An expanded summer water play area, a new fishing program and a renovation of the San Moritz Lodge are among improvements to take place at Lake Gregory Regional Park under a new contract approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.
The Board voted to allow Urban Parks Concessionaires, also known as the California Parks Company, to take over the day-to-day operations at Lake Gregory and upgrade the park on behalf of San Bernardino County Regional Parks.
The company will operate the park beginning January 1 through December 31, 2016 and has the option of entering into a long-term lease agreement with the County before the contract ends. The company has nearly 40 years of experience operating a number of resorts, parks and lakes throughout California, including Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet.
The company will not only manage the park, but will provide food and beverage concessions, special event and wedding services, inspection of invasive aquatic species, and recreation and fee collection.
“We are excited about the expanded services that will be provided to our visitors and residents,” said Regional Parks Director Keith Lee. “The amenities will be especially attractive for families looking for things to do with their children.”
Under the contract, the company will operate the park at its expense, and in return will collect and retain fees and revenues generated by programs and services provided at Lake Gregory. Regional Parks will pay management fees to the operators for the first two years totaling $550,000 and will begin receiving 10 percent of the revenue or $100,000, whichever is greater beginning in 2016-17.
Regional Parks began seeking requests for proposals for the maintenance and operation of Lake Gregory in January 2012 after experiencing significant losses to operate the park. The new partnership is expected to alleviate those losses while rejuvenating and updating Lake Gregory, improving its draw for local residents and tourists.
“California Parks has the knowhow and experience to breathe new life into Lake Gregory Regional Park, and I am excited to see how park visitors and the Crestline community will benefit from changes and improvements California Parks has in store for Lake Gregory,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Rutherford.
The agreement has no impact on the County’s ongoing repair and seismic improvements being made to Lake Gregory’s valve structure and dam.