In Torrance's development heyday in the 1950's, residental neighborhoods were being built faster than the drainage systems that served them. Large open-air water retention pits called sumps, now seventeen strong, came to the resuce to prevent the severe flooding of streets and housing. In fact, Walteria Lake was the nickname for the area that regularly flooded after storms before the Walteria Lake Sump was constructed in the 1960's. Presently, they sit largely dormant, partially due to the drought, and partially due to pump/filter systems that now carry the water into the Santa Monica Bay. Only two have been developed upon, the first being the Henrietta Sump, now a quasi-nature preserve, and the second being the Entradero Sump, which was developed into Entradero Park in the 1960's. Just east of Henrietta Sump, Amie Sump is also due for redevelopment into a similar quasi-natural preserve. You can click on the image below to learn more about the Torrance sump system and ongoing restoration projects.
“Storm water retention sumps provide Torrance with a touch of the country.” - Ken Leiser, The Daily Breeze, March 1994
Come experience the beautiful Torrance countryside! Park and grab pill bottle, but bring your favorite writing instrument. Exercise stealth during the school year. Happy caching!