On August 6, the City of San Bernardino announced plans to take over operations and management of Bryce E. Hanes Park, assuming the responsibilities from its longtime partner on the project, the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (Valley District). Hanes Park opened in 2017 to great fanfare. With a skate park, splash pad, basketball court, and exercise areas, along with fields for soccer and families to play, the Park was immediately embraced by neighborhood locals and residents throughout the City as a much-needed outdoor space.
In early 2011, Valley District and the City of San Bernardino began collaboration on the development of an urban park that could serve a region of downtown San Bernardino, which is within Valley District’s service area and serves many of its constituents. Through the collaboration, the City was awarded a $5 million grant from the State Department of Parks and Recreation to build Bryce E. Hanes Park in 2012. Due to the City’s financial condition in early 2013, which prevented it from constructing and maintaining the new Park with grant funds, Valley District agreed to partner with the city in building and maintaining the Park. Valley District took the lead in design, construction and initial operations of the Park since it opened three years ago. The park is located on property at 9th and E Streets and has become the jewel of the neighborhood. However, as it was contemplated at the inception of the partnership, the City Parks Department will soon take over the administration, management, and maintenance of the Park.
Hanes Park has now reached a stage where transition to management by the City is appropriate and feasible. Therefore, the two partners recently came to an agreement in support of the City assuming ownership and control of the Park.
“As the government entity closest to the community it serves, the City’s Parks Department staff is best suited to ensure the Park is managed to meet the needs of the region’s residents and, because this is their core business, they can do so in the most cost-effective way,” stated Heather Dyer, the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of Valley District.
“The Bryce E. Hanes Park is a resource that was much needed in downtown San Bernardino,” commented San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia. “The opportunity to take a lead role in managing the Park puts the City in a great position to ensure it continues meeting the needs of the community.”
Collaboration between Valley District and other local government entities is a defining characteristic of the agency. In fact, Valley District prides itself on partnering with its stakeholders to meet needs that may not otherwise be met.
“Valley District is committed to partnering with other agencies to support local projects that benefit our constituents and the larger region, whether that be water supply reliability, water use efficiency, or meeting the needs of an underserved community within our service area, as Hanes Park does. We are happy to have successfully collaborated with the City to build this wonderful public space.” commented Valley District Board President T. Milford Harrison.
Valley District is not just handing over Hanes Park and walking away. The District has committed to providing the City with seed money to fund maintenance of the park for years to come. The Valley District Board of Directors has agreed to a one-time payment of $2 million that can be invested by the City to earn interest, which will provide a long-term funding source for operations and maintenance of Hanes Park. The Board also agreed to provide a financial commitment of up to $250,000 in the form of water use efficiency rebates for city expenditures at the proposed Seccombe Lake revitalization, should the City successfully obtain State grant funding to complete that planned project. These rebates provide financial incentives for investing in water conservation activities such as water efficient irrigation system retrofits, drought-tolerant gardens and landscaping, and water conservation educational programming.
“Being able to partner with the City to get this project started has been an honor for Valley District,” commented Susan Longville, a Valley District Director who represents the majority of the City of San Bernardino on the Board of Directors. “These types of partnerships are vital to ensuring a thriving community, especially in disadvantaged areas. This was certainly not our first partnership with the City and neither do I anticipate it being our last.” Director Longville also served on the San Bernardino City Council from 1998-2006, representing the Second Ward where Bryce Hanes Park is now located.
The City of San Bernardino has faced financial challenges in recent years, causing the opportunity for new parks, like Bryce E. Hanes Park, to be out of reach. By successfully obtaining grant funds and working with partners like Valley District, projects can continue to be built that benefit the public. Ms. Dyer commented on the end of Valley District’s role in the Park, “We are pleased to have been able to assist the City of San Bernardino in making this park a reality and we are happy to now reach this juncture, where Valley District can turn over the keys to the park and support our partner in a manner that will sustain this beautiful community asset for many years to come”
“To see partnerships like the one between the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the City of San Bernardino result in something as successful as Hanes Park is a great win for the region,” commented Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino), who represents San Bernardino. “These types of resources—parks and community centers—help to bring neighbors together, provide safe outdoor spaces for children and result in a healthier and happier community.”
While Bryce E. Hanes Park is currently closed due to the limits placed on public spaces by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Park will reopen once the State and the County have given the approval to do so. The City will assume responsibility of the Park after the transfer of ownership is complete.
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