Lakeside's River Park Conservancy
Lakeside's River Park Conservancy History
On a broader, regional scale, Lakeside's two-mile stretch of the San Diego River is the starting point of this ambitious community and agency effort that began as a grassroots movement almost 20 years ago. Members of the community of Lakeside played an integral role in a County rezoning process for the upper San Diego River. Lakeside's River Park Conservancy was formed on the heels of this rezoning process using the momentum of community beautification and awareness of the area's natural and scenic resources, not to mention the opportunity to revitalize the area.
This part of the river has long been the focus of extensive sand mining operations and heavy industry. Operations are coming to an end and therefore a new phase in the river's life is at hand; one in which nature and humanity work in harmony and regional quality of life is enhanced. Incorporated in 2001, the Conservancy's main area of concern is Lakeside's segment of the river.
This two and a half mile segment of the San Diego River Valley is within a rapidly growing part of the county. Increasing development pressure along with a growing population's need for open space and recreational opportunities make implementation of this revitalization project in Lakeside an immediate priority.
Lakeside's River Park Conservancy acquires land by purchase from willing sellers and by donations. The first property acquired was 100 acres of former sand mining sites located adjacent to the San Diego River in Lakeside. Through grant funding, properties purchased will be restored to a functioning river system, a refuge for endangered species and an area for ground water recharge.
Through Park and Water Bonds, the Conservancy was awarded over $11.5 million in grant funding for land acquisition. The Conservancy purchased 80 acres of the former Vulcan Materials sand mining site (aka CalMat). This property is located to the south of the San Diego River in Lakeside, between Riverford Road and Wintergardens Blvd. Purchased at a fair market value of $8.6 million, we received this property in December 2003. Our second purchase was an additional 20-acres of the Vulcan Materials property, northwest of the Highway 67 and Wintergardens Boulevard exit. We closed escrow on the property, which sold for $2.2 million, in June 2004.
The restoration of this 100 acres is almost complete. The Conservancy’s vision includes restoring the river habitat, improving water quality, and creating multi-use trails for horseback riding, bird-watching and hiking, plus a heritage park for displaced historical buildings. The first two sections of the trail were completed in early 2008 and have been heavily used since their opening. Two overlooks have been constructed along the trail to facilitate viewing of the wetlands habitat along the river.
Sand mining operations in Lakeside's segment of the San Diego River are slowly coming to an end, and the community is excited about the next phase of the river's life to begin. As a compassionate gesture, one local mining company, Hanson Aggregates, Inc., has committed to donating its 22-acre plant to Lakeside's River Park. This site will be deeded over to the Conservancy in phases as minnig operations end.
The Hanson site is the location of our first on-the-ground project for Lakeside’s River Park, the Hubbell Monument. Located on the corner of Channel Road and Lakeside Avenue, the monument was designed by artist James Hubbell to serve as one of the entrances to the River Park, and the beginning of a nature trail, which will run along the north side of the San Diego River. The Hanson site will also be the location of our Sponsor sign, memorial grove and memorial benches. For more information on the Hubbell Monument click here, or to add your name to our Sponsor sign or memorial grove, please contact Cindy Collins at (619) 443-4770.