Fact Sheet

Whittier Narrows Dam Recreational Opportunities

Whittier Narrows Dam

Published Aug. 29, 2016
sculpture in playground by artist Benjamin Domingueznature areapico rivera sports arenalegg lake

Whittier Narrows Dam Recreational Opportunities

The areas available for recreational opportunities have been grouped into five recreation areas, Recreation Areas A – E.  The majority of the recreational opportunities in the Whittier Narrows Basin are on land leased to Los Angeles County.  Information on reservations,park amenities, and operating hours of the recreational opportunities at Whittier Narrows can be found at the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Whittier Narrows webpage.


Existing Recreation Areas Map

Map of existing recreational areas

Recreation Areas A and B

Recreation Areas C, D, and E


Recreation Areas A & B

Map of Recreation Areas A & B


Area A is located in the northern portion of the Basin, east of the Rio Hondo and north of the Pomona Freeway (I-60). The area covers 144 acres. Existing recreation includes baseball and soccer fields, a park administration building, a BMX Facility (closed as of June 2016), the Los Angeles Rifle and Revolver Rangea model airplane/hobby area, and a small remote control car race track. Additional amenities include parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions with barbecues and picnic tables, tot lots, and picnic tables.

Area B is located in the northern part of the Basin. Amenities operated by the County or County approved concessions include a family picnic area with playing fields and a sixteen-court tennis center. Existing recreation and amenities in Area B include parking, The American Military MuseumEarthworks Urban Farm and Community gardens, and a special events area.


Recreation Areas C, D, & E

Map of Existing Recreation Areas C, D, & E

 

Area C consists of 152 acres south of the Pomona Freeway and west of Rosemead Boulevard. The area includes the Triple B Clays trap and skeet shooting facility, an Archery Range, the Bosque del Rio Hondo which is currently closed, and the Sporting Dog Training facility located in the southern portion of Area C. The Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant is located south of the Archery Range.   

Area D is located in the center of the Basin and contains three lakes (Legg Lake, Center Lake, and North Lake). Amenities in this area, include group picnic areas, barbecue grills, parking, tot lots, playground areas, a concession stand for paddle-boat and bicycle rentals, horseshoe pits, and fishing/fishing pier. The California Department of Fish and Game stocks the lakes with trout, bass, and catfish, a nursery area and strawberry fields. A fitness course is located on the east side of Legg Lake, and there is a 5K walking/jogging course that circumnavigates the three lakes. In addition, a radio controlled model boat course has been designated at Legg Lake.   

Area E is located north of Durfee Avenue and east of Santa Anita Avenue. Amenities in Recreation Area E include picnic areas, larger group picnic areas which are available for reservation, children’s play area, parking, restrooms, and tot lots. There are also two disc/Frisbee golf courses located south of the parking lot and Lexington/Gallatin Road.  


Additional Recreation Opportunities

Whittier Narrows Golf Course is located in the northwestern portion of the Basin, west of the Rio Hondo Channel. It includes a driving range, concession stand, clubhouse, restrooms, and a parking area.

A Nature Area is operated and maintained by the Los Angeles County, Department of Parks and Recreation. It contains 5 miles of trails through restored riparian vegetation and a Nature Center building in the northeast corner of the area along with picnic tables, outdoor exhibits, and parking.

The Equestrian Center, is located northeast of the Pico Rivera Sports Arena and is leased and operated by LA County, Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Pico Rivera Sports Arena is a 5,000-seat multipurpose arena. It is used for rodeos, professional wrestling and boxing. Famous for its Mexican rodeos (charreadas) and Latin entertainment. For more information regarding the sports arena please contact the City of Pico Rivera.

 The Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course  is operated and maintained by the City of Pico Rivera and is located downstream of the Dam, adjacent to the San Gabriel River channel. The site consists of a 9-hole executive course, driving range, banquet room, clubhouse, and a parking area.

Streamland Park is operated by the City of Pico Rivera and located downstream from the Dam just east of  Rosemead Boulevard. Three baseball diamonds, and three basketball courts, as well as two restrooms, a tot lot, picnic areas, and parking are located in the park.

A Trail System extends throughout the Basin. The system includes foot trails, nature trails, bicycle paths, and equestrian trails. Access to trails is provided from Rosemead Boulevard, Santa Anita Avenue, Durfee Road, Siphon Road, Peck Road, San Gabriel Boulevard, Lincoln Avenue, Loma Street, Rush Street, Adelia Avenue, and Potrero Avenue. The equestrian trails, developed by the County, connect with an extensive trail system outside the Basin, including the LARio trail and the 40-mile San Gabriel River Trail which travels within the right-of-way of the San Gabriel River and is used by equestrians, hikers, and bicyclists.


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