San Bernardino County leaders, community partners, and residents celebrated the completion of Phase III of the Santa Ana River Trail, delivering new recreational access and active transportation improvements that run directly through the heart of the Fifth District.
This newly completed 3.8-mile segment follows the south side of the Santa Ana River from Waterman Avenue in the City of San Bernardino to California Street in the City of Redlands, expanding safe routes for walking, biking, and outdoor activity for thousands of Inland Empire families.
The project features a paved multi-use trail, bridges, culverts, and access ramps that strengthen connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, and regional destinations while creating more opportunities for residents of the Fifth District to enjoy the river corridor.
Funding included $6.9 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy (Prop. 84) and $1.1 million from the Active Transportation Program (ATP).
“As a lifelong resident of this community, I’m proud to see continued investment along the river that runs through our Fifth District,” said Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “Projects like this mean safer streets, healthier families, and more places where our kids can ride, walk, and experience the outdoors close to home.”
Construction began in February 2023 and wrapped in December 2025. The milestone represents continued progress toward a broader regional vision of linking communities through a continuous trail system while improving quality of life locally.
For residents in the Fifth District, the completion of this phase brings new access points, smoother connections, and expanded opportunities for recreation right in their own backyard.
