Located in Encino near the intersection of the 101 and 405 Freeways, the 2,000-acre Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area…More is a flood control basin managed by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks. Features include two parks, an 80-acre sports field, an archery range, three 18-hole golf courses, Balboa Lake with boat rentals and fishing, the Balboa Park and Sports Center, playgrounds, a velodrome, bike paths, hiking trails, tennis courts, a Japanese garden, an off-leash dog park, a premiere wildlife preserve and the only unpaved stretch of the Los Angeles River. That's a mouthful!</p> <p>No matter what time of day, you'll always find bikers, runners, golfers and nature enthusiasts enjoying the wide open spaces and Valley sunshine.</p>

The Sepulveda Garden Center opened in 1966 and has about 16 acres with more than 400 garden plots -- each…More about 10 by 20 feet -- in which you can plant fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.</p> <p>If you'd like to join, the annual rental rate is $25 per plot with a $10 startup fee and a $10 cultivating fee. All fees are due January 1 and should be made payable to the City of L.A., Recreation and Parks.</p> <p>The garden is supervised and watered by the Recreation and Parks Department during operating hours. However, all plots must be maintained by their owners. The garden also offers shovels, rakes and hoes for gardeners to borrow between operating hours.</p>

Surrounded by the crowded 405 and 101 Freeways, it's hard to imagine this oasis alongside an urban city. The…More Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is part of a 225-acre, extensive park system, owned and developed by the Army Corps of Engineers, and maintained by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The reserve is home to migrating birds, who search for food and shelter within the vast oak trees.</p> <p>The Wildlife Reserve is not just for animals though. It serves as a peaceful rest area for humans, too. Come to marvel in the landscaping or enjoy the sounds of nature. There are also golf courses, sports fields, an archery range and Japanese Gardens around the corner for your enjoyment.</p>