City crew clears another San Bernardino park encampment

City staffers and contractors cleared a homeless encampment last week from Meadowbrook Park in San Bernardino, officials announced.

Staffers from the city’s Homelessness Division, Public Works Department workers, police officers, Salvation Army outreach staff and the city’s trash hauler Burrtec began the three-day operation at the 14-acre park on Jan. 16.

Meadowbrook Park was closed for about one week after the encampment removal to allow Public Works staff to do a hazard assessment, irrigation repairs and other projects.

The encampment cleanup operation followed several days of engagement with unhoused people living in the park by city, county and nonprofit outreach workers who sought to connect them with supportive services and housing opportunities. An estimated 35 people accepted services from outreach workers.

In addition to the outreach efforts, advance notice of the removal was provided to the encampment occupants of approximately 85 tents, officials said. The exact amount of advance time park residents received was unclear.

“During the cleanup, crews worked closely with the campers to identify items that could be disposed, items that they would take with them, and items that the City would temporarily store for up to 90 days,” according to a city statement.

The encampment removal was the fifth such cleanup operation since a U.S. federal court in October lifted an injunction against San Bernardino prohibiting cleanups. Previous removals included Perris Hill Park, Wildwood Park, Bobby Vega Park and an alley near the intersection of Base Line and D Streets. 

Meadowbrook Park is located near the intersection of Second Street and Sierra Way.

Officials said residents should call 909-384-7272 for general information or to submit a service request.

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