Learn about current park closures and updates.
Learn about current park closures and updates.
For generations, Lindo Lake has been a place where families gather, kids learn to fish, birds find refuge, and the community comes to relax. As the only natural lake in the County of San Diego, it has long held a special place in Lakeside’s history — and in the hearts of those who visit.
Decades ago, Lindo Lake was naturally fed by Quail Creek. When a dam was built upstream in the 1960s, that steady source of fresh water was cut off. Since then, the lake has relied mostly on stormwater and urban runoff, and its water quality has slowly declined. Many longtime residents remember when the lake looked very different and have expressed a strong desire to see it restored.
To support that vision, the County is continuing a two-phase restoration effort designed to revitalize the lake, restore its natural habitat, and improve recreational opportunities for visitors.
Completed in August 2022, this phase restored the east basin’s ecosystem and improved water circulation and quality. It represented the first major step toward revitalizing the entire lake.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026 and be complete by Winter 2027. This next phase focuses on improving the west basin. Water in the basin will be temporarily removed so crews can regrade the lakebed, creating better habitat for native aquatic species, and improving long‑term water quality.
Around the lake, new restoration areas will be planted with native vegetation to support local wildlife and enhance the natural beauty of the park. Visitors will also enjoy new and improved trails, better access for walking and birdwatching, a fishing pier, and a new bridge connecting to the historic boathouse — making it easier than ever to explore and enjoy the lake.
During construction, pedestrian access around the lake will be impacted. Pedestrian access along the north part of the lake along Lakeshore Drive will be closed.
When both phases are complete, Lindo Lake will be healthier, more vibrant, and better able to support the birds, fish, and other wildlife that depend on it. The improvements will also create more ways for people to experience nature, spend time outdoors, and connect with this historic community landmark.
These efforts are supported in part by local assistance grants from the San Diego River Conservancy, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting and restoring this treasured place.
• Construction team mobilized and site secured
• Environmental
and cultural protections in place
• Wildlife safely relocated;
invasive fish removal underway
• Dewatering and stormwater
diversion systems being installed
• West basin excavation
starting soon
Phase 2 of the Lindo Lake improvement project is moving forward. After Hazard Construction was awarded the contract in late June, crews completed mobilization and secured the site with temporary fencing. Some park pathways have been rerouted to keep visitors safe.
Environmental protections are now in place, including fencing around sensitive habitat areas and measures to prevent erosion and stormwater pollution. Biologists have safely relocated flightless birds to the east basin, are removing invasive fish species, and continue to monitor tree work and site clearing to protect wildlife.
To get the west basin ready for excavation, crews have shut off the well pumps and began dewatering the area. A stormwater diversion system is being installed to prevent flooding during construction. Once finished, excavation of the west basin can begin marking a major milestone for the project.
A look at what’s been happening around Lindo Lake:
Temporary Construction fencing has been set up around the project area,
marking the official start of Phase 2 improvements.
Stormwater protection measures are in place across the site to help
prevent erosion and keep the lake's water clean during construction.
Targeted vegetation removal was completed to prepare the site for future
lake edge enhancements, grading work, and new park features.
The temporary stormwater diversion system is nearly complete, helping
protect the east and west basins from potential flooding.
For more information about the project, please contact Michael Espiritu, Park Project Manager at michaeljohn.espiritu@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 913-8488.
