On December 4, the City of Big Bear Lake, in collaboration with Tripepi Smith, conducted two workshops that explored the history of Leisure Bear and outlined the City’s objectives and priorities for the community. One workshop was in English and the second one had the same content but was conducted entirely in Spanish. The workshop generated valuable feedback from some of the residents. Below is a summary of concerns that were raised by residents. The workshop was attended by Councilman Rick Herrick and key City Staff who answered questions and were present to hear concerns firsthand.
Concerns reported by residents encompassed malfunctioning electricity, gas, and water meters, along with a need for street pothole repairs. There were requests to harvest apples from office trees and create a safer environment for children through amenities like jungle gyms and sandboxes. Additional requests included adding an onsite laundry facility, creating a community garden, adding fencing for security and privacy, addressing speed bump deterioration, and devising an improved plan for snow removal.
Residents were also concerned about management policies, such as requiring permission to paint trailers and the removal of trampolines. Residents called for enforcement to maintain cleanliness throughout the park and address the unfair use of dumpsters from non-residents. Other issues included streetlight repairs, attention to plumbing problems that appear to be related to a deteriorating sewer system at the park, and addressing stormwater drainage causing water-filled potholes. Further needs included disabled parking at the office and resolving a rat problem.
Frustration was expressed over perceived lack of progress on addressing quality of life issues in the community. A healthy discussion took place about the work that has been happening behind the scenes and the ongoing studies about both the Leisure Bear infrastructure and the larger vision for creating a Big Bear community park resource on the land outside of Leisure Bear. Questions were also asked about expectations for the consistent presences of Caritas representatives on certain days of the month at the office. Lastly, requests were made to update a “no bike riding” sign and a desire for clearer park rules.
The City of Big Bear Lake appreciates the Leisure Bear’s participation in the process. The City continues to gather resident feedback and priorities through the ongoing Census effort to ensure every resident’s views and concerns are shared with the City. If a resident unit has not yet completed the Census questions, they are encouraged to do so, here.
Following the workshop, the City has already dispatched resources to address some of the concerns raised by the residents. In the five weeks since the workshops a requested tree removal took place, the Leisure Bear entry sign has been properly repaired, fence repairs have begun, and discussions with the contract snow removal service provider have been started to modify the snow removal process. Additional improvements in the community that involve major investments will be addressed as the City concludes its Leisure Bear master planning efforts.
The City next anticipates providing an update to the community on the infrastructure studies in the second quarter of 2024 and will likely be hosting additional community town halls to share findings and discuss quality of life improvements for the residents.
For questions or further information, contact leisurebear@tripepismith.com or call (844) 225-2327.