ALL>> With Memorial day approaching, residents all over are getting ready to queue up the barbecue and spend some quality time on the lake with friends and family.
With that in mind, the county of San Bernardino is performing some needed repairs on the Lake Gregory swim beach.
The popular lake will be dredged of sediment, given fresh sand, and new barbecue facilities are being added in lieu of Memorial Day weekend.
The county recently received the last of the permits needed to begin work on Monday. Work should be completed by May 18 and all new features will be installed in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Improvements to Gregory Lake will include removing sediment from the watershed, ultimately making the lake both deeper and cooler.
The improvements being made are part of a larger project, which includes also dredging others parts of the like. These drainage improvements will solve future problems with sediment accumulations, as well as help produce the much needed materials to fortify Lake Gregory Dam.
"I really appreciate the patience and support the community has provided during this process," said Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford. "This work will result in significant long-term improvements to lake amenities and water quality, which is good for the environment, good for recreation, and good for business." Supervisor Rutherford said the County is exploring opportunities for additional recreational features in the Crestline community.
When repairs for the Lake Gregory have been completed, the county plans to work on improving the south swim beach parking lot. From there, they will move on to the San Mortiz area. These improvements will last into August, but are not expected to disrupt usual lake functions. Work will not take place Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
All of the materials taken from the damn will be stored near the San Mortiz Lodge, where they will eventually be used in dam improvement operations and bringing things up to seismic standards.
During the summer, the county also plans on making drainage improvements at both the channel near San Moritz and the basin at the library and skate park adjacent to Lake Gregory Drive. These improvements will help limit the amount of sediment that flows into the lake, consequently reducing the need for future dredging. This work is expected to extend into the fall.