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Commission hears park construction updates and grapples with vandalism and restroom access
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Summary
Parks and Recreation staff reported progress on multiple capital projects — Second Lake, Spiker Park and Nicholson Park — and outlined a CIP track for community-center work while commissioners pressed for solutions to chronic restroom vandalism and access at skate and high-use parks.
Parks and Recreation staff told the San Bernardino Arts and Historical Preservation Commission that multiple park projects are moving forward, including Second Lake (irrigation work and playground footing), Spiker Park (ball fields, lighting and a planned multiuse turf area) and Nicholson Park (about 90 percent complete). The department said the Lytle Creek Community Center is in architectural design and that restroom repairs are included in that scope.
Commissioners and staff discussed recurring security problems at parks under construction, including people entering fenced sites and two small structure fires at or near construction areas. Staff said some damaged buildings will be demolished as planned, but stressed concerns about opening park restrooms without custodial monitoring because fixtures and plumbing have repeatedly been vandalized or stolen.
Staff described a plan to include restroom upgrades in the CIP and to seek a request for qualifications/proposals for restroom monitoring and custodial services to reduce vandalism and maintenance costs. The department also said it is piloting longer-lasting fixtures, LED and solar lighting and other design choices intended to reduce ongoing theft and damage. Staff noted the additional operational costs of keeping more restrooms open and said automatic opening remains tied to permitted events.
Commissioners emphasized that skaters and other regular park users lack access to restrooms at several sites, which has led to public urination citations. Commissioners asked staff to pursue short-term mitigation (custodial contracts or monitored access) while prioritizing capital repairs in the CIP.
The commission also heard that site-specific work remains on schedule: bridges at Second Lake to restore access, continued work on playground shade structures, and plans to move the Nicholson community center from design to construction procurement. No formal action was taken on the CIP items at this meeting; staff said it will return with schedule and cost details.
Looking ahead, staff said community outreach for La Plaza Park design and a formal assessment of trees and memorial plaques is planned; architects will be provided with historic photographs and plaque language when available.
