El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration
City Council Meeting - April 12, 2022
• The project will improve water quality, ecological function and habitat of the pond by restoring the pond liner, enlarging the wetlands and forebay, removing invasive species and planting of California native landscaping.
• The project will correct unsafe conditions of the walkway surrounding the pond and will reduce future costs by upgrading the equipment, which has exceeded is usage expectancy. • A reconfigured water circulation system along with a new filtration and disinfection system will improve water quality allowing for reclaimed water to service the adjacent El Dorado Golf Course, consistent with the City’s water conservation efforts. • These objectives can be sued as tools to educate the public about urban habitats, nature and water conservation.
Project Objectives
El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration
Project Update
2 • The El Dorado Duck Pond is located in El Dorado Park West, a 273-acre regional park located along the eastern border of Long Beach. The area around the duck pond includes many recreational amenities including a soccer field, restroom facilities, amphitheater, two parking lots, playground and open space. An 18-hole golf course borders the duck pond property to the east. The project will enhance park user’s safety and overall experience. • The scope of work includes draining down the pond, removal of sediments, site demolition, utility relocations, construction of new forebay and wetland areas, replacement of pumping and filtration system, provide new native landscaping, reconstruction of accessible pathway, and ADA parking upgrades.
• In partnership with the Long Beach Water Department, the project will provide a new reclaimed water system to the adjacent golf course reducing the use of potable water. • The Long Beach Water Department will be utilizing the treated water from the pond to irrigate a neighboring golf course. This will be accomplished by the installation of new treatment that will provide filtration and disinfection of the water that is drawn down to distribute to the irrigation system.
Project Scope
El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration
Project Update
3 • In order to construct the restoration, the project must relocate the existing wildlife, both native and non-native or invasive species, and migratory birds. Several of the wildlife species will be relocated to nearby existing bodies of water, including within El Dorado Park.
• Additionally, there will be fencing around the pond to reduce visitor opportunities to distribute food and bread, etc. The fencing shall induce waterfowl to leave the site and reduce the number of waterfowl to be relocated. No deterrence activities shall begin until the project receives written approval of the Relocation Plan by CDFW. All relocation procedures will follow the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) requirements. • Construction activity will occur through one nesting season in 2023. CDFW has provided protocol to minimize impacts to nesting birds. This short-term impact will benefit natural habitat in the long-term by allowing for them to return earlier. • During construction, the community will have limited access to some areas due to closure of the parking lots. Foot-access is still available to areas outside construction limits.
Project Considerations
El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration
Project Update
4 • Total Project Costs are estimated at $9 million.
• Current project funding is support by $2.2 million in Measure A funds, $2.8 million in Measure W funds, grant funding, General Capital funds, and a transfer of $1.1 million of reimbursement funds from the Water Fund Group by the Water Department. • The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department is requesting authorization tonight to submit a grant application requesting up to $3,000,000 in funds. • Additional funding is still necessary for additional park improvements, such as roadway repaving, educational and informational signs, restroom upgrades, etc.
Project Funding
El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration
Project Update
5 • Project Award: December 2021
• Start of Construction*: September 2022
• Project Completion: November 2023
*During construction, the park will be open to the
public but the parking around the site will be closed.
Project Timeline
El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration
6 Thank you
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