Estrella County Park Biofiltration and Trash Capture Project

Water Quality and Trash Capture | Completed January 2025

This multi-benefit project supports cleaner water and better recreation in the Casa de Oro community.

Before This Project

Estrella County Park was an undeveloped open space with limited trails, few amenities, and no parking along Estrella Drive.

Stormwater runoff picked up pollutants and carried them into the storm drain system, contributing to pollution in local waterways.

After This Project

Two large biofiltration basins (rain gardens) planted with native landscaping filter pollutants from runoff and discharge cleaner water to the storm drain system, helping keep waterways clean.

New park features, such as pedestrian trails and a picnic area, enhance recreation.

A new parking lot improves park accessibility for the community.

Project Details

This project is located in the Sweetwater Watershed.

Learn more about the Sweetwater Watershed on Project Clean Water.

Cleaner waterways & healthier communities

Two large biofiltration basins with native plants and soil clean stormwater by filtering out pollutants. The benefits reach all the way to the Pacific Ocean!

18 gallons of trash removed annually

An underground trash capture device removes trash and debris from runoff, discharging cleaner water back into the storm drain system.

Solar-powered EV charging station

The new parking lot along Estrella Dr. provides improved accessibility for the community, along with a solar-powered EV charging station.

Educational signs & little free library

An educational sign informs park visitors on the importance of stormwater and how green infrastructure is used to improve water quality.

Project Photos

A biofiltraion basin and pedestrian trail absorb stormwater after a rain event.

The native plants and soil media in the biofiltration basins remove pollutants through natural processes.

Biofiltration basins are carefully engineered systems to remove pollutants, such as bacteria, from stormwater runoff.

The completed project provides improved water quality and recreational access for the community.

Watch the video to learn more!

This project has won multiple awards, including:

2024 NACO Achievement Award
2025 APWA San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter Project of the Year in the Sustainable/Green Category

Upcoming Events:

This project is complete and has no upcoming events.

Learn More:

View our full list of Green Infrastructure Projects

What is Green Infrastructure?

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