A million dollars from the South San Joaquin Irrigation District is helping upgrade one of the more popular regional summer recreation destinations — Woodward Reservoir.

The 36,000 acre-foot reservoir is the in-district storage facility for supplying irrigation water to nearly 60,000 acres in the “Almond Triangle” formed by Manteca, Ripon, and Escalon. It also holds water that ultimately will make its way through the Nick DeGroot Surface Water Treatment Plant and be served up through the water taps at homes in Manteca, Lathrop, Escalon and Tracy. It is located on Dodds Road.

The district’s $1 million allowed the Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Department leverage another $2.98 million for facility improvements at the reservoir.

Completed to date are an improved wastewater treatment system, installation of regulatory and information signs, installation of additional garbage bunkers and containers, installation of one new well and rehab of an existing well, purchase of a watering truck to irrigate trees in undeveloped areas, development of new campsites in three locations, installation of picnic tables and grills in day use areas, improved grassed activity areas, and extension of the wastewater system to allow for full hook-ups.

Stanislaus County has spent $790,199 of the district’s money to date. They are seeking an extension of the deadline to spend the entire amount to complete work on several projects. Those projects include the addition of 12 vaulted restrooms, the Heron Point Boat Ramp and day use area, a dish cleaning station with grinder, paved roads, walking paths, shrubbery, and more.

The SSJID board was scheduled to consider the extension request during Tuesday’s morning meeting, May 25, at the district office, 11011 East Highway 120, Manteca.