Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that enables San Bernardino County to sell off more than 4 acres of Glen Helen Regional Park for a proposed mixed-use development, officials announced Tuesday.
Assembly Bill 385 addresses restrictions on the parkland purchased decades ago with state grant funds, according to the county. State law requires the county to get legislative approval to repurpose or exchange the land parcels. The new law authorizes the county to dispose of the restricted land and replace it with parkland of equal or greater size and recreational value.
Located near the junction of the 15 and 215 freeways, the 4.2-acre property is across Glen Helen Parkway from the majority of the park that features 1,340 acres of recreational areas with two lakes for fishing, a swim complex, picnic areas, a 65,000 seat amphitheater and a raceway, according to legislative documents. Those 4.2 acres, part of which contains a building currently not in public use, connect to a larger site for a proposed hotel, shopping center, fitness center, restaurants and other features.
Assemblyman James Ramos, D-San Bernardino, authored the legislation.
“My bill grants state authorization for the county to move forward with a major project to enhance the region’s quality of life and boost the local economy,” Ramos said in a statement. “The proposed multiuse project will bring new amenities, including expanded recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This is an important local-state collaboration that I welcome.”
County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dawn Rowe emphasized officials’ focus on making sure the replacement property benefits residents.
“Glen Helen Regional Park is a cherished destination, but some of its acreage is isolated from the rest of the park by steep terrain and a major arterial road,” Rowe said in a statement. “With AB 385, San Bernardino County can provide new, accessible parkland in underserved areas while advancing a mixed-use development that brings jobs and economic vitality to the region. This is a win-win for our residents.”
Officials noted that AB 385 creates a balance between economic investment and the preservation of open space. The replacement property will expand recreational opportunities for families, ensuring that future generations can enjoy safe and accessible outdoor spaces close to home.
“This law shows what we can accomplish when we work together — protecting open space, improving opportunities, and investing in our community,” Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. said in a statement. “AB 385 is a victory for the residents of San Bernardino County, and for that we thank the partnership with Assemblymember Ramos.”
The State Legislature established the Roberti-Z’berg-Harris Urban Open-Space and Recreation Program in 1976 to fund local recreation areas. Legislation is required to repurpose county land funded by state grants.
Newsom signed the bill on Oct. 3, and the law takes effect Jan. 1. The county then has until July 1 to submit a property-value appraisal for the 4.2-acre site.
A county plan for the replacement parkland must be submitted by Jan. 1, with an appraisal for the replacement property filed by July 1, 2027, according to the law, which becomes void in 2029 if the county has not acquired a replacement property.
It passed the Assembly by a vote of 70-0 with eight members not voting. The Senate approved the bill 37-0 with three senators not voting.
Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The bill’s full text is available online via legiscan.com/CA/text/AB385/id/3271985.
Last year the county secured $1 million in state funding for Glen Helen park upgrades.
