This July marks National Parks and Recreation Month, and the City of Baldwin Park celebrated by welcoming residents to the Barnes Park Grand Reopening Ceremony on Saturday, July 18. The event recognized the completion of the Barnes Park Expansion and MultiBenefit Stormwater Capture Project, a comprehensive park renovation that added significant new park space, recreational amenities and environmental improvements.
“Barnes Park reflects the future we are building for Baldwin Park — one that invests in our residents, our environment and our shared public spaces,” said Baldwin Park Mayor Daniel Damian. “This project expands recreational opportunities while improving our local water infrastructure, creating lasting benefits for our community and future generations. We are proud to reopen a park that will serve as a vibrant gathering place for families for years to come.”
The revitalized and expanded park space features two new basketball courts, a new dog park, walking trails and an inclusive ADA-accessible playground. Additional improvements include outdoor fitness equipment, picnic and shade areas, expanded parking, upgraded lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping and enhanced gathering spaces, creating a welcoming destination where residents of all ages can gather, play and enjoy the outdoors. Future improvements planned for completion in 2026 will include a new futsal court and additional open turf space for soccer and recreation.
In addition to its recreational improvements, the project also delivers significant environmental benefits through new, innovative stormwater infrastructure. This upgraded system can capture more than five million gallons of stormwater runoff during major storm events, collecting rainwater before it reaches the San Gabriel River, curbing pollution and allowing the rainwater to slowly filter back into the ground to replenish local groundwater supplies. In addition to preserving the City’s water resources, the project also helps reduce localized flooding and strengthens Baldwin Park’s long-term environmental resilience.
The grand reopening featured project remarks, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative rock and a ceremonial ribbon cutting recognizing the completion of the Barnes Park Expansion and Multi-Benefit Stormwater Capture Project. The celebration continued with a 3-Point Shooting Contest for youth and adults, while attendees visited the Pawsitive Connections Resource Fair and connected with local organizations. The event gave residents the opportunity to explore the park’s new amenities, commemorate this important milestone and experience one of Baldwin Park’s premier community gathering spaces.
The City of Baldwin Park extends its gratitude to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District’s Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W), which supported the project through its Infrastructure Program, administered by the Upper San Gabriel River Watershed Area Steering Committee (USGR WASC), and Municipal Program funds awarded to the City. The City also thanks the California Department of Parks and Recreation for its investment through Proposition 68’s Statewide Park Program. Together, these funding partners made it possible to create a park that expands recreational opportunities, improves accessibility, enhances water infrastructure and delivers lasting environmental and community benefits.
To learn more about the Barnes Park Expansion and Multi-Benefit Stormwater Capture Project, visit the City’s website.
About the City of Baldwin Park:
Baldwin Park is a nearly seven-square-mile, suburban community of 72,000 residents in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley. As the hub of the San Gabriel Valley, Baldwin Park is known for its ease of access and mobility, young and diverse residents and vibrant, growing business community. For more information, visit baldwinpark.com or follow Baldwin Park on Facebook (@BaldwinParkCAGov), Instagram (BaldwinPark_CAGov) and X (BaldwinParkCA_).