Patrick Martinez is the city manager for Needles. He can be reached at (760) 326-2113 or pmartinez@cityofneedles.com.

On the far eastern edge of California — what locals proudly call the East Coast of California — sits the small desert city of Needles. Nestled along the Colorado River, this close-knit, resilient city of 5,000 is where California meets Arizona and Nevada. While the river has long been a cherished community asset, many of the public spaces along it lacked the infrastructure and amenities to support year-round use.

For years, a dusty patch of the riverfront known as First Beach served as a makeshift gathering place. With no shade, restrooms, or trash bins, it was often more of a hazard than a haven due to the lack of essential facilities and the abundance of litter. Yet it remained one of the few accessible spots where residents could enjoy the water.

That all changed with the opening of Bob Belt Beach Park, a $2.18 million transformation funded through the state’s Clean California initiative. The once-neglected lot is now a shaded, ADA-accessible riverfront destination that reflects Needles’ commitment to equity, community, and resilience.

“This wasn’t just about building a park,” said Mayor Janet Jernigan. “It was about giving our residents a dignified, safe place to gather, especially during our hottest months. We wanted something that reflected how much we value our community.”

Recognizing the need to improve riverfront safety and access, the city council launched the design process in 2021. Council direction initiated a collaborative planning effort supported by feedback from public meetings, school outreach, and civic engagement. This momentum helped secure full grant funding from the Clean California program in 2022.

Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell, a longtime advocate for accessibility, saw the transformation through a deeply personal lens. “Before he passed away, my brother — who used a wheelchair — had to be carried down to the river whenever he wanted to join us. For the first time, he would’ve been able to access the beach safely and comfortably. That’s what this park means to people.”

Construction began in December 2023 to avoid heat delays and was completed by June. In its opening weekend, the park welcomed more than 2,000 people. Since then, it has averaged over 500 weekly visitors in peak season. The new amenities — including shaded picnic areas, cooling hydration stations, paved trails, and clean public restrooms — have made it safer and a magnet for tourism. 

“We’ve seen a real uptick in weekend bookings since the park opened,” said Candace Coller-Veraldi, general manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites. “Visitors are extending their stays and exploring more of what Needles has to offer. It’s become a real asset for our tourism economy.”

The improvements have also rekindled community pride. Council Member Tona Belt, who helped spearhead outreach to families, remarked, “We used to avoid this area. Now it’s where people come to connect. It’s changed how we see ourselves.”

Belt also noted the personal significance of the park’s name: “Naming the park after my grandfather, Robert T. Belt, who served as the city’s recreation and parks director, honors a legacy of community service and care for this special place.

Beyond aesthetics, the park serves a critical public health role. In July 2024, Needles recorded the highest monthly average temperature in the U.S. at 103.2°F, making shaded, cooling spaces like Bob Belt Beach Park essential for public health.

The project has already earned major accolades. It received the 2024 Best Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (Southern California Chapter) in the Recreation & Athletic Facilities category. It also made Needles the first city in San Bernardino County to receive the Clean California Community Designation.

Bob Belt Beach Park is more than a facelift. It’s a model of how small cities can lead with vision, listening, and heart — and create something truly transformational — a blueprint for other small communities across California.

The city of Needles received the 2025 Helen Putnam Award of Excellence in the Public Works, Infrastructure, Transportation category. For more information about the award program, visit calcities.org/helen-putnam-award-for-excellence.