Riverway Trails

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose of the Plan
B. Background

II. REGIONAL/LOCAL SETTING
A. Project Location
B. Land Uses
C. Environmental Setting
D. Existing, Planned and Proposed Trails
E. Guidance and Policy Provided by Existing Plans

III. COMMUNITY INPUT
A. Stakeholders
B. Lakeside Community Planning Group

IV. RIVERWAY TRAILS SYSTEM
A. Trail Route
B. Trail Users
C. Design Standards and Guidelines
D. Trail Signage
E. Trail Amenities
F. Staging Areas
G. Interpretive Vista Points
H. Emergency Access Points

V. IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
A. Implementing the Trail
B. Trail Improvement Costs
C. Trail Maintenance and Operation
D. Funding Sources
E. Implementation Sheets

APPENDIX A SURVEY RESPONSES

List of Figures

Figure 1 Vicinity Map
Figure 2 Specific Plan Area Map
Figure 3 Lakeside Trails and Pathways
Figure 4 Aerial Map
Figure 5 The USDRIP Area - Trail Reaches and Connectors
Figure 6 Section A-A Typical Multi-Use Trail
Figure 7 Section B-B Multi-Use Trail Within the Planning Buffer
Figure 8 Section C-C Multi-Use Trail Along Roadways
Figure 9 Section D-D Multi-Use Connector Trail
Figure 10 Low Volume Staging Area Concept
Figure 11 High Volume Staging Area Concept
Figure 12 Typical River Interpretive and Vista Point

List of Tables

Table 1 Preliminary Opinions of Probable Costs
Table 2 Basis for Opinions of Probable Costs

Chapter 1
Introduction

A. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

This RiverWay Trails Plan is intended to guide development and implementation of non-motorized multi-use trails located along an approximately two-mile stretch of the Upper San Diego River in the community of Lakeside (see Figure 1, Vicinity Map and Figure 2, Specific Plan Area Map). This trail will be an integral part of the San Diego River Regional Trail, as shown on the County’s Regional Trail Plan. The trail is also intended to provide linkages to other existing or potential trails in the community of Lakeside (see Figure 3, Lakeside Trails and Pathways).

The trails will contribute to an overall enhancement of the quality of life both locally and regionally. The RiverWay Trails Plan is an important step toward achieving the vision and policies set forth in the RiverWay Specific Plan and will help to establish Lakeside as an attractive location where residents, workers, and visitors can enjoy a natural environment and recreational opportunity along the San Diego River.

B. BACKGROUND

For over 25 years, efforts have been made to improve flood control, land use and development, and recreational goals for a portion of the upper San Diego River. The Lakeside community has long been involved in this process and has recognized the potential of the River corridor.

In August 2000, the County Board of Supervisors approved the RiverWay Specific Plan Amendment 00-001. The Specific Plan offers an overall plan for economic and aesthetic improvement of the Upper San Diego River Improvement Project (USDRIP) area.

The Specific Plan addresses development of approximately 592 acres located along the Upper San Diego River corridor and calls for a high-quality mixture of commercial, residential, and industrial land uses in combination with improved flood control measures, native habitat restoration, public facility improvements, and recreational amenities, including a public trails system along the River corridor with additional connections to surrounding areas in the community.

The RiverWay Trails Plan was prepared within the context of the RiverWay Specific Plan Amendment 00-001. The RiverWay Specific Plan proposed a general trail alignment along the San Diego River and identified alternate routes. As the Specific Plan Area continues to grow and revitalize, the County reviews development proposals to determine if a trail segment is required to be dedicated and improved for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian use. Any such requirements are included in the conditions of approval for such development’s approval.

The RiverWay Trails Plan has further defined the location for the trail segments that would cross multiple properties along the north side of the San Diego River. In addition, the potential connections from the river corridor to outside developments were also addressed, with potential access points from existing or desired off-site trails.

