Harbor Regional Park
and Camp Machado
This park has undergone a massive cleanup and rebuilding to restore the Machado Lake Habitat. This lake and Marsh has been inhabited for 10,000 years by Tongva indigenous peoples and others. It attracts 1000s of birds and has many special features. It even has a campground that has not been used in years but has outstanding potential.
Lake Machado cleanup effort
Funding comes from the 2004 passage of Proposition O, a statewide measure to clean urban runoff and improve water quality.The $117 million cleanup effort of Machado Lake and the Wilmington Drain included a series of steps, from installing trash nets and circulatory equipment to dredging the bottom of the lake.
“There were four goals: water quality improvements, recreational enhancements, wildlife habitat improvements and flood control,” according to Michelle Vargas, public information officer for the city of Los Angeles.
Benches and other park amenities also were added to the 231-acre Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park that surrounds the body of water. Expanded recreational uses were also added.
Nets and other filters were installed to keep the lake and drain connections cleaner. The water level also will be maintained at 8 feet to ensure more oxygen to support the fish and other wildlife.
DDT and other Pollutants such as metals from the area industry were removed from the lake in the process.
The Tongva People of Pre Los Angeles lived here for around 10,000 years. The area was rich in water, fish, marsh wildlife and large animals seeking water. They were eventually pushed out of the area by the Spanish land grants and private property enforcement.
water fowl abound here
The birds like the boat ramp near the playground
nice views for artwork
soft landing playgroud
Camp entrance
Camp Machado has been closed for years but has some outstanding infrastructure
LA times JULY 30, 1992 12 AM PT
Los Angeles parks officials have closed Camp Machado in Harbor City.
One of several amphitheaters
Seasonal Marsh looking NE towards Harbor College
Observation platform adjacent to camp in need of graffiti removal
Seasonal Marsh Area adjacent to camp looking West
smaller amphiteatre
larger amphitheatre
surrounded by seasonal marshes
Lights and cameras above bathroom area. Huge parking lot for many cars or buses at the campsite.
Large set of bathrooms need some paint touch up on top
Doors have combination entrance locks. These are currently closed.
Many views to the south of refineries of all types
Tables in and around the camping area need some graffiti clean up
Many trails from the campground
Follow the dirt road along Anaheim St.
All roads lead to Rome but the middle one has the best view!
you will see gas, oil and air refining across the street
Nice bus parking area but without a key keep walking East
Pagoda view spot of the now restored Lake Machado
Lake Machado
big parking area for buses
There is a short walk to the campground
Many native plants mixed with weeds
Castro bean plant is a weedy species
California Palm
Park headquarters at the South East end of the lake
School Bus Entrance is best heading West on W Anaheim St
Hard to see entrance just after heading West on W Anaheim Street
turn right after the telephone pole and at sign
Look for these trees just after entering and follow the road east.
The bus could park in this giant lot if you had the key but keep walking East following near W Anaheim Street 1/8 mile.