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PICO RIVERA, Calif. () — A major safety modification project at the Whittier Narrows Dam could close or disrupt several well-known community facilities in Pico Rivera for years, as the Army Corps of Engineers works to address concerns about the aging structure.
The Whittier Narrows Dam is part of a flood control system that protects more than 1 million people across the Los Angeles area.
Built in 1957, the dam is now considered a safety concern and in need of critical repairs, prompting a large-scale project that will affect nearby parks, sports facilities and traffic patterns.
One of the most visible impacts will be at Streamland Park, home of the Pico Boys Baseball League.
Children have played baseball there for more than 70 years, but this season will be the last before the park is closed as part of the project.
“It means a lot to know that the kids have such a special place to come and play their game and all of that but, I mean, more than anything, obviously, I mean things come to a point where they need to get repaired,” said Ana Moreno, a parent.
Streamland Park is among several Pico Rivera facilities expected to be closed or impacted.
The project will also force the closure of a city-owned golf course and affect the entrance to the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, a long-standing local landmark.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the dam was classified as a serious risk years ago.
“Back in 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers classified Whittier Narrows Dam as an urgent, very high risk one,” an Army Corps colonel said during a town hall meeting on Thursday.
Dozens of residents attended the meeting to learn more about the project and its long-term effects.
The Army Corps estimates construction will take four to five years to complete, bringing traffic disruptions, noise and other concerns to surrounding neighborhoods.
City officials say they plan to hold additional town halls to keep residents informed as the project moves forward.
Mayor Gustavo Camacho said city leaders agree the work is necessary despite the disruptions.
“We’ve had many discussions … we believe what they say and … this is real. This is something that needs to be done and fixed for generations to come,” Camacho said.
For longtime residents, the temporary or permanent loss of cherished community spaces is especially difficult.
Raul Aguirre, a former Pico Boys Baseball League coach, said the park holds decades of memories for his family.
“I have six boys and one girl, so I went through six sons playing in that league …from ’69 all the way up to ’90,” Aguirre said.
Construction on the dam is expected to start later this year.
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