When Josh Sautter and his wife were house-hunting last year, they weren’t eyeing the San Fernando Valley. But after discovering the Sepulveda Basin – 2,000 acres of open space with parks, trails, sports fields, natural habitat and other features – the couple was sold and ended up buying a home in Encino Village within walking distance of the basin.
So Sautter, who frequently takes his 14-month-old son to the park, was excited to learn that the city of Los Angeles is considering a major revamp of one of the Valley’s crown jewels – including potential changes to allow the Los Angeles River to flow more naturally, restore habitat, install amenities, and introduce new or enhanced recreational and cultural programs.
But like others, Sautter’s enthusiasm is tempered by questions that park users still have about the pricey makeover of the vast Sepulveda Basin. If everything proposed in the draft plan is carried out, it would cost a whopping $4.8 billion. Then there’s the question of who would maintain the area – and who would pay for ongoing upkeep.
“One of the things I love about this project is they really have taken into account the way that families and kids can engage with the park in a meaningful way. They can engage with the wildlife or the natural habitat,” Sautter said.
“But my concern is how will they maintain the park?” he asked. “It’s all well and good to make this amazing park. But you have to dedicate the resources to maintaining it.”
Last week, the city’s Bureau of Engineering released a draft version of the Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan, laying out a rare opportunity to transform this unique open space in the middle of the Valley, with a population of 1.8 million. The land abuts the intersection of the 101 and 405 freeways, and is surrounded by the communities of Encino, Lake Balboa, Reseda, Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys.
The public can submit written feedback on the draft plan through Dec. 18. The draft plan and comment…
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