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Park HeadquartersFrank G. Bonelli Regional Park Headquarters sits in the southwest corner of the park at the Via Verde exit from the 57 freeway. Here you may obtain information concerning park uses, reservation, lost and found and general park assistance. The Offices of the Superintendent, the Aquatics Manager, LACo Sheriffs and park staff, are located in the headquarters building. Park information is also available at all entrance booths as you enter the facility.
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When did it all begin?
Currently Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, which occupies an irregular shaped area on the east end of the San Jose Hills, Northwest of Pomona and south of La Verne and San Dimas, has a reservoir that occupies about 250-acres of the total area with approximately 5 miles of shoreline and a boat capacity of 115. The park covers approximately three square miles or about 2,220 acres. 1,233 acres contain open space and natural areas compromised mainly of rolling hills and moderately steep canyons covered with chaparral, cactus, and costal sage scrub habitat. Approximately 14 miles of hiking and riding trails loop through the natural areas. The remaining acreage is occupied by developed picnic areas, parking for 4800 vehicles, two boat-launching areas, a RV park, equestrian facilities, golf course, and a Raging Waters Theme Park.
- The earliest evidence of water in the semiarid rolling hills of what is now the eastern portion of the San Gabriel Valley at Mud Springs, North of today's Puddingstone Dam. Indians, explorers and adventures probably took water from mud springs during times when sheep and cattle grazed across the land. Later, soldiers and stage coach drivers where among those who stopped at the historical site. The adobe at the north edge puddingstone reservoir was built in 1882 before citrus orchards appeared in the San Jose hills area.
- Concern for the water grew with the increasing number of settlements in East San Gabriel Valley and the need for water storage receptacles became apparent.
- Completed in 1928 at a cost of one million dollars, the dam was originally built as a flood control facility to impound storm run-off and replenish underground water supplies.
- The dam created a 250-acre lake.In 1931 the Department of Recreation Camps, and Playgrounds (which later became Department of Parks and Recreation) assigned lifeguards to protect those involved in the newly allowed fishing and swimming activities.
- In 1948 a parking lot was installed through the County Department of Parks and Recreation.
- In 1950 the county board of supervisors instructed the county administrative officer and the County Department of Recreation to report on possible development of the Puddingstone Area for recreational purposes.
- In 1953 the 150-acre Puddingstone Reservoir was designated as a "Recreational and Fishing Area". It was stocked with fish by the state fish and game commission.
- By 1958, arrangements had been made to allow the county to purchase extra water for the lake. Built as a flood control facility, the lake was subject to fluctuations and now the county was able to maintain a constant-level lake. This was a big step to opening the reservoir for full recreation.The land for Frank G. Bonelli Park was assembled by various lease agreements, land grant deeds, condemnation actions and private interests to eventually compromise nearly 2,000 acres.
- In 1959 a drive spearheaded by supervisor Frank G. Bonelli, the county department of parks and recreation assumed responsibility for the Puddingstone area. This year the first patrol boat appeared on the lake and the boat house was constructed.
- Mass planting of more than 10,000 trees in the northeast section was begun by volunteers of 50 civic groups from 14 cities and communities in East San Gabriel Valley area.
- Water skiing was initiated along the east shoreline of the 200 acre water surface.
- In 1963 the county leased for operation and maintenance the 18-hole Mountain Meadows golf course from Pomona Golf and country club. The course opened in 1921 as a private course, was formerly called Mountain Meadows Golf Club.
- In 1970 a forty-year joint powers agreement was entered into the county of Los Angeles and cities Covina, Glendora, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, and Walnut. The agreement established the Los Angeles County Puddingstone Reservoir Regional Park Authority (Now Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park Authority).
- Los Angeles County was now responsible for financing and improving the facility.The authority had the power to sell revenue bonds to finance the total construction for the park. In support of the project, the state legislature authorized the transfer of the state property to the county in fee title.
- By 1972 development had been completed on the north shore and included a swim park (now Raging Waters) a powerboat launching facility, and group picnic area.
- By 1976 the south shore consisted of sailboat launching facilities, picnic valley and east shore fishing areas. Mountain Meadows Golf Course was renovated and equestrian facilities were constructed. The recreational vehicle park was also opened in 1976.
- In 1986 the Puddingstone Hot Tubs were opened.
Currently Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, which occupies an irregular shaped area on the east end of the San Jose Hills, Northwest of Pomona and south of La Verne and San Dimas, has a reservoir that occupies about 250-acres of the total area with approximately 5 miles of shoreline and a boat capacity of 115. The park covers approximately three square miles or about 2,220 acres. 1,233 acres contain open space and natural areas compromised mainly of rolling hills and moderately steep canyons covered with chaparral, cactus, and costal sage scrub habitat. Approximately 14 miles of hiking and riding trails loop through the natural areas. The remaining acreage is occupied by developed picnic areas, parking for 4800 vehicles, two boat-launching areas, a RV park, equestrian facilities, golf course, and a Raging Waters Theme Park.
