Spreading Grounds

Anaheim Coves is a 14-acre nature park and 1.5 mile multi‐use trail located along the Santa Ana River overlooking the Burris Basin groundwater recharge facility. The property is owned by the Orange County Water District (OCWD) and leased by the City of Anaheim. The trail at Anaheim Coves doubles as a maintenance road and is built to withstand even the heaviest equipment frequently used to maintain the basin. The project also includes a decorative fence that protects the water and sensitive habitat while providing interpretive elements for the public. The transformation from an 'off-limits' gated water district facility to a valued, public open space has demonstrated that reclamation and conservation can significantly improve the quality of life and still maintain the functional requirements of water recharge.

The Dominguez Gap Wetlands project converted an existing 37-acre spreading ground basin into a multi-benefit wetlands. Dominguez Gap basin was originally constructed as a flood control basin to protect portions of Long Beach from flooding and later utilized as a spreading grounds to replenish groundwater during storms. In 2008, the basin was converted into a multi-use facility adding a wetlands and public amenities. Flows from the LA River and local urban runoff are routed through the basin to sustain a year-round habitat for plants and native wildlife. The project maintains the integrity of flood management along the urban lower reaches of the river, while introducing new water quality elements, groundwater recharge, restoration of native habitat, pedestrian and equestrian trails, environmental education and river bike trail enhancements.

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• Building Multibenefit Recharge Basins. Sustainable Conservation, et al.