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El Dorado Duck Pond Project

El Dorado Duck Pond

Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis. Please note: an incorrect update was published on 11/30/23. The change was made on 12/04/23 to accurately reflect when the liner installation was completed.

Latest Updates - June 2024

As of June 2024, 95% of contract work has been completed for the El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration Project which includes a new pond liner, wetlands, forebay, pedestrian walkway, California native landscaping, pump house for pond recirculation, and treatment system for irrigation use of pond water. The remaining items expected to be complete by end of June 2024 are powering the pump house, commissioning the pump and treatment system, and final connection of the new irrigation line. The El Dorado Duck Pond is expected to open to the public end of June 2024, the public can begin to enjoy the new walking path as soon as the construction fences come down. No fishing or swimming is permitted.

Please join us at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the El Dorado Duck Pond on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

El Dorado Duck Pond Ribbon Cutting Invite

Unprecedented rain in Summer 2023 caused a 4-month delay in the project. Construction began in September 2022 and is estimated to be completed, barring further weather or other unforeseen delays, by Spring 2024.

The contractor is scheduled to perform work Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Parking impacts are expected. Patrons can still park on Studebaker Road. Efforts will be made to minimize inconveniences and minimize construction activities during scheduled park sports activities.

The contractor encourages park patrons to keep children away from the construction areas and activities.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation throughout this project. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the El Dorado Duck Pond hotline at (562) 570-6591 or e-mail us at contactlbpw@longbeach.gov.

Estimated Project Timeline

*Construction timeline is set barring unforeseen weather changes or other circumstances.

Construction Start September 2022
Dewater Duck Pond April 2023
Muck Disposal May 2023
Excavation of Forebay and Wetland May 2023
Duck Pond Grading June 2023
Duck Pond Reconstruction (including liner and concrete) July 2023 - October 2023
Install Mechanical Equipment October 2023 - December 2023
Planting December 2023
Irrigation Mainline Installation January 2024
Fill Duck Pond January 2024
Construction Ends Summer 2024

Project Information

The El Dorado Duck Pond is 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 recreational amenities and improve visitor experience for park users such as:  

  • Improving water quality
  • Enhancing ecological function and the pond’s habitat by restoring the pond liner
  • Enlarging the wetlands and forebay
  • Removing invasive specie
  • Planting of California native landscaping  

In partnership with the Long Beach Water Department and in alignment with the City’s water conservation efforts, 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 a new system treatment that will provide filtration and disinfection of any water distributed through the irrigation system. 

The proposed project will address leaks and other existing deficiencies, improve public access, and convert the pond into a recycled water reservoir. The project will also upgradecurrent conditions of the walkway surrounding the pond.  

Since the pond will be drained as part of the proposed repairs, the duck pond will be temporarily closed to the public during the duration of the project from September 2022 to late 2023. 

Project Funding

The project is currently supported by Measure A, Measure W, grant funding from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Grant, in addition to federal grant funding in partnership with the Long Beach Water Department.

Wildlife Care and Tree Planting

The Public Works Department takes great care and consideration in ensuring tree removals are handled in an environmentally responsible manner. The wellbeing and care of all birds and wildlife is a priority and being considered during the entirety of this project. A qualified biologist was hired to perform regular bird nesting surveys and provide advice and recommendations to the City to ensure the most well-informed decisions. For additional information, please view the latest Bird Nesting Survey.

Before pond drainage occurs, approved wildlife relocation activities will begin. As water drawdown commences, any remaining wildlife will continue to be removed and relocated according to the approved California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration Agreement.

The remaining trees as shown on the plans have been removed and stumps have been grounded. The trees at the haul routes will be trimmed at a later date. Replanting of new trees will occur at the end of the project.

Project Contact Information

Marvin Mai, marvin.mai@psomas.com

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411 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802

Phone: (562) 570-5000


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