Compton Creek Stormwater and Urban Runoff Project at Earvin Magic Johnson Park

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The Compton Creek Stormwater and Urban Runoff Project at Earvin Magic Johnson Park (Project) addresses the stormwater quality and capture needs of a highly urbanized and underserved area of South Los Angeles. In addition, the Project beautified an aging facility and added several recreational amenities to better serve the needs of the community and its residents. Previously, the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park (Park) used 100% potable water for landscape irrigation and filling the existing Park lakes. To minimize potable water use, the Park was re-engineered through collaboration with project stakeholders to provide a sustainable new water source, using a unique stormwater management system to recycle runoff from the watershed. This system captures urban runoff, treats the captured flows, and then stores the treated runoff within the existing lakes where it can ultimately be reused for irrigation at the Park. It is estimated that most of the Park’s irrigation demand can be met by the storm drain diversion flows. This stormwater management system also protects the nearby Compton Creek, which links to the Pacific Ocean, from bacteria and excess pollutants that are present in urban runoff. The latest stormwater treatment technology, coupled with the existing lakes, allows this Project to capture, store, treat, and recycle water while providing meaningful outdoor space for the community.