City Councilman Raul Campillo on Thursday announced $1.5 million in state funding for the “Bridge for Max” initiative to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge at the San Diego River Trail Crossing in the park where a 21-year-old man drowned in January.
In January 2021, Max Lenail, a pre-med student at Brown University, went hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego County. Max was on a popular hike in the Fortuna Peaks area, just a few minutes away from the Visitor Center Loop. Sadly, Max drowned while hiking on a dangerous part of the trail, crossing the San Diego River.
A pedestrian and bicycle bridge on the San Diego River Crossing Trail has been a priority of the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens’ Advisory Committee and Task Force since 2008.
“I’m thrilled to announce the Bridge for Max initiative has been accelerated by this wonderful development. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the LeNail/Yoler family and exemplary leadership from Sen. Atkins representing us in Sacramento, we are receiving a crucial investment in a bridge that will make our Park more accessible year-round for San Diegans and tourists.” Campillo said in a statement.
