Hansen Dam
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2010) |
Hansen Dam is a flood control dam in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, in the Lake View Terrace district of Los Angeles, Southern California.[1] The dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, in 1940. Hansen Dam was named after horse ranchers Homer and Marie Hansen, who established a ranch in the 19th century.
The Hansen Dam Recreation Center is located in the flood control basin and surrounding slopes behind the dam.[2]
Contents |
[edit] Geography
Hansen Dam and its seasonal lake are located along the northern edge of the San Fernando Valley on Tujunga Wash. Tujunga Wash begins between the San Gabriel Mountains and Verdugo Mountains. The dam is 1 mile (1.6 km) below the confluence of the Big Tujunga Creek and Little Tujunga Creek-Wash. It is southeast of the City of San Fernando.
[edit] History
The Los Angeles Flood of 1938, which included significant flooding along the Tujunga Wash and at its confluence with the Los Angeles River, increased support to dam and channelize the city's creeks and rivers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lead the projects. In 1939 the Corps seized the horse ranch's land from Homer and Marie Hansen via eminent domain to build a dam due to repeated flooding in the eastern portions of the San Fernando Valley.[1] The 2-mile (3.2 km) long, 97-foot (30 m) high dam was built to control floodwaters.[3]
[edit] Hansen Dam Recreation Center
The Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Park are located here, with extensive day use facilities operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Most facilities are accessed is from Highways 5 and/or 210.[2]
The Orcas-Gabreieleno Equestrian Center and Hansen Dam Aquatic Center are located behind the dam here, and Hansen Dam Golf Course in front.[4][5][6] When holding sufficient water: a recreational lake is available for kayaking, sail boating, and fishing; and a swim lake for summer swimming.[2]
The recreation center and park areas also have: picnic tables and barbecue pits, childrens play areas; and baseball diamonds and soccer fields.[2]
The park features equestrian and walking trails, that link to those exploring the nearby Angeles National Forest, and a view pathway along the dam's top. The habitats include montane chaparral and woodlands and riparian in the rustic areas. The Hansen Dam Park natural area's ecology is being restored, with invasive plants removal and native plant reintroduction.[7] The proposed National Park Service Rim of the Valley Corridor and trails would include Hansen Dam Park as a significant hub with trailheads.[8]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Pitarre, Alyson. "Where country living sidles up to the city." Los Angeles Times. June 12, 2005. 1. Retrieved on March 19, 2010.
- ^ a b c d laparks: Hansen Dam recreation center . accessed 1.2.2012
- ^ Barker, Mayerene. "Hansen Dam's Comeback Moves Slowly Recreation: Tons of silt have been hauled off, but restoration of the once-popular lake remains years away." Los Angeles Times. July 20, 1990. Metro Part B Metro Desk. Page 1. Retrieved on March 19, 2010.
- ^ equestrian center . accessed 1.2.2012
- ^ aquatic center . accessed 1.2.2012
- ^ golf course . accessed 1.2.2012
- ^ natural area restoration
- ^ National Park Service: Rim of the Valley Corridor Study . accessed 1.2.2012
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tujunga Creek (Hansen Dam) |
[edit] External links
- official Hansen Dam Recreation Center website
- Hansen Dam and Recreation Center — Photo Gallery - from Los Angeles Recreation and Parks.
- Hansen Dam Aquatic Center
- Orcas-Gabreieleno Equestrian Center
- Hansen Dam Municipal Golf Course
Coordinates: 34°15′38″N 118°23′08″W / 34.26047°N 118.38556°W
