El Dorado County’s long-planned effort to modernize and expand recreational amenities at Forebay Park in Pollock Pines moved a major step forward Monday after county officials announced the project has been recommended for a $1.4 million grant through the California State Parks and Recreation Department.
The funding recommendation, announced May 11 by El Dorado County Supervisor Brooke Laine, would support the Forebay Park Improvement Project, a multi-phase effort aimed at revitalizing the 14-acre community park located in the heart of Pollock Pines.
According to the county, the competitive grant program is funded through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund and includes only 18 recommended projects statewide.
“We are delighted to have been selected as one of 18 projects throughout the state to be put forward to receive funding,” Laine said in a county press release. “Along with local contributions and $1 million from the County, this grant would enable us to make additional needed improvements to this beloved park.”
County officials said the recommended funding would be combined with a previously approved $1 million county investment and additional California Proposition 68 grant funds to complete both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the park improvement project.
Planned upgrades include improvements to picnic areas, enhancements to the park’s disc golf course, and construction of a new state-of-the-art playground designed to serve children and families throughout the Pollock Pines area.
“By allowing us to modernize aging infrastructure and expanding recreational options for families, youth and more, this grant will support the well-being of current residents, visitors and generations to come,” Laine added.
Forebay Park has long served as a central recreational gathering point for Pollock Pines residents, hosting community events, outdoor activities, and family recreation throughout the year. Local officials have increasingly emphasized the need to modernize aging facilities while preserving access to outdoor recreation in the Sierra foothill community.
The recommendation now advances to final review by the National Park Service before funding is formally awarded. County officials did not provide a timeline for final approval but indicated the project is positioned to move forward if federal review is completed successfully.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund has historically supported park, recreation, and conservation projects across California and the nation through federal partnerships with local governments and state agencies.
Additional information about the Land and Water Conservation Fund is available through the National Park Service and California State Parks.
