Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – La Quinta, CA - The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors announce Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta, California, will remain operational for the next 30 years, thanks to new agreements approved during today's Board of Supervisors meeting. Riverside County has leased the Lake Cahuilla recreation facility from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and the US Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) since 1971. The park, tucked against the Santa Rosa Mountains, features camping and equestrian opportunities, a summer swimming pool, access to hiking trails, and fishing at the lake.
“These agreements represent a continued commitment to preserving and enhancing our community spaces for generations to come," said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. "By working together, we are ensuring that Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park remains a cherished destination that honors our veterans and provides valuable recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.”
The agreements approved today represent the hard work of many partners to both protect the water conveyed through Lake Cahuilla, as well as keep the park open for recreational use. “When the continued operation of Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park was in jeopardy, our partners truly stepped up to support the county as we sought solutions. The City of La Quinta, Desert Recreation District, American Legion of Indio, Coachella Valley Water District, veterans, community members, and local community groups came to the table and the result is 30 more years for this important regional park. I sincerely thank all our partners and look forward to celebrating the bright future of Lake Cahuilla together,” said Kyla Brown, General Manager for Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.
In August, work began on approximately $11 million worth of park improvements funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These upgrades include road repairs, expanded parking areas, renovations to the swim lagoon facility, updates to day-use and campground restrooms, the addition of pickleball and basketball courts, and enhanced campground amenities such as a new kiosko-type stage, new picnic tables, firepits, RV pedestals, upgrading shelters in fishing areas, and new landscaping. An honorable update to the Armed Forces Tribute Area will recognize the Space Force, the 6th Branch of the United States Armed Forces established in 2019. These improvements are scheduled to be complete late summer/early Fall of 2025. In celebration of the improvements to the park and the new lease, RivCoParks will be hosting a community celebration in Fall of 2025.
A future master plan for the park is also underway this year. Community members and veterans will be invited to give input on what future amenities and improvements might look like to ensure we meet community needs well into the future.
For more information about Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, improvement updates, or events, please visit RivCoParks.org.
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Jacquelyn Muller
Public Information Specialist
Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District
Phone: (951) 295-2034
Email: [email protected]