California Boosts Outdoor Recreation with $6.7 Million in Trail Grants
California is set to enhance its outdoor recreation spaces with a $6.7 million infusion from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreation Trails grant program (RTP), aimed at developing seven key nonmotorized trail projects across the state. This funding initiative, announced by California State Parks, marks a significant push to improve local trail systems, offering residents and visitors alike more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Among the beneficiaries are cities like Galt in Sacramento County, slated to extend the Emerald Vista Trail with 1,500 linear feet of new paved path, and Gilroy in Santa Clara County, where a new 4,500 linear foot multiuse trail segment will be constructed, complete with educational signage and distance markers. These projects underscore the state’s commitment to expanding access to green spaces and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
The list of recommended nonmotorized RTP projects for California includes:
Mendocino County
- Ukiah: Save the Redwoods League, Montgomery Wood Gathering Area/Visitor Amenities: $608,000 to construct 534 feet of new trail with elevated walkways and gathering areas, and revegetate areas disturbed by social trails at Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve.
Monterey County
- Seaside: City of Seaside, Laguna Grande Regional Park Trail: $1,624,418 to renovate and expand approximately 1.5 miles of multiuse trail with benches, interpretive signage, drinking fountains, trash and recycling receptacles, and shade structures.
Nevada County
- Truckee: Town of Truckee, Riverview Sports Park Trail Connection: $660,000 to construct 900 linear feet of new multiuse paved trail, educational signage and a bike rack to form connections to Truckee River Legacy Trail, Joerger Ranch Trail, and the Riverview Sports Park.
Sacramento County
- Galt: City of Galt, Emerald Vista Trail Extension: $413,000 to develop 1,500 linear feet of paved trail extending the Emerald Vista Trail in two sections.
Santa Clara County
- Gilroy: City of Gilroy, Lions Creek Trail: $200,000 to construct a new 4,500 linear foot multiuse trail segment with educational signage and distance markers from Kern Avenue to Day Road.
San Francisco County
- San Francisco: City and County of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department,Twin Peaks Promenade: $1,493,692 to construct a new Twin Peaks Promenade combination asphalt/multiuse aggregate 1,660 linear foot trail with overlook seating areas, educational and wayfinding signage, a paved parking area, and landscaping.
Siskiyou County
- Mount Shasta: United States Forest Service, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Gateway Phase 2 Trail Project – Big Mountain Zone: $200,890 to construct 2 miles of new multiuse trails at Mount Shasta.
Los Angeles County
- Glendora: City of Glendora,Glendora Urban Trails System Phase 2 and 3:$1 million to construct approximately 1.5 miles of new multiuse trail, security gates, safety fencing, seating boulders, wayfinding, interpretive signage, monument signage, a bicycle repair station, and bike racks.
- Pasadena: City of Pasadena, One Arroyo Trail Critical Linkages Project: $500,000 to construct two new multiuse trails and restore approximately 3.5 miles of multiuse trails, including stone terracing, foot bridges, guardrails, stairs, boulders, trailheads, and benches.
Since 1993, RTP has been instrumental in creating or enhancing about 300 non-motorized trails across California, utilizing $60 million in grants. This program supports the development of paved, non-paved, and backcountry trails, as well as trail-related facilities, benefiting a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
This competitive grant program, bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, requires a minimum 12% funding match from local or state sources. Projects must adhere to federal historical and environmental compliance requirements before receiving final approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
