Broadway Creek Restoration Project
Nature and Waterway Improvement in El Cajon
The San Diego River Park Foundation has been working with community members and stakeholders in El Cajon to create a better future for Forester Creek, a polluted tributary of the San Diego River.
We are excited to see the next phase of this work happening, as we partner with the City of El Cajon to restore Broadway Creek, a tributary of Forester Creek!
Where is Broadway Creek?
Broadway Creek is a waterway located in the City of El Cajon that flows into Forester Creek, and into the San Diego River. Some of it is concrete-lined, and some has a natural, earthen bottom.
Broadway Creek flows east to west along Broadway before turning north near Ballantyne St. and flowing into Forester Creek near Gillespie Field.
Watch these videos to learn more about the past, present and future of Broadway Creek
Broadway Creek Restoration
Construction completed in 2022 for the first phase of the project, focuses on a small segment of Broadway Creek located between Ballantyne Street and Broadway, near Target. You can find additional information about the project on the City of El Cajon website.
Why Does Broadway Creek Need to be Restored?
Broadway Creek is in poor condition for many reasons:
- Heavy erosion
- Overgrowth of invasive plants that increase risk of flooding
- Poor water quality
- Degraded habitat
- Trash and other pollution
How Do You Restore Broadway Creek?
This project will reduce flooding risks, expand green space, improve water quality, and provide healthy habitat for local plants and animals through the following:
- Removing invasive plants and trash
- Planting native grasses, rushes, sedges, shrubs, and trees conducive to restoring habitat and improving water quality
- Re-contouring and reinforcing the creek slopes to reduce erosion and increase the capacity to convey water during a storm event
What Do We Have To Look Forward To for Broadway Creek?
Restoring Broadway Creek will benefit the community by:
- Transforming a polluted waterbody into a healthy, natural creek
- Increasing green space in El Cajon.
- Limiting the risk of flooding and property damage associated with storm events
- Reducing bad smells and unattractive trash sites
- Installing small-scale outdoor creekside amenities
How to Get Involved:
- Volunteer: Join the RiverWatch water quality monitoring team to collect data and water samples to track improvements on the creek. Email us for more information.
- Stay Updated: Sign up for our email newsletter to receive project updates and invitations to community events along Broadway Creek! Click here to sign up.
- Take a Virtual Tour: Watch the video on this page to explore Broadway Creek to see how it fits into the Forester Creek system and greater San Diego River Watershed!
Funding for the first phase of this project was provided by the California Department of Water Resources’ Urban Streams Restoration Program, in partnership with the City of El Cajon.
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