San Bernardino council OKs $13.8M Seccombe Lake Park revamp

The San Bernardino City Council has approved nearly $13.8 million to renovate Seccombe Lake Park, officials announced Monday.

The spending includes a $10.5 million construction contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services, according to the city. The project’s goal is to revitalize the park with new amenities while restoring and improving existing infrastructure.

“The planning and funding of the improvements at Seccombe Lake Park have been several years in the making,” Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “We are excited that the Park’s transformation is about to begin.”  

Major upgrades planned for the 44-acre recreation facility include restoration of park’s the signature lake and the island in the middle of the lake, new landscaping and irrigation, gazebo renovation and upgrades to restrooms and basketball courts, new lighting throughout the park, new concrete walking paths, new playground equipment and large shade sails, dog park improvements and fresh pavement for the parking lot, officials said.

Other new additions will include conduits for EV charging stations, ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, upgraded drinking fountains and trash enclosures and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Riverside-based RHA Landscape Architects prepared the plans for the renovation.

Officials expected work on the renovation project to start in late February or early March and take about a year to complete. CSG Consultants is contracted to provide the project’s construction management and inspection services.

Project funding is from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, as well as a $1 million donation in 2022 from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, officials said.

Seccombe Lake Park, located east of downtown at 160 E. Fifth St., is the second-largest park in San Bernardino.

Another large-scale park project — the $8.8 million ARPA-funded renovation of Nicholson Park — is underway on the city’s west side. Completion is expected in February or March.