Council authorizes staff to apply for grants to build a splash pad at Citrus Trails Park, Duper votes no

The Loma Linda City Council authorized staff to submit grant applications to fund a splash pad at Citrus Trails North Park, a decision that split the dais and drew strong public comment.

Public works superintendent John Trujillo presented schematic options and costs for a splash pad and supporting facilities. He said a turnkey splash-pad install could cost as much as $500,000 for equipment plus about $325,000 for a prefabricated restroom module; he estimated annual operations and maintenance at roughly $21,000–$43,000 depending on staffing and service choices. "Total O and M with the maintenance, $43,000, and the grand total would be 918,000," Trujillo said while emphasizing those are rough estimates.

Supporters in the audience and on the council stressed accessibility and family benefits: speaker Amy Jones, who runs a local community garden program, described outreach and survey results from more than 100 parents and argued the splash pad would be a safe, zero-depth water amenity for children and families who now travel outside the city. Opponents raised concerns about parking, transient use and costs to the general fund for ongoing staffing; Mayor Duper said the item felt like implicit approval of siting the pad and worried about neighborhood impacts. "I care about the people that live here in town...I could care less about Redlands or Colton or San Bernardino," Mayor Duper said, framing her focus on resident concerns.

Council member Spencer moved to authorize submission of the grants and to allow the city manager to sign necessary documents; the motion passed on roll call with Mayor Duper voting no. Staff said grant windows could open in spring 2026 with construction unlikely before 2027 if funded. Council asked for additional outreach to neighbors and follow-up on parking and operational funding assumptions before any final commitment.