The Riverway Trail alignment is an approximately 2-mile segment of the Board adopted "San Diego River Park Regional Trail" Alignment. This Regional Trail Alignment is shown on the Lakeside Community Trails and Pathways Map that is contained in the Community Trails Master Plan (CTMP). In addition, the trail alignment is also contained in the new “County Trails Section” of the General Plan Public Facilities Element.

The Riverway Trails Plan will serve as an implementation guide for County Staff and the property owners for the development standards, location and amenities and staging areas associated with the trail segments in the Riverway Specific Plan Area.

Chapter 2
Regional/Local Setting

A. PROJECT LOCATION

The RiverWay Trails project is located in the Upper San Diego Improvement Project area (USDRIP) in the community of Lakeside in easterly San Diego County, California, approximately 21 miles east of downtown San Diego. The area is generally bounded on the west by the City of Santee; on the south and east by State Highway 67; and on the north by El Nopal, Riverside Drive, and Lakeside Avenue. Refer to Figure 1, Vicinity Map and Figure 2, Specific Plan Area Map.

The actual RiverWay Trails alignment runs along an approximately two mile section of the San Diego River, with connectors to other existing or planned trails in the area (See Figure 3, Lakeside Trails and Pathways).

Highway 67 provides primary access to the area from both the north and south. The Highway connects with Interstate 8 approximately 2.75 miles southwest of the Specific Plan Area. Access to the RiverWay Specific Plan Area from Highway 67 is provided at Lakeside Avenue to the northeast, Mapleview Street to the southeast, Winter Gardens Boulevard to the south, and Riverford Road to the southwest. Channel Road also passes through the project site from Lakeside Avenue in the north and passes under Highway 67 in the south. From the City of Santee to the south, the project area is accessed at Mast Boulevard, Woodside Avenue and El Nopal (See Figure 4, Aerial Map).

B. LAND USES

The community of Lakeside lies within central San Diego County, in the western foothills of the Cuyamaca. Since 1886, Lakeside has grown from a rural community to a small town to a suburban enclave. Today, the RiverWay area consists of residential, commercial and industrial land uses along the North and South sides of the San Diego River.

Surrounding Land Uses

Development north of the RiverWay Specific Plan Area includes Willowbrook Mobile Estates and golf course, single-family homes, industrial uses and general commercial uses. To the south of Highway 67, uses include light industrial, commercial, and residential uses. Vacant land, sand mining, storage, and the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds border the Specific Plan Area on its easterly edge. The Lindo Lake Park, the Lakeside Town Center, and residential uses are adjacent to the southeast.

Land Use Adjacent to RiverWay Trails

The RiverWay Trails alignment and its connections to other trails are adjacent to several types of land use. Trail connections pass alongside housing, a golf course, a proposed ball field complex, and vacant land planned for industrial buildings. Generally, on the south side of the main trail alignment is the San Diego River’s biological buffer and the river itself, while to the north side of the trail, beyond the planning buffer are some industrial buildings, a golf course, and vacant land planned for industrial buildings. The Implementation Summary Sheets found in Chapter V., Section E. of this document include information on surrounding land use for each trail connector or reach.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

The land surrounding the river is both in public and private ownership. It contains dozens of threatened or endangered wildlife species. As envisioned, it would consist of a system of community and regional parks linked together by trails, functioning wildlife habitat, and clean water.

In the Specific Plan area immediately adjacent to the RiverWay Trail alignment are reclamation activities and commercial and industrial facilities. In accordance with the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), the reclamation plans for lands along the RiverWay trails include revegetation, removal of invasive plant species, slope stabilization, creation of ponds, and removal of roadways used for reclamation activities. Some areas adjacent to the RiverWay trails have completed reclamation activities, while other areas will be completed in the future.

