Project Info
Schmidt Design Group, Inc. provided master plan design for improvements to Lake Skinner Recreation Area and Campground for the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. Upgrades to the 150-acre open space facility included new concert grounds, amphitheater and stage area, new parking, children’s play areas, restrooms, and open-space trails. Parking and vehicular circulation was modified to provide more continual and flexible open space. A large splash-pad plaza has been created complete with a waterfall grotto, meandering stream, cascading aqueduct channel, and life-size water faucet splash plaza. These elements depict the journey of water as it travels down from the mountains, through the various streams and the California aqueduct to Lake Skinner – eventually ending its journey when it becomes part of the commercial and residential water supply. In addition to the splash-pad, a rock climbing wall, climbing boulders, and various musical play elements have been added to complement the existing 2-12 year old playground. The newly constructed amphitheater and stage provides a permanent venue for the annual Balloon and Wine Festival event held every June. The amphitheater also provides a permanent facility to be used by park and campground users to host various events throughout the year. A 1.5-mile decomposed granite trail was added to the perimeter of the park, linking the three campgrounds to the park and to the views of surrounding mountains and Lake Skinner. Five rest points are planned to provide interpretive information about the protected flora and fauna, the historical heritage, and the life cycle and use of the water in Lake Skinner.
Awards
- Park and Recreation Facility Class II, National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials