|
||||
|
New life for rails 01:20 AM PDT on Thursday, July 22, 2004 REDLANDS - Karen Singley's perfect way to start her day at her former Washington, D.C., job was riding her bicycle on a trail that cut through a wooded area of Virginia behind a housing tract. "It was so cooling and refreshing," she said earlier this month near her Redlands home. "It helped me to get awake and alert before work." Now, Singley is working to bring the public trail idea to a more urban setting to link schools, shopping and "those cool, relaxing places." The senior analyst for a Redlands computer-mapping firm says she soon will begin gathering public comment for her proposal to convert an abandoned rail line to a pleasant route for joggers, walkers, students and shoppers. For about the past three years, Singley, 36, has been gathering support and information for the Redlands Rail to Trail Project, which aims to create a walking and cycling trail along an unused east-west stretch of a former Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line. The goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly route that connects schools, neighborhoods, downtown, parks, the University of Redlands and Singley's employer, ESRI. "I envision this being such a beautiful greenway," she said during an interview along a portion of the rail line. The proposed trail also could link to larger regional trails being established and provide economic, environmental and community benefits, Singley said. Redlands' general plan already calls for the establishment of a trail along rail lines and the Zanja, a historic irrigation ditch, Councilman Jon Harrison said by phone. "What interests me, what excites me the most is the ability, when built, to provide a fabulous green space link throughout the town that connects neighborhoods, schools and shopping," he said. "I think it has real potential, from a recreation perspective." For now, Singley is focused on a two-mile stretch of rail at the east end of the city. There are plans to possibly extend Metrolink service to Redlands, but not likely farther east than University, said Singley and city officials. The two-mile stretch starts at Wabash and Colton avenues, then runs midway between Colton and Citrus avenues, cutting across Dearborn, Lincoln, Judson and Grove streets. Singley has received support from the Redlands Conservancy and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. A San Bernardino County official said Singley's project would connect to existing plans to design and establish a regional trail system along portions of the Santa Ana River wash, for example. "It's going to be a critical link and we see it as a great opportunity," said Jeff Weinstein, the county's trails coordinator. Singley already has begun gathering public comment and plans to continue to do so during Redlands' weekly Market Night. A community workshop is also scheduled for September. Initial steps include applying for grant money to fund preliminary design work and prepare a document spelling out the trail's purpose. Harrison said that may cost between $75,000 and $200,000 and he will work to secure council support for the grant-seeking process. Other details, such as whether the trail would be paved and its ultimate cost, are still undetermined. They will be decided in part by the public comment. Benches, water fountains, a community garden and a dog park are among some of the most desired amenities for the proposed trail, Singley said. Native plants and low-maintenance vegetation could be used for landscaping. Singley has proposed a volunteer adopt-a-trail program along with grants to help maintain the trail. Orange Blossom or Greenway Trail are potential names for the project, she said. In all, the project could take a year to 18 months. The trail could help promote tourism and exercise, create safer routes to schools and encourage residents to walk instead of drive to their favorite destinations. "I'd love to be able to walk to Market Night," Singley said. Reach Roberto Hernandez at (909) 806-3060 or rhernandez@pe.com |
||||
|
||||
 |
|
