After Max LeNail lost his life during a run at Mission Trails Regional Park in early 2021, his family took a path no one wants to walk and turned it into something meaningful.
Rather than let grief consume them, the LeNail family chose to channel their loss into purpose. They envisioned a new bridge to honor Max’s memory, improve access to the park and protect others from similar tragedy. They turned to San Diego Foundation (SDF) to start a donor-advised fund to accept donations and raise funding for the bridge.
With support from family, friends, neighbors, the San Diego community and partners including the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and SDF, the Max LeNail Memorial Bridge project has made significant progress.
Max’s father, Ben Lenail, shares that “amazingly, four years later, we are on the cusp of getting the site preparation permit. The building permit should follow soon, and we could start construction in September at the end of the breeding and nesting season. It’s really exciting.”
Why This Bridge Matters
Max LeNail Memorial Bridge rendering courtesy of Safdie Rabines Architects.
See more renderings here.
The Max LeNail Memorial Bridge will connect the Mission Trails Visitor Center and the East Fortuna Staging Area, offering a safe and accessible crossing over the San Diego River. Currently, the area lacks a designated river crossing, requiring parkgoers to wade through water or turn back entirely — a dangerous obstacle during high water or impossible for individuals with mobility challenges.
The bridge not only enhances access but also reflects Max’s love for nature, fitness and protecting the outdoors.
“Max would be delighted,” Ben shares. “The bridge is so in line with his character, with his essence as an outdoorsman, as an athlete, as a lover of nature.”
He adds that the design is “absolutely beautiful,” and is not only going to help people access the trail safely but will also “really beautify the park.”
The Final Push: A Critical Funding Gap
To date, more than $2 million has been raised for the bridge, including $1 million in private donations to the fund at SDF and a $1.5 million state grant. But due to inflation, increased material costs and updated construction estimates, the full cost of the project is now expected to be close to $5 million, leaving a $3 million funding gap.
Ben shares that the largest expenses are still ahead. Additionally, the project must adhere to environmental guidelines, with a construction window that runs from September 15 to March 15 (outside the local nesting season).
Delays in securing funds could push the project to fall 2026, and Ben cautions that “while the building permit will be valid for two years, we lose momentum if we delay. The public is excited. People want the bridge completed.”
A Matching Gift to Help Close the Gap
To help inspire further community support, the LeNail family has pledged a $500,000 matching gift. Every donation made to the Max LeNail Memorial Bridge Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of each contribution.
“We’re ready to do our part,” Ben says. “We hope others will join us in making this bridge a reality — not just as a tribute to Max, but as a gift to the entire San Diego community.”
