Japanese Garden
The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in Van Nuys is the site of a remarkable nexus of traditional Chisen-Kaiyushiki Japanese garden design, Postmodern architectural design, forward thinking water reclamation processing and Star Trek. Los Angeles City Engineer Donald C. Tillman worked with Anthony Lumsden of DMJM and Koichi Kawana to create a world class treatment plant that would not only treat wastewater but also provide a sanctuary where the public could enjoy the peaceful surroundings while learning about water reclamation. The six and a half acre garden and first phase of the plant were dedicated in 1984. The garden is irrigated with effluent from Tillman, and the 2.75 acre lake is filled with the plant’s treated water. Segments of various Star Trek episodes have been filmed on the site; the Administration Building has appeared as Starfleet Academy.
Van Nuys, Los Angeles County
Photographers: Al Russell, Andrew Schmidt
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt