Students, families, and community leaders gathered today to celebrate the installation of new athletic field lighting at Paakuma’ K-8 School and recognize continued investments in water conservation efforts benefiting the Rosena Ranch community.
Made possible through a $1.1 million investment from Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.’s Priority Programs Fund, the new lighting system expands access to the school’s baseball and soccer fields, allowing students, youth sports organizations, and community programs to safely utilize the facilities during evening hours.
“These new lights are about much more than lighting a field,” said Mary Ellen Grande, Vice President of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education. “They create new opportunities for children and families to enjoy this space safely during the evening hours. They support recreation, athletics and community gatherings, while helping make this neighborhood an even better place to live.”
The project was driven by years of advocacy from local families and community members who recognized the growing need for accessible recreational space.
“These projects reflect what can happen when communities come together and advocate for what they need,” said Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “From expanding opportunities for youth sports at Paakuma’ K-8 School to investing in sustainable improvements in Rosena Ranch, we are creating lasting benefits for residents today and for future generations.”
The lighting improvements will help meet the growing demand for youth sports programming and provide additional opportunities for organizations such as AYSO Region 1638 to serve local families.
“The new field lights will be transformative for our players and families,” said Jennifer Henckel, Commissioner of AYSO Region 1638. “This investment gives us greater flexibility to schedule practices and games, expands opportunities for youth participation, and helps ensure more children can enjoy the benefits of organized sports.”
During the event, Supervisor Baca also presented a $55,000 check supporting the Rosena Ranch Water-Use Efficiency Project, which will improve landscape sustainability throughout the community. The project includes the conversion of approximately 110,000 square feet of water-intensive turf, installation of high-efficiency drip irrigation systems, incorporation of native and drought-tolerant plants, and the application of mulch to improve soil moisture retention and overall water-use efficiency. Together, these improvements will reduce water demand, lower maintenance needs, and create a more resilient landscape for residents.
“Water conservation is a shared responsibility, and projects like this demonstrate how sustainable landscaping can make a meaningful impact,” said Board Member Dan Jenkins, West Valley Water District. “These improvements will help reduce water use while creating an attractive, resilient community space that residents can enjoy for years to come.”
Supervisor Baca thanked the many partners who helped make these projects possible, including San Bernardino City Unified School District, AYSO Region 1638, West Valley Water District, and the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department.
Together, these investments reflect San Bernardino County’s commitment to improving quality of life, supporting youth recreation, and promoting responsible stewardship of community resources throughout the Fifth District.