Fort Washington Beach Campground by the San Joaquin River (California) has been a staple in Fresno since the late 70s. However, the popular campground is set to be shut down.
As per a report, the Finch Family has leased and managed the recreational park in northeast Fresno for about 40 years.
Unfortunately, two cousins, aged 9 and 18, drowned at the popular swimming area a few weeks ago.
Next Tuesday, August 23, the California State Lands Commission is scheduled to terminate the lease. The commission outlined several reasons for the decision.
One of the reasons for the termination of the campground lease is that the annual rent due last April has not been paid.
It also mentioned that the general liability insurance policy of $1 million was terminated in May 2017 and has not been renewed.
The property is leased to Judith Finch, who died in September 2017. The commission stated that since her death, there had been no effort by the family to formally assume the lease.
The commission has learned that Finch’s grandson has been managing the campground without authorization.
All are considered defaults in the lease contract.
In a recent meeting, commission representatives and Fresno city staff learned that the campground could be in violation of city regulations.
Fresno PD said in the last five and a half months, they have received twelve calls for assistance at Fort Washington Beach.
The California State Lands Commission is expected to end the lease at next Tuesday’s meeting in San Diego.
The commission is accountable for protecting and managing cultural and natural resources on some of California’s publicly owned lands.
This story originally appeared on KMPH.