CYPRESS NATURE PARK
4201 BALL ROAD
(entrance is on Via Largo)

Additional information on what you might see in the Cypress Nature Park.

CYPRESS NATURE PARK RULES

1. Park hours are posted at the entrance. those within the park during closed hours will be considered as trespassers.

2. Children under 12 years are not allowed without adult supervision.

3. Avoid the "Out of Bounds" area.

4. No dogs allowed.

5. Destruction, vandalism and graffiti to landscape and structures is prohibited.

6. No climbing of trees and structures.

7. Participants are responsible for their trash. No littering. Anything that you throw out may end up floating into the harbor and eventually the ocean.

8. No glass containers and alcohol beverages allowed.

9. Open fires are not allowed.

10. Shoes must be worn at all times.

11. Bicycles, skates and skateboards are not allowed.

12. For fire safety purposes, no smoking allowed.

BACKGROUND

In 1965-1966, a flood control basin was built in Cypress. It was built where the Nature Park is now. The reason that the flood control basin was built here is because it is the lowest point in the area. Rather than leave the lot as an empty basin Cypress chose to make this area into a nature park so that visitors could observe and interact with nature.

The flood control basin can collect many thousands of gallons of water. It collects both rainfall and water run-off from the mountains and the streets. Every few years the basin is flooded to maximum capacity. In these years of heavy rainfall, if the basin were not here the entire southwest portion of the city would be flooded.

In the park, three emptying pipes bring water into the basin. In the southwest portion of the park, there is a pump station that pumps the water our of the park. The emptying pipes have small columns in front of them to block large objects from getting clogged up in front of the pipe. The pumphouse has a large grate in front of it that helps prevent trash from being pumped out of the park.

The pumphouse can pump up to 35,000 gallons of water per minute! The water from the basin is pumped into the Carbon Creek Channel. It's eventual destination is the Long Beach Harbor so it is very important that the water remain as clean as possible.

WHO BUILT THE NATURE PARK?

Cypress Nature Park was planted and built by many members of the Cypress community. For example, The Woman's Club of Cypress and the Junior Woman's Club of Cypress donated many of the tree specimens that are in the park. Boy Scout troops help clear the trails, provide tree identification markers and build stairs in the park. This spirit of volunteerism helps maintain the Nature Park and allows for many activities that occur within it.

The Cypress Recreation and Park District is always looking for volunteers to assist with such things as operations and programming, facility maintenance and to serve as docents. If you would like to volunteer, please call Cypress Recreation and Park District at (714)229-6780. Volunteers are always welcomed!

WHEN IS THE NATURE PARK OPEN?

The park is open during a specific time during the summer months only and is closed when it is raining. For information call (714)229-6780.

Remember: This is a flood control basin and during the rainy season it is a very dangerous area.