The vegetation within the RiverWay Specific Plan area is highly disturbed, except for the revegetated areas, and includes three distinct plan communities: ruderal non-native grasslands (otherwise considered as weed species), coastal sage scrub, and riparian habitats.
The RiverWay Specific Plan includes two types of buffers – a biological buffer and a planning buffer – which are proposed to minimize impacts to sensitive wildlife and habitat within the San Diego River floodplain. The trail alignment is integrated with these buffers, which are described below:

Biological Buffer – As designated by the RiverWay Specific Plan, a Biological Buffer is located primarily on the slopes of the main river channel and generally extends to the top of the riverbank, where it abuts the Planning Buffer (discussed below). The biological buffer consists of appropriate species of native plants and will be re-vegetated per the approved Mining Reclamation Plans. The Biological Buffer is intended to provide additional wildlife habitat that complements the riparian forest and also provide a transition from wetland to upland habitats. The width of the Buffer varies depending on the width of the riparian habitat along the River. The Biological Buffer is depicted in Figure 5, The USDRIP Area.

Planning Buffer – The RiverWay Specific Plan designates a minimum 50-foot wide Planning Buffer to be located along the outside edge of the river channel and Biological Buffer. The Planning Buffer may begin either at the top of slope (river bank) or at the outer edge of the Biological Buffer, whichever is further away from the River.

The Planning Buffer abuts the Biological Buffer on one side and existing or proposed development on the other, in order to screen wildlife and sensitive habitat within the Biological Buffer from recreational activity and the built environment. The RiverWay Trails alignment is generally contained within the Planning Buffer to protect adjacent riparian habitat. Access from the Planning Buffer into the Biological Buffer is restricted through use of dense vegetative plantings and low fencing. The Planning Buffer is depicted in Figure 5, The USDRIP Area.

The RiverWay Trails Plan indicates the general location of the proposed recreational trail. Property owners of parcels comprising the Riverway Trails Plan alignment may be required to dedicate trail easements and construct the trail as a condition of approval for any discretionary permit they apply for. All plans for development proposed on these parcels must illustrate the trail and indicate an “Easement for Pedestrian, Bicycle and Equestrian Use.” A description of construction methods must also be indicated on the Plan.

D. EXISTING, PLANNED AND PROPOSED TRAILS



As part of the County’s General Plan 2020 Update, the Lakeside Community Plan will be updated. Community meetings regarding the GP2020 Update indicated a continued need for a trail along the San Diego River through Lakeside, with connections to additional designated trails.

The Community Trails Master Plan, a major component of the Board adopted County Trails Program, designates a hierarchy of trail types and system of trails that are interconnected so people can easily move from point to point.

There are some existing informal trails in the vicinity of the planned RiverWay Trail’s alignment, such as immediately east of the RiverWay Specific Plan area (on City of Santee land) and equestrian use underneath State Route 67 Bridge

E. GUIDANCE AND POLICY PROVIDED BY EXISTING PLANS

Several documents contain policies and text providing guidance regarding the design and implementation of the RiverWay Trails Plan. These are briefly discussed below, along with some relevant specific text or policies.

1. RiverWay Specific Plan (USDRIP)

The Specific Plan addresses development of approximately 592 acres located along the Upper San Diego River corridor, which includes recreational amenities, including a public trail system. The trail is intended to function as a Regional Trail and to provide linkages to other existing or potential trails.

The Specific Plan contains two goals and objectives pertinent to the RiverWay Trails Plan, which are listed below and have also been found consistent with the San Diego County General Plan:

Flood Control Goal: Enhance the Floodplain as an environmental, recreational and economic asset to Lakeside.

Objective: Provide recreational access along the floodplain through hiking and equestrian trails and such other activities as are compatible with flood control and habitat requirements.

Habitat Conservation Goal: Protect, enhance and maintain designated riparian habitat conservation and buffer areas in accordance with the Biological Mitigation Ordinance.

Objective: Environmentally sensitive areas within the San Diego River floodplain should be transferred to public or private non-profit ownership at the time that the flood control channel is constructed, unless some other means to assure management of conserved habitat is approved by appropriate Federal resource agencies.

The Design Element section of the RiverWay Specific Plan requires sensitive site and landscape design for parking areas that are proposed adjacent to the River Corridor. