoration of native vegetation can improve air quality, addressing airborne pollutants, and assisting in erosion control and mobilization of soils into the local waterways.
2. Will the project’s plant palette include fire-resistant plants?
The design team will identify and prioritize fire-resistant plants to inform the project’s plant palette. These will include native riparian plants that will provide much-needed wildlife habitat and will thrive in this environment. Restoration of native vegetation can serve as natural firebreaks, reducing the spread and intensity of wildfires and provide community protection. In addition, improved soil moisture and vegetation health from stormwater recharge can decrease the risk of fire-prone dry landscapes, contributing to long-term wildfire mitigation strategies. Through the outreach process, community members will have the opportunity to provide input and share their preferences on plant selection.
SITE HISTORY
Historically, there has been interest in creating park spaces along Eaton Wash within city boundaries. The earliest plan in 1932 envisioned a series of park areas connected by a scenic roadway. In 1967, the City’s Director of Parks approved the “Eaton Canyon Area Development” plan, which proposed an interconnected system of parks and open spaces along the Eaton Canyon drainage channel. The Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture project builds upon these past efforts and interest by incorporating accessible open space and community amenities into the project site.
Additionally, the project site was once home to the Pasadena Earthside Nature Center, which operated from 1971 to around 1995. The center was a space where visitors could see California native wildflowers and was maintained by volunteers, the Girls Club, and local service clubs.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Over 6 community members participated in the Public Information Meeting conducted from 6pm to 8pm at Lamanda Park Branch Library on November 12, 2025. Staff and consultants provided information on the project, including the purpose, co-benefits, stormwater components, a summary of outreach and engagements, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process.
You can view the presentation in the Eaton Wash Public Information Meeting Presentation
Thank you for attending the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project Outreach Meeting #4 on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, at Willard Elementary School. Attendees explored the refined park design and shared input on how they plan to use the future park.
You can learn more about the community’s feedback in the Key Takeaways from Eaton Wash Outreach Event #4
Refined Site Design
Community Outreach Event #4 featured an annotated board showcasing the refined design of the project area where participants can explore how community input shaped the design.
Project Area Renderings
Community Outreach Event #4 featured two boards with renderings demonstrating types of activities envisioned for the park from specific perspectives.”
Easement Concept
Community Outreach Event #4 featured a board showcasing the conceptual design for the potential park expansion.
Project Area
Community Outreach Event #4 featured a board of the full site rendering, including the easement.
Thorndale Roadway Design
Community Outreach Event #4 featured a board with design updates along Thorndale Road.
Did You Know Boards
Community Outreach Event #4 featured three boards that represented how community feedback has shaped the project.
Thank you for attending the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project Outreach Meeting #3 on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, at the Lamanda Park Library Pocket Park. Attendees explored the refined park design and shared input on how they plan to use the future park.
You can learn more about the community’s feedback in the Key Takeaways from Eaton Wash Outreach Event #3
Check out highlights from the Eaton Wash community event #3
Refined Site Design
Community Outreach Event #3 featured an annotated board showcasing the refined design of the project area where participants can explore how community input shaped the design.
Ways to Use the Park
Community Outreach Event #3 featured a board demonstrating the types of activities envisioned for the park and invited community members to share input on how they may use the park.
Easement Concept
Community Outreach Event #3 featured a board showcasing the conceptual design for the potential park expansion.
Site History
Community Outreach Event #3 featured a board highlighting project features that will include Native American and site history.
What We Heard Board
Community Outreach Event #3 featured a board that captured takeaways from Community Event #2.
Thank you for attending the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project Outreach Meeting #2 on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at Eaton Blanche Park. Over 25 participants shared their preferences for desired stormwater capture components and park amenities.
You can learn more about the community’s feedback in the Key Takeaways from Eaton Wash Outreach Event #2
Site Concept Board
Community Outreach Event #2 featured an annotated site concept board where participants could learn about the proposed features of the site design.
Site History Board
Community Outreach Event #2 featured a board showcasing the history of the project area.
Site Programming Board
Community Outreach Event #2 featured a board showcasing the key features of the project and different programming areas of the site.
What We Heard Board
Community Outreach Event #2 featured a board showcasing the key features of the project and different programming areas of the site.
Thank you for attending the Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project Outreach Meeting #1 on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at the Willard Elementary School Library! Over 20 participants shared their preferences for desired stormwater components and park amenities.
You can learn more about the community’s desired park amenities in the Key Takeaways from Outreach Event #1
Project Overview Boards
Community Outreach Event #1 had a Project Overview station, highlighting the project location, background, and benefits.
Learning Hub Board
Community Outreach Event #1 had a Learning Hub Station where community members could learn about the features and benefits of each of the proposed stormwater components and potential park and community amenities.
Stormwater Components Board
Community Outreach Event #1 had a Stormwater Components station where participants could learn about the proposed stormwater capture, treatment, and storage solutions for the project site.
Parkside Priorities Board
Community Outreach Event #1 had a Parkside Priorities Activity where community members were asked to select their top three desired stormwater and park amenities for the project site. Participants placed their selections on a table collage and were also encouraged to provide additional details or suggestions for their chosen amenities.
Conceptual Plan Palette Board
The event also had a planting activity with an educational board that featured key tree, shrub, and plant species to be included in the conceptual plant palette for the project.
Geotechnical Evaluation
A Geotechnical Evaluation provides site-specific information about soil and groundwater conditions, including how water moves through the ground (infiltration). This technical analysis helps understand site constraints and opportunities, and informs how stormwater features can be safely and effectively designed.
Eaton Wash Geotech Report
Preliminary Design Report (PDR)
The Preliminary Design Report brings together information from multiple technical studies—including geotechnical, environmental, and engineering analyses—to evaluate and compare design options. It identifies a recommended approach based on overall project goals, such as water quality improvement, stormwater capture, environmental considerations, long-term maintenance, cost, and alignment with funding program requirements that the City uses to evaluate the best design approach.
Eaton Wash PDR
These documents work together as part of the project development process. The Geotechnical Evaluation provides important technical input, while the Preliminary Design Report integrates that information with broader considerations to guide project design. For this reason, they are most meaningful when reviewed together.
Final Design Plans
Early-stage design plans (such as 30% plans) are iterative working documents that evolve as technical analysis, agency coordination, and community input are incorporated. These materials are part of the ongoing design process and are refined over time as the project advances. Final Design Plans will be posted once completed and once all final approvals are obtained.