Ronald Reagan Park

A Slice of History in San Bernardino

Tucked away in San Bernardino, California, Ronald Reagan Park might be small in size, but it contains a significant piece of history. The crown jewel of this neighborhood green space is an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall - yes, you read that right! Installed in 2011, this 12.5-foot high concrete slab is a reminder of the Cold War's end and Reagan's role in that chapter of history.

Opened in 2007, the park was named to honor the former President who had passed away a few years earlier. What makes this place even more special is the grassroots effort behind it. A dedicated group called the Friends of Ronald Reagan Park actually raised the funds to bring this piece of history to California - pooling together about $2,500 for the wall segment itself and another $3,800 to ship it across the world to its new home.

Dreams and Reality

The original vision for the park was quite ambitious. City planners had dreamed of adding a Reagan statue and creating an educational walkway with information about the former president's life and legacy. Unfortunately, when San Bernardino declared bankruptcy in 2012, these grander plans had to be shelved. Today, what you'll find is a modest green space where the Berlin Wall segment takes center stage.

The park hasn't been without its challenges. Some locals have expressed concern about preservation issues - pieces of the wall occasionally falling off or, sadly, being taken as souvenirs by visitors. Despite these hurdles, Ronald Reagan Park continues to offer something truly unique in the community: a tangible piece of world history that you can see and touch, right in the heart of San Bernardino.