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Contact: Redlands Conservancy launches Rail Trail Project What: Rail Trail Project Launched The Redlands Conservancy is joining efforts with many local organizations and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to bring a Rail Trail to Redlands. According to Project Chair Karen Singley, the Rail Trail Project is an ideal fit for Redlands, and follows the successful models of similar projects throughout the nation. “Many cities found themselves with two problems,” Singley explained recently. “They had no safe inner-city trail systems, and they had miles of abandoned railroad rights-of-way. This project solves both problems by converting old rail beds into a network of walking, riding, biking, and hiking trails that weave through the city.” From east to west, Redlands is dissected by two significant features: the rail road right-of-way from California Street to Mentone, and the historic Zanja. The features cross at various points, and either one or both could easily be converted into foot and bicycle trails that would connect the ESRI campus on the west with the University of Redlands campus on the east and points further, winding neatly through the downtown area. “This project perfectly fits the Redlands Conservancy’s adaptive reuse philosophy,” explained Redlands Conservancy Project Manager Sherli Leonard. “It adaptively reuses a significant site, making it economically viable and useful for the community.” Singley began working on the project almost two years ago with Redlands City Councilman Jon Harrison. Together, they have prepared several grant applications which request funding for trail design, construction, and maintenance. The Redlands Conservancy adopted the project this past spring as part of the Open Space Preservation Committee activities. Singley noted that the City of Redlands General Plan and the 1987 Emerald Necklace Report already provide for a cross-town trail system. “In almost every city where they have been developed,” Singley said, “Rail Trails have created tremendous economic boosts. They also have incredible health benefits, and they seriously help reduce traffic congestion and pollution. We want to be able to bring a Rail Trail here using funds raised mostly through private contributions and grants.” To launch the project in Redlands, the Redlands Conservancy has opened a new page on its Web site. Devoted to the Rail Trail Project, the page provides helpful information about the entire process, including detailing ways that individuals can be involved. Find the page on www.redlandsconservancy.org. Singley has also prepared a Powerpoint Presentation which she and others will take to any interested organization. For more information about how to be involved in the Rail Trail Project, or for information about booking a Rail Trail Project presentation, contact Karen Singley at railtrail@redlandsconservancy.org For photos and more Rail Trails details/statistics, contact Karen Singley at railtrail@redlandsconservancy.org |
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