On July 18, Ben spent the day at Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego.

He first took a trip to the San Diego River Crossing where Max died on January 29, 2021; and where the Max Lenail Memorial Bridge will be built. Senior Ranger Julie Aielts accompanied him, and they paid their respects together. The water level is still high, due to the wet winter, and regular release of water from upstream Santee Lakes. (Normally the river bed is bone dry at this time of year).

Then Ben presented – along with KPFF project manager Evan Lakin – to the Mission Trails Regional Park Task Force chaired by Councilmember Raul Campillo. Councilmember Campillo has been a tireless champion of the project. Ben last presented to the Task Force in March to get our bridge design approved. Current status:

  • In June, KPFF submitted a “bulk” permit application, almost 1,000 pages, that encompasses hydrology, geotech, biology, cultural impact, and site readiness. We are getting feedback from City Development Services. We are hoping for an accelerated and favorable review that bypasses the full CEQA process.
  • Ben will soon start the process of soliciting bids from builders, and picking one. (KPFF are civil engineers, not builders).
  • We will hold public hearings in the fall, where many local residents, who are frequent users of the Park, will advocate for the bridge.
  • We have a clear line-of-sight to construction one year from now. Inauguration in late 2025, or, more likely, early 2026.

Here is a photo of Ben before the Task Force meeting with MTRP Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Morrissey; Councilmember Campillo; MTRP Citizens Advisory Committee Chair Kevin Loomis; and Senior Ranger Julie Aielts.

The cover image is a wonderful photo taken by Sara Deacon, a regular user of the park.