Major floods along the Santa Ana River in 1937 and 1938 prompted Congress to direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and construct a flood control system. By 1939, steam shovels and heavy equipment were carving out what was then the largest flood control project in history along the Santa Ana River – Prado Dam.
The name “Prado” dates back to California’s early Spanish days when the countryside was known as a “prado” or meadow. Construction was completed in 1941, and Prado Dam began capturing floodwaters from the Inland Empire.
Plans for a recreation park were also in the works, but those efforts did not come to fruition for nearly four decades. In 1960, state legislation authorized the establishment of a state recreational area on 8,500 acres surrounding Prado Dam, pending a feasibility report.
In 1961, a state report concluded that the area did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the state park system. However, the report recommended forming a regional park district to oversee development instead.
San Bernardino County had over 2,100 acres of land under a long-term lease from the federal government. In 1972, through community efforts, the state Water Commission approved a $1.3 million grant to help fund construction of a 400-acre county regional park at Prado Dam.
Prado Park officially opened, July 2, 1976, during Fourth of July weekend festivities. Today, Prado Regional Park is one of several parks operated by San Bernardino County Regional Parks.
Prado Regional Park is considered a one-stop recreational location in the Chino Valley basin where San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties meet. Amenities include fishing, camping, hiking, biking, nature trails, disc golf course, picnic facilities and a multi-purpose room that seats 80 people. Prado Regional Park also has an 18-hole golf course, an Olympic shooting range, equestrian center and archery facilities. For more information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov.
Additional County Update News – Feb. 26, 2026
- Board Actions – Feb. 24
- Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences
- Advancing the CARE Act in San Bernardino County: A Collaborative Site Visit Focused on Community Impact
- Free Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services available to income-eligible residents and foster youth
- County Public Health Department achieves public health accreditation board reaccreditation
- Take action during National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month
- Public Defender’s Mobile Defense Program brings county services to Joshua Tree
- County Child Support Services expands virtual access through local Transitional Assistance offices
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Wildlife at Yucaipa Regional Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Prado Regional Park
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Airbud