New recreation operator sought for Lake Yosemite
October 27, 2025 – The Merced Irrigation District has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the future recreation management of MID’s land around Lake Yosemite.
“The Lake Yosemite area has a long and important history in Merced, and we are excited to pursue a refocused commitment on the future recreation and concessions opportunities it can allow,” said MID General Manager John Sweigard.
Lake Yosemite and some surrounding land is owned by MID. The lake serves a vital role in its irrigation and water management operations.
The lake was originally constructed in 1887 by the Crocker Huffman Land and Water Company, a predecessor to MID. In addition to being a vital component of MID’s water conveyance system at that time, the reservoir also provided drinking water supplies to the City of Merced until 1917. At that point the city turned to local, high-quality groundwater as its source for drinking water. Lake Yosemite became an MID asset after the District was formed in 1919 and has since remained a vital part of its water delivery system.
The County of Merced entered into an agreement with MID in 1976 that allowed the County to develop and operate recreational facilities at the lake.
With the upcoming expiration of the agreement on January 31, 2026, MID will open recreation management of Lake Yosemite to a potential new operator – or operators – with the vision of improving and expanding the current facilities and opportunities.
The effort is being managed by long-time MID Parks Director Brooke Gutierrez. During her tenure with MID, she has played instrumental roles in expanding recreation opportunities at the district’s Lakes McClure and McSwain. This has included the ongoing development and management of Exchequer Mountain Bike Park which now draws competitions from across northern California and Nevada. She has also been instrumental in establishing MID’s partnership with Splash N Dash Aqua Park, America’s largest floating inflatable water park, located at Lake McSwain.
Before joining MID, Gutierrez spent nearly two decades with California State Parks, where she led districts that included Hearst Castle, Morro Bay State Park, and led partnerships with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Nationally, she has served on the National Recreation and Park Association’s Leadership Development Network and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Gutierrez, the MID Parks Department will manage the process of reviewing proposals for qualified entities to continue further serious discussions and negotiations about potential opportunities. Additionally, the MID Parks Department staff will manage the recreation operations at Lake Yosemite in the interim, beginning in February 2026.
MID Parks staff are working to integrate future Lake Yosemite facility rentals into the department’s existing website LakeMcCLure.com. At this time, anyone seeking a facility rental that is for a date after February 1 may email info@LakeMcClure.com or call 855-800-2267. Additional information about facility rentals will be provided soon.
“As a resident in this community, I know exactly how important Lake Yosemite is to Merced,” Mrs. Gutierrez said. “Our team is not only ready to fill this temporary role of managing the current recreation at the lake, but we are absolutely excited to see what future possibilities may exist to enhance what exists today.”