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Historical Park to become a public water system; new bathroom with showers planned and REACH grant to add shade
Summary
County staff said the Historical Park will transition to a public water system because visitor levels meet state thresholds; plans call for a new bathroom building with showers and an ARPA‑funded filtration unit, and a REACH grant plus county match will fund a shade structure and ADA upgrades.
San Benito County staff reported that the Historical Park (District 4) is being transitioned to a public water system after the county and the state determined visitor usage meets the threshold that triggers stricter water requirements.
Public Works Administrator Steve Loop said the site averages about 25 visitors per day for at least 60 days per year (including staff), which requires additional water testing and formal submittal of plans to the State Water Board. Staff has submitted the initial portion of the water system documentation and is conducting required testing. Loop said the county has allocated ARPA funds for a water filtration unit that will be installed after state approval of the water system program.
Loop also described plans for a new bathroom building that will include showers near the dance hall and saloon structures at the Historical Park. He said the most recent layout indicated one men’s and one women’s shower room, but that the final configuration would be confirmed once the building facade and final layout are chosen.
Loop said REACH, a local community parks group, acquired a roughly $50,000 grant for a playground shade structure; the county approved a matching contribution of approximately $54,000 and REACH added about $5,000 of its own funds. Loop said these funds will go toward ADA improvements, safer surfacing around the play area and a shade shelter, with construction hoped for summer 2025.
Ending: Staff said expect continued water testing, additional submittals to the State Water Board and coordination with park managers on final bathroom layout and the summer schedule for the shade and filtration installations.
