Organization
The Discovery Center has been in the planning and conceptual design phase for over 10 years. The Discovery Center Authority, a Joint Powers Authority, was created in January 2006 in order to make the Center a reality. Its member agencies are:
- Central Basin Municipal Water District
- Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation
- San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC)
- Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
The community was also involved in the creation of the Discovery Center via the following stakeholder committees:
- Stakeholder Advisory Committee
- Fundraising Committee
- Design/Display Committee
Purpose
The Discovery Center will present the story of the
San Gabriel River watershed, emphasize the importance
of water resources and the natural values of the watershed,
and provide educational and outdoor experiences for
people of all ages. The Center will also continue
the cultural, natural history and ecosystems messages;
and outdoor experiences presented by the L. A. County
Department of Parks and Recreation at the existing
Nature Center. The following statements will guide the Authority in its development of the Center.
Mission Statement:
To inspire environmental stewardship by providing accessible and engaging watershed and environmental education to the public.Vision Statement:
We envision a healthy and vibrant natural area and center where people gain the knowledge and desire to improve the San Gabriel River region.
Our Plans
The San Gabriel River Discovery Center is being planned
to complement the existing Whittier Narrows Nature Center
and enhance this unique site located on Durfee Avenue
within the Whittier Narrows Flood Control Basin and
Recreation Area in Los Angeles County [map].
The development of the San Gabriel River Discovery
Center involves a highly collaborative process linking
numerous federal, state and local agencies in cooperation
with public institutions, private groups, and the local community. Learn more about Our Plans as well as Related Plans for larger areas that are being developed by other organizations.
Funding
Current contributions to the project total: $9,850,000 and approximately 11.5 acres. [More details]