Big Bear, Ca, February 15, 2011, 12:00pm – The Village of Big Bear Lake will receive a major face lift this coming summer. According to David Lawrence with the City of Big Bear Lake, construction is set to start in April, weather dependent, and will continue for about five months. Construction must take place in the warmer months, as it is harder to pour concrete and have it set correctly in the colder months. Upgrades to the Village area will include new sidewalks, with heated sidewalks in icy areas, high efficient lighting, new banner locations, new perimeter parking, and a trail that would connect the forest with the lake. The City allocated 4 million dollars to the project, with additional funding to cover the new parking. Lawrence also told KBHR that covered fire pits are part of the plan, with two locations in the Village, and would act as a public gathering area. The improvements would encompass Pine Knot Avenue to Village Drive and down to the Elks Lodge at the far end of the Village. Lawrence says that by having the improvements cover the entire Village area, that it would activate the lower areas near the Elks Lodge, and connect the village. The Village will also be getting rolled curbs, which will keep the curb from getting chipped by snowplows in the winter months. Lawrence told KBHR that the construction will be mindful and work around big summer time events.
