Capital improvements must be accompanied by a robust plan for long-term operations and maintenance to ensure successful river park open space, trails, habitat areas, flood risk reduction infrastructure, water quality BMPs, and environmental graphics and wayfinding. Planning for long-term success includes factoring in everyday maintenance and operations, as well as life cycle costs such as replacement costs. Project design components ranging from small river pavilions to large side channels or bridges are recommended in this plan.

To maximize use and promote public safety, a maintenance plan will help ensure projects are kept in good condition, maximizing ecological function while minimizing labor and material resource burdens. Each project should also be evaluated for its consumption of material and energy resources as well as their climate impact. Successful operations and maintenance requires intensive coordination between LA County, the USACE, municipalities, state conservancies, and other entities.