Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Designation of the Western Portion of Fahrens Park for the Development of a Multi-Use Natural Trail within the Flood Basin
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving Parks & Community Services’ request for designation of the western portion of Fahrens Park for the addition of a natural trail within the basin between Rascal Creek along Buena Vista and Yosemite Avenue. The trail would serve as a mixed-use path for additional recreation within the park such as biking and running.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the designation of Fahrens Park west for the development of a multiuse natural trail within the flood basin between rascal creek and Yosemite Avenue.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
14.04.110 - Active and Passive Recreation Activities
The director of parks and community services may designate areas in city parks for active recreation activities. Areas designated for such activities shall be clearly marked. Active recreation activities refer to activities that require the use of equipment or designated facilities, courses, or fields, and include, but are not limited to, baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, skateboarding, frisbee golf, kator, kickball, and top spin.
The director of parks and community services may designate areas in city parks for passive recreation activities. Areas designated for such activities shall be clearly marked. Passive recreation activities place minimal stress on park resources and are compatible with natural resource protection. Passive recreation activities refer to activities that do not require the use of equipment or designated facilities, courses, or fields, and include, but are not limited to, picnicking, walking, bicycling, running, jogging, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
As provided by the adopted 24-25 budget- Elevate the quality of life in Merced by enhancing amenities and improving services to drive positive growth and transformation throughout our community as adopted in the
DISCUSSION
Over the past several years Merced City Council has discussed the desire to explore the potential for a bike park or pump track in Merced, specifically at Fahrens Park. Staff worked to develop rough cost estimates with bike park builders to develop an idea of what the cost for a full pump track may cost. Staff was advised that although variable based on size and details of the tracks, an attractive bike park for the Fahrens Park west area would cost approximately $1.5 million. It is staff’s recommendation that this level of infrastructure be considered as a point of discussion with stakeholders while determining priorities for the upcoming Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan.
While discussing built bike parks staff discussed the potential for natural trails within the Fahrens Park west area and identified interest from local bike and cross-country enthusiasts in the development of a natural trail along the Fahrens Creek basin between Rascal Creek and Yosemite Avenue. A natural trail would add additional recreational value to the park by utilizing the existing open space that currently has limited utility outside of storm water retention. By establishing a network of trails for bikes within the basin the park strengthens the vital connection between users and the surrounding natural environment, promoting a deeper understanding of and engagement with ecological surroundings.
In considering the feasibility of a retention basin used for seasonal recreational use staff contacted the City of Modesto who uses a similarly utilized area along the Tuolumne River for recreational use. Staff consulted the City of Modesto Planning and Recreation departments who have developed both natural and hardscape trail systems along the Tuolumne River in floodways. Recreational staff shared the great utility they’ve seen by dedicating an underutilized area for the development of the trail system.
The proposed use and natural trail loop has been reviewed by the Flood Manager within the Engineering Department who has found no issue with the use of the basin for the proposed purpose. The project has received interest and a commitment of support from the Exchequer Mountain Bike Club as well as the Merced High School Cross Country program. The Exchequer Mountain Bike Club has volunteered to assist with development of the path over the next year including grubbing and leveling of the proposed paths within the basin. Staff time will be allocated to the site planning and path layout.
The natural trail would consist of a circular loop approximately 2-miles long by 4 feet wide and will include over 200 feet of elevation change within the basin. The trail would support recreational biking and running on occasion.
The natural trail will not be available for operation until funding is allocated for signage and any work beyond planning is required. Once complete the trails would be open to users on a first come first serve basis but would be reservable for special events through an application process with the Parks & Community Services Department.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The Parks & Community Services budget is sufficient for planning and site preparation for the project.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Fahrens Park West Natural Trail