A construction fenced taken down by a rare El Niño storm has provided a sneak peek at the improvements now underway at Marina del Rey's Oxford Basin.

The $14.5-million project from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is making a series of functional and aesthetic upgrades which will improve the basin's function and add park-like amenities around its perimeter.

Ongoing work includes the removal of sediment from the basin, the installation of a new circulation berm and the addition of native landscaping.  These improvements will enhance flood safety, reduce stormwater pollution and improve the facility's ecosystem.

A walking path is also being added around the perimeter of the man-made lagoon, complete with new landscaping, informational signage, observation areas, fencing and lighting.

As of last summer, the improvements were scheduled for completion within one year's time.