Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, and rangers with the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), recently announced that the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone will be open through Labor Day weekend.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is permitting two recreation zones: one in the Glendale Narrows section of Elysian Valley and the other in the Sepulveda Basin. The River Recreation Zone allows independent, unscheduled free boating and fishing access in the Los Angeles River for the general public. Private operators have received permits to operate guided excursions.

(photo courtesy of LA River Kayak Safari)

“Through a collaboration with our partners on the local and federal level, we have created an annual tradition to bring more people to the Los Angeles River,” O’Farrell said. “This is a great opportunity for Angelenos to get on the water, enjoy the wildlife, experience the river’s potential and enjoy nature near the birthplace of our great city.”

The councilman recently introduced a motion to authorize the MRCA to operate the recreation zone for five years, and asked the city’s Chief Administrative Officer, the Bureau of Sanitation and the Department of Water and Power to fund the program during that period. The motion also seeks to create permanent budget funding for future seasons.

The MRCA will manage the program in the Glendale Narrows and the Sepulveda Basin.

“Anyone can bring their kayak or other non-motorized navigable boat to either the Elysian Valley River Recreation Zone or the Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone from sunrise to sunset every day in safe conditions free of charge,” said chief ranger Fernando Gomez. “All participants must wear a personal floatation device. Wear sunscreen, bring drinking water and be prepared to get wet.”

The recreation zone in the Glendale Narrows runs two and a half miles. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone is two miles long.

Private operators offer visitors a chance to learn how to paddle and participate in L.A. River recreation. For information, visit lariverrecreation.org.