Adjacent to Crestline is Lake Gregory, a man-made lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. The area, originally known as Houston Flat, was developed in the early 1900s by Redlands citrus grower Arthur Gregory, Sr.
Gregory operated a small sawmill in the area where he made boxes for the oranges he grew in Redlands. After concerns grew over reliable water sources, Gregory helped establish the Crest Forest Water District and donated land for the creation of a new lake and dam.
Construction of the lake and dam began in July 1937 and was scheduled for completion in 1938. During construction, the project went over its budget due to geographic and weather issues. As a result, Gregory provided additional funding to the water district.
In 1938, a major storm brought heavy rain to Southern California. Although estimates suggested it would take three years to fill the lake, heavy rain filled it in only three days. During the same storm, nearby Big Bear Lake rose 20 inches in seven hours.
Today, Lake Gregory Regional Park offers swimming, a giant inflatable waterpark, waterslides, a splash pad open through Labor Day weekend, year-round boat rentals, fishing and community events. Other amenities include a new playground, a walking trail around the lake and a dog park.
For more information on Lake Gregory amenities and activities, visit lakegregory.com.
The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office.
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