Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Consider Support of Fahrens Park Natural Trail within Basin Between Black Rascal Creek and Yosemite Avenue
REPORT IN BRIEF
Parks & Community Services is requesting support for the addition of a natural trail to the Fahrens Park basin between Black Rascal Creek along Buena Vista and Yosemite Avenue. The trail would serve as a mixed-use path for additional recreation within the basin such as biking or running.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Motion in support of the creation of the Fahrens Park Natural Trail within the basin between Black Rascal Creek and Yosemite Avenue
Body
DISCUSSION
Parks & Community Services has identified interest from local cross country and mountain bike clubs in the development of a natural trail along the Fahrens Creek basin between Black Rascal Creek and Yosemite Avenue. The natural trail would add additional recreational value to the park by utilizing the existing open space for cross country running and biking.
Staff have consulted with the City of Modesto who have a similar trail system along the Tuolumne River in an area that also serves as a flood basin. The City of Modesto expressed support and shared successes with the project in their region. The proposed use and site plan has been reviewed by the Flood Manager within the Engineering Department who has approved the use of the basin for the proposed purpose. The project has received support locally 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 installation of the path over the next several months.
The natural trail would consist of a circular loop approximately 2-miles long, 3-4 feet wide, and consist of over 200 feet of elevation change within the basin. The trail would support recreational cross country as well as non-motorized biking.
The natural trail would be open ...
Click here for full text