In the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles River courses through the
Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area. Constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
in 1949, Sepulveda Dam functions to hold and store flood waters from the Los
Angeles River and other sources. During severe rains, the basin is closed
off to the public as it fills with stormwater to alleviate flooding
downstream. Within this reach, the River is in a natural state and offers
habitat to an abundance of various wildlife. The Sepulveda Dam Recreation
Area is open to the public under normal weather conditions for a variety of
recreational uses including: golf, parks, bikeways, model airplane center,
community center, garden center, and agricultural lots.
