Major overhaul of San Bernardino park to begin

Work is scheduled to begin today on a $13.8 million renovation of Secombe Lake Park in San Bernardino, a renovation that is expected to close the facility for about one year.

Upgrades will include restoration of the lake, landscaping and irrigation, renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts and new construction of concrete walkways throughout the park, according to a statement released by the city.

The island in the middle of the lake will also be restored, new playground equipment will be installed and the parking lot will be repaved.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Ernesto Salinas, interim parks and recreation director, in the statement.” The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

The renovation is being paid for with revenue from the American Rescue Plan Act and a $1 million donation from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Secombe Lake Park is at 160 E. 5th Street immediately east of downtown. It covers 44 acres and is the second-oldest park in San Bernardino.

Other park renovations that are underway, or about to begin, in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park, according to the statement.

A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. March 13.