Wilderness Park is located just south of Florence Avenue between the 605 Freeway and the San Gabriel River in Downey, California. An SCE high-power transmission line runs overhead along the west boundary of the site. Residential housing flanks the east side of the park as it tapers down in size and extends southerly. The popular San Gabriel River Bike Trail runs adjacent to the park and along the river on an elevated levee. The park has been a popular passive escape for residents and visitors for over five decades. Heavy use and "loved-to-death" wear at the park prompted the City to include the renovation of Wilderness Park in their successfully supported City Bond with additional funding from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and a Habitat Conservation Wetlands grant.

Design Program, Intent, and Scope
The two ponds, as the major draw to the 20-acre park, significantly influenced the renovation scope of the project. Their condition was poor with leaking liners, eroding turf edges, inaccessible and worn-out shorelines, and thickened sludge-like bottoms. The filter and circulation systems were taxed year-round. The intent was to redesign the ponds to improve water quality; introduce a more riparian edge that is habitat friendly to wildlife; and enhance the pedestrian experience with meandering walks, bridge crossings, overlook decks, and convenient viewing benches. Expansive turf areas were converted to drought-tolerant shrub and groundcover areas to attract birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Our scope of services included preparing a renovation concept plan, design development, construction documents, and construction support services.

Materials and Installation Methods

 
The complete replacement of the ponds and mechanical system allowed the addition of large aeration fountains, recirculating creek inlets, and connection to the upgraded irrigation system to use the reclaimed water from the ponds to irrigate the parkwide turf areas. Pedestrian circulation was upgraded with new concrete walks and stamped wood-plank overlooks with Ipe wood railings. Interpretive panels were positioned at overlooks to provide wildlife diet education and discourage feeding fowl unhealthy food. The long-missing bridge over the north pond returned as a prefabricated bridge with stone end pilasters and a wood railing cap. It has become a favorite photo vantage point with a reflected, stone-clad arch over the pond, backdropped by mature trees. Rock-cobbled linear depressions were positioned on some slopes to promote water infiltration and discourage runoff into the ponds. Taller grasses were planted at pond banks to lessen turf mowing maintenance and avoid cut turf blowing into the ponds.

Environmental Impacts and Concerns
Dewatering, sludge removal, liner removal, and wildlife collection and relocation were performed in accordance with governing agencies' environmental requirements when the ponds were drained. New LED security lighting with crook-neck and shielded fixtures was selected to cast light downward and positioned away from shoreline habitat areas to reduce night impacts. Care was taken to avoid recycled water spray drifting from pond fountains or overspray onto picnic tables from the irrigation system.

Collaboration with Client and Significant Issues
There was considerable collaboration with the City to include enhancements during the design process. Dividing the construction documents into separate discipline bids to reduce general contractor costs was successful, but it required additional effort and time to orchestrate and manage. The client and funding agencies were pleased with the renovation results.


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