Major updates and ongoing restoration efforts across Memorial Park are underway, highlighted by progress on the baseball facilities at Frank Ernaga Field, court upgrades and improvements at the Lassen Historical Museum.
City official Jolene Arredondo delivered a detailed update outlining recent grant completions, current park usage and upcoming capital projects aimed at revitalizing one of the community’s central recreation hubs.
Frank Ernaga Field & Fire Restoration
Following last year’s destructive fire at the ballpark, extensive emergency cleanup and initial restoration work have wrapped up. Completed work includes debris removal, field sod repairs, irrigation and park lighting restoration with temporary LMUD power, and a full overhaul of the bathroom facilities with new doors, locks, paint, lighting and electrical work.
Crews have also installed new roof trusses and metal roofing on the concession building, refreshed the announcer’s booth with new paint, carpet and PA system wiring, and erected new backstop poles and netting.
The next phase—rebuilding the grandstands along with installing new first- and third-base light poles and field lighting—will go through the formal public bidding process under city procurement policies.
Museum Storage & Court Enhancements
The Lassen Historical Museum is slated for significant storage upgrades backed by $244,000 in ARPA funding, with the project currently in the engineering and pre-bid design phase.
Recreational facilities throughout the park have also seen steady enhancements:
Tennis & Pickleball Courts: A $59,800 project repaired, resurfaced, and restriped two tennis courts and eight pickleball courts. A separate $6,000 lighting upgrade replaced outdated high-pressure sodium bulbs with energy-efficient LED fixtures. Players can activate the court lights using an on-site timer switch between 6:00a.m. and 10:00p.m.
Per Capita Grant Improvements: Completed through a $177,952 grant, additions include a new pump track, ADA picnic tables, a drinking fountain, new swing chains and seats, playground benches, cement cornhole boards and upgraded lighting.
Restroom Replacement: A combined $394,550 effort—funded through CDBG program income, CDBG-CV grant funds, and park dedication funds—delivered a fully ADA-accessible restroom facility complete with security locks, modern lighting and a public water-bottle filling station.
Park Use and Future Projects
Memorial Park is a bustling center for local gatherings, hosting signature community events like the annual Jr. Fishing Derby, the Chamber of Commerce’s Classic Car Show, the Lassen Humane Society Cat Scratch Fever Fest, the High Country Cruise and various Walk-a-Mile and fun run events.
According to Arredondo, the Community Center logged 30 rentals in 2025 and has 24 booked so far for 2026, generating $4,163 in fiscal year revenue alongside weekly Scout meetings and senior meal services hosted in partnership with Dignity Health on Mondays and Wednesdays from August 31st through November 11th. Picnic and BBQ area reservations reached 14 in 2025 with 11 currently on the calendar for 2026.
Future improvements slated for City Council review include restoring the restrooms near the tennis and pickleball courts, adding security cameras, and expanding the skate park. City staff have also earmarked the William H. Pratt Building and Community Center for structural repairs, supported by an estimated year-end Park Dedication Fund balance of $90,000.
