Why does Baristo Park need improvements?
The channel (wash) running through it is unique, no other PS park has this. It cuts the Park in half, which makes it smaller, confining, and dangerous. All of these issues are called out in the PS Parks & Recreation Master Plan written in 2014, but have never been addressed.
The wash was built in 1948. The Park opened in 1981, and  The Desert Sun headline read: "Former hideout becomes park." A truly safe park must be "open", but with the wash, this is complicated and expensive, requiring City funding through its Measure J. Community Grants program.
Has something like this ever been done before?
Yes! Our inspiration is in Los Angeles, where the Great Wall of Los Angeles built foot bridges over a portion of a large flood channel, with walkways on each side and murals along the channel.
But doesn’t Riverside County control the wash itself?
Yes. We’ve already met with and walked the wash with Riverside County Flood Control engineers. We believe it’s feasible and we learned from the engineers that, on a larger scale, this has been accomplished with CV Link and the Perris Valley Trail, both of which border flood channels.
What are we asking for from Measure J?
Family Focus / Family Friendly Features
Shaded seating area adjacent to one side of the basketball court for families, parents, etc.
Repaired / resurfaced basketball court
Decorative 4-foot fencing around playground area
Permanent benches, several positioned to watch playground activity
New water feature
Restrooms
Improved Safety
Open space, not enclosed by cyclone fencing
Foot bridges allow easy and safe crossing of channel
Pedestrian paths all the way from Encelia to El Segundo, including along the channel
Eliminate entrapment areas (places to hide)
New walkways with lighting
Beautification
Decorative fencing with new landscaping
Replace / Update Broken Items like the water fountain and grills
Artwork