The $13.8 million renovation of San Bernardino’s Seccombe Lake Park got started Monday, city officials announced.
The planned extensive revamp of the 44-acre park requires its closure for about a year.
“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas said in a statement.
The project will install new amenities and restore existing infrastructure. Major upgrades planned for the city’s second-largest park include the restoration of the signature lake, new landscaping and irrigation, renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts, new lighting, concrete walking paths, restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, dog park improvements and a newly paved parking lot.
“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “The council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”
Other improvements will include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features, new fishing stations around the lake, electric vehicle charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms and trash receptacles and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.
The projects funding is from the American Rescue Plan Act, plus $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants, based in Orange, will provide construction management and inspection services for the project, and Riverside-based RHA Landscape Architects prepared the renovation plans.
“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the city is making in our parks,” Tran said. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the city very soon.”
A public ceremony at the park’s gazebo to celebrate the project’s start is set for March 13 at 10 a.m. The park is just east of downtown San Bernardino at 160 E. Fifth St. Parking will be available in the Sierra Way lot, officials said.
Other parkland projects underway or about to begin in the city are at 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.
