In 1939, due to repeated floods and the damage they caused in the eastern portions of the San Fernando Valley, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began the project.

Provisions in the dam's standards of operations promote water conservation efforts coordinated with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

As a result, in 1981, the Corps proposed raising the height of the dam rather than starting the expensive process of removing the build up of silt, sand, gravel and other debris.

The Corps must occasionally excavate sediment and vegetative debris to clear clogged outlet works and maintain full capacity of the dam.

[8][9] Recreation Center and Park features a moderate size lake which is filled with circulated drinking water and offers fishing and public boating.

[10] The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks provides lifeguards who service to the three lakes within the flood control basin.

A large portion of the area remains undeveloped in an effort to conserve natural habitats and maintain the diverse animal and plant species.

[14][15] The Discovery Cube Los Angeles is located at the northwest corner of the recreation area on the intersection of Osborne St. and Foothill Blvd.

It has a mix of both traveling and permanent exhibits, which includes work done by the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation for waste reduction and resource conservation.