Councilman Tom LaBonge, third from right in front, helped dedicate the new Centennial Garden at the Mulholland Fountain in 2013. (photo courtesy of LADWP)

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners has approved the renaming of two historically significant facilities in honor of the late 4th District Councilman and longtime LADWP supporter Tom LaBonge, who died on Jan. 7.

The board authorized renaming the Los Angeles Aqueduct Centennial Garden and Headworks Water Complex as the Tom LaBonge Aqueduct Centennial Gardens and the Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex, respectively.

In 2013, LaBonge took part in a dedication ceremony of the new Aqueduct Centennial Gardens at the Mulholland Memorial Fountain at Los Feliz Boulevard and Riverside Drive. Featuring walking paths, park benches and drought tolerant landscaping, the garden complements the Mulholland Fountain, a city of Los Angeles historic-cultural monument.

The Headworks Water Complex also held special meaning for LaBonge, LADWP officials said. In 2015, the councilman participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the East Reservoir project at the complex, which is the largest underground drinking water reservoir in the western United States. Headworks is located on a 43-acre site located along the 134 Freeway and across from the north entrance to Griffith Park.

The complex replaces the Silver Lake and Ivanhoe reservoirs, and LaBonge conceived the idea of relocating the water storage sites to meet new water quality regulations stipulating that drinking water reservoirs be covered. Public open space will be created on top of the reservoirs.

“Tom LaBonge made his mark on the city and on many LADWP projects, including the Aqueduct Centennial Garden and the Headworks Reservoir Complex, that have come to be synonymous with the communities he served,” LADWP Board of Water and Power President Cynthia McClain-Hill said. “Having these facilities bear his name means generations of Angelenos and visitors will be reminded of the passion and dedication the late council member poured into public service and into the city he loved.”

In 1978, LaBonge began his public service career with Councilman John Ferraro, 4th District. He later served as an aide to former Mayor Richard Riordan before being elected councilman representing the 4th District. He also worked at LADWP for a short period of time as director of community relations.

“Councilmember Tom LaBonge loved L.A.’s history, and that included LADWP’s history, and reminded us all that we were writing its history everyday by the work that we do here,” LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin Adams said. “That’s why I can’t think of a more fitting tribute than for the department to honor Tom’s memory by renaming two of our most historically significant facilities in his honor. He will be sorely missed but his legacy lives on.”

The Tom LaBonge Los Angeles Aqueduct Centennial Garden and Tom LaBonge Headworks Water Complex will include new signage bearing the new name of the facilities.

For information, visit ladwp.com.