IEUA Chino Creek Wetlands Facilities Upgrades Project

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park in Chino, California, to enhance recreational access, educational programming, and ecological integrity while preserving the site’s natural character. The project includes the installation of two permanent shaded structures—one over the existing picnic area and another over the amphitheater—to improve visitor comfort and enable year-round use for community events and educational activities. Lighting improvements will be made along all 1.7 miles of existing walking trails through the installation of new light towers, increasing safety and extending usable hours after dusk. The amphitheater will receive a dedicated power source to support audiovisual equipment and programming, significantly upgrading its functionality for public gatherings. A new unisex restroom facility will be constructed with four stalls, an outdoor sink, and a janitor’s closet to address public sanitation needs. Enhanced security will be achieved through the construction of a new wrought iron perimeter fence and the installation of automated, timer-controlled entry gates that regulate access during operational and non-operational hours. In addition, a habitat restoration component will convert more than one acre of unused subsurface wetland into a native Coast Live Oak woodland, reinforcing the park’s role as a model of environmental stewardship and biodiversity support. The entire project is being funded through a combination of Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funds and local matching contributions, with all work occurring within a five-acre disturbed area. The project qualifies for categorical exemptions under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Sections 15301 and 15333, which confirm that the improvements involve minimal environmental impact and do not pose significant threats to endangered species, hazardous materials, or cumulative ecological effects. All construction and enhancements will occur on-site at the existing park location near IEUA’s headquarters at 6075 Kimball Avenue in Chino, with inspection and acceptance carried out by the agency at the project location. No federal contracting regulations (FAR) or associated clauses apply, as this is a local government initiative with no federal procurement structure. The lead point of contact is Pietro Cambiaso, Manager of Compliance and Sustainability at IEUA, and while funding sources are identified, no formal contract value, line item pricing, or procurement timeline is disclosed in the available documentation. The project reflects a strategic balance between public amenities and environmental conservation, aligning with the agency’s mission to promote sustainable community infrastructure.