February 3, 2026 – Merced Irrigation District (MID) has assumed recreation management of its land at Lake Yosemite. 
The change came about on Sunday when a long-term agreement expired between MID and Merced County.
Related: Merced County’s Long-term Lease to Operate Lake Yosemite Park Concludes Today, January 31, 2026 as Merced Irrigation District (MID) has Decided to Proceed with a New Operator
Lake Yosemite serves a vital role in the District’s irrigation and water management operations. Under the prior agreement, the county had managed recreation opportunities since 1976.
MID has recently requested proposals from qualified entities for management of the recreation facilities and is currently reviewing those plans. In the meantime, MID Parks staff are managing the recreation and facilities at Lake Yosemite.
“There is simply no question about the importance of this resource to our local community,” said MID General Manager John Sweigard, “Lake Yosemite has a long and important history in Merced, and we are excited to continue a refocused commitment on its future recreation and concessions opportunities.”
MID parks staff began operating the facilities over the weekend.
“People are excited,” said MID Parks Director Booke Gutierrez, “A new operator brings with it new vision and opportunities. We are excited to expand and enhance the experience for our community.”
During her tenure with MID, Gutierrez has played an instrumental role in expanding recreation opportunities at Lakes McClure and McSwain. This includes the ongoing development and management of the Exchequer Mountain Bike Park, which now draws competitions from across Northern California and Nevada, as well as establishing MID’s partnership with Splash-N-Dash Aqua Park, America’s largest floating inflatable water park, located at Lake McSwain.
MID Parks staff have integrated Lake Yosemite facility rentals as well as day-use and annual permits into the department’s existing website, LakeMcClure.com. At this time, anyone seeking a facility rental may email info@LakeMcClure.com or call 855-800-2267. Day use passes and annual passes for MID Parks provide access to Lake Yosemite, as well as Lakes McClure and McSwain. For complete info click here or visit LakeMcClure.com
“We are excited to be managing recreation lake operations during this transition,” said MID Parks Director Gutierrez, “We know our community will benefit in the long-term and look forward to sharing additional information as we move ahead.”
Source: Merced Irrigation District
