Redlands parks plan calls for splash pads, shade

This week in Redlands news:

• Redlands adopted its first Parks Master Plan, prioritizing splash pads, playgrounds, shade and trails.
• A juvenile was arrested after a Target necklace robbery, while police investigate the theft of an Amazon trailer loaded with more than $170,000 in merchandise.
• Inland Empire unemployment fell in May as the region's labor force continued to shrink.
• Looking for fun things to do while school is out? Our 2026 Kids Summer Fun Guide is here.

Redlands FC vs. Stars FC

June 27 at Redlands High School

CITY HALL

🛝 Redlands residents say they enjoy the city's parks, but they also want more places for children to play, cool off and spend time outdoors. That's according to a community survey conducted as part of the city's first Parks Master Plan, which the City Council approved June 16.

The long-term roadmap prioritizes splash pads, playgrounds, shade and trails while guiding future improvements across the city's park system.

Here's what residents asked for and what could change over the next decade:

Redlands residents want splash pads, shade and playgrounds

The city’s first Parks Master Plan highlights residents’ priorities for water features, playgrounds, shade and trails while outlining long-term improvements across Redlands.

Community Forward Redlands NewsStephanie Hastings Miranda

PUBLIC SAFETY

🚓 A juvenile was arrested after allegedly snatching a shopper's necklace inside Target in Citrus Plaza, while detectives are also investigating the theft of an Amazon trailer loaded with more than $170,000 in merchandise. This week's Redlands Police update also includes a stolen vehicle arrest, an arson case and a DUI crash. Read more here:

Target robbery suspect arrested; Amazon trailer theft probed

Police recovered stolen jewelry after serving a search warrant in Highland as detectives continue investigating the theft of an Amazon trailer containing more than $170,000 in merchandise.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCFR News Desk

🚔 Redlands police screened more than 500 vehicles during a DUI checkpoint June 19. Six drivers were cited for license violations, though no DUI arrests were reported. Read more here:

Six cited during Redlands DUI checkpoint operation

More than 500 vehicles were screened during a six-hour traffic safety operation on Cajon Street.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCFR News Desk

BUSINESS

💼 Latest jobs report: The Inland Empire's unemployment rate declined in May, but largely because fewer people are participating in the labor force. Construction, manufacturing and professional services continued losing jobs while health care added positions. Read more here:

Inland Empire unemployment falls as labor force shrinks

Construction, manufacturing and professional services continued to lose jobs while health care added workers, and a shrinking labor force contributed to the region’s lower unemployment rate.

Community Forward Redlands NewsKathryne Mccann

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

☀️ Looking for ways to keep the kids busy this summer? Our 2026 Kids Summer Fun Guide rounds up camps, splash pads, library programs and family activities in Redlands and nearby communities, with options for a variety of ages, interests and budgets. Read more here:

2026 Kids Summer Fun Guide: Camps, splash pads and family fun near Redlands

Find summer camps, free library events, indoor play spaces, bowling deals, splash pads and more in Redlands and nearby communities.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCFR News Desk

Partner post

⚽ Saturday night's Redlands FC match could have major playoff implications. A win over Stars FC would move the team into second place in the Southwest Division, give Redlands control of its playoff destiny and secure the tiebreaker between the clubs.

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Dodge Stadium.

🍊 Come early to receive a free thunder stick, courtesy of Community Forward Redlands and Redlands FC, while supplies last!

Redlands FC Battle Stars for Second Place

Tickets

SPORTS

🥎 Redlands East Valley High School softball catcher Jadah Nordby was named to the All-CIF Southern Section Division 3 first team after a great season with the Wildcats in 2026. Read more here:

REV catcher Jadah Nordby named to All-CIF Southern Section first team

REV catcher Jadah Nordby earns All-CIF first-team honors as Yucaipa players receive All-Inland Area recognition.

Community Forward Redlands NewsContributing Author

⛳ Redlands High School golf coach Mark Hopson was named the Inland Area boys golf coach of the year by the Inland daily newspapers of the Southern California News group. Hopson earned the honor after directing his young team to a Citrus Belt League team title, two victories in area invitational tournaments and a 15-1 dual meet record. Read more here:

RHS golf coach is Inland Area Coach of the Year; three area golfers earn second-team honors

Mark Hopson is recognized after leading Redlands High to a Citrus Belt League title, while four local golfers earn Inland Area second-team honors.

Community Forward Redlands NewsContributing Author

🏃‍♀️ Five athletes from Redlands East Valley, Beaumont High, Redlands High and Yucaipa High were selected for the 2026 all-Inland Empire track and field teams. Read more about the standout athletes here:

Three boys, two girls named to Inland Area track and field teams

Five local athletes receive Inland Area postseason recognition after standout seasons in track and field, including two first-team selections from Beaumont High.

Community Forward Redlands NewsContributing Author

EVENTS

📅 This weekend in Redlands

Friday, June 26

• Friday Flea at Olive Avenue Market | 5–9 p.m.
  Curated vintage and Y2K clothing at OAM.
• Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival | 8 p.m.
  Free outdoor concert featuring Ticket to the Moon: The ELO Experience. More information here.
• One Man, Two Guvnors | 8 p.m.
  Redlands Theatre Festival presents Richard Bean's award-winning comedy, a fast-paced farce filled with mistaken identities, physical comedy and nonstop laughs in Prospect Park. Ticket information here.

Saturday, June 27

• Grove School Farmers Market | 8 a.m.–noon
  Saturday morning community market with local produce and vendors. Rain or shine.
• Downtown's Morning Market  | 7 a.m.– 11 a.m.
  The city of Redlands’ weekly certified farmers market.
• STEAM Summer Series: Thaumatropes| 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  San Bernardino County Museum invites families to this interactive science activity in their outdoor lab. Timed wristbands are required. More information.
• Redlands FC Home Game | 7 p.m.
  For tickets and more information click here.

Sunday, June 28

• Sunday Morning Market at Olive Avenue Market | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Weekly market featuring small businesses and makers.

Check out more Redlands events here.

ICYMI 👀

In case you missed it... Redlands officials are encouraging families to celebrate the nation's 250th Independence Day at the city's official firework show and other approved displays around the area. All fireworks remain illegal within city limits. Violators can face fines up to $1,000 per violation. Read more here:

Redlands reminds residents fireworks are illegal ahead of July 4

Fireworks remain illegal in Redlands, with fines up to $1,000 and potential liability for property owners and guardians.

Community Forward Redlands NewsCFR News Desk

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