Two new proposals are under consideration to increase visitor numbers at Tuolumne River Regional Park (TRRP) in Modesto. The park, which extends for seven miles along the river, has struggled to attract many visitors despite its natural setting and proximity to several neighborhoods.
One proposal involves creating the park’s first overnight campground, located along Legion Park Drive. Entry fees from campers would help support maintenance across TRRP’s entire length. Details about the potential campground have not yet been released by park staff.
A second proposal could boost TRRP’s budget by using funds from Measure H, a 1% sales tax approved by Modesto voters in 2022. This measure generates approximately $42 million annually for city services and has already funded improvements in other parks, but not yet at TRRP. The Citizens Advisory Committee suggested that up to $5 million from Measure H could be allocated over five years for maintenance, law enforcement, and parking at the park.
Committee chairman Chris Guptill said, “Going forward, this kind of thing would push the park toward what most people say is a diamond in the rough and a local gem.”
Residents have expressed concerns about trash dumping, loose dogs, and vandalism at restrooms within the park. Currently, some unhoused individuals use TRRP as an informal campsite.
The governing board overseeing TRRP includes county Supervisors Channce Condit and Mani Grewal as well as city Councilmembers Eric Alvarez and Nick Bavaro. They are expected to consider adopting an updated master plan in 2026 after additional public input. Any decision on using Measure H funds would require approval from the full City Council.
TRRP’s amenities are mostly concentrated near the airport neighborhood and include native oak trees, picnic shelters, paved trails, dirt paths, a boat ramp off Neece Drive, and soccer fields near Carpenter Road. The segment closest to downtown features extended trails and a restored floodplain.
For the current fiscal year beginning July 1, TRRP expects income of $692,133. Only $5,000 comes from visitor fees for renting picnic areas or soccer fields; most funding comes from Stanislaus County ($340,329), Modesto city ($297,304), and land leases ($49,500). Expenditures include $365,826 for outside services such as updating the master plan and $322,790 for maintenance provided by city staff. Capital projects are financed separately through state and federal grants.
Guptill also serves on both the Measure H oversight committee and the river park panel. He has led volunteer cleanups along the Tuolumne stretch near downtown Modesto.
According to the committee’s recommendations, part of Measure H funding could provide full-time police or ranger presence at TRRP under police oversight. Additional funds could address trash removal, trail upkeep, wildfire prevention efforts such as trimming vegetation, and improved parking facilities—specifically suggesting a paved lot near Ninth Street to accommodate larger events like youth mountain bike races.
The feasibility study for establishing a campground would also be supported by Measure H funds if approved. The proposed site is flat with existing road access and includes a small swimming beach and new picnic shelter.
Committee member Ron West estimated that a campground with 100 spaces rented at $80 per night with 70% occupancy could generate up to $2.05 million annually; a smaller version with 60 spaces rented at lower rates might bring in about $381,000 per year.
“As you know,” West wrote in correspondence with Guptill,“I absolutely believe that this is the solution to all of our long-term perennial problems—from homelessness to security to public use opportunities to financial stability.”
Representatives from Yosemite Rivers Alliance (formerly Tuolumne River Trust) regularly attend committee meetings. Central Valley program director Hilary Moak expressed support for using Measure H money on safety enhancements and infrastructure but requested more information on any camping plans: “We’ve seen positive recreation getting people to the park,” Moak said.“It has an impact.”
The advisory committee also suggested adapting ideas from Bellingham, Washington—such as arranging shipping containers into dining or performance spaces—to create gathering places in TRRP’s Gateway area near downtown.
The next meeting of Tuolumne River Regional Park’s governing board will take place December 10 at noon in Room 2005 at Tenth Street Place (1010 Tenth St., Modesto).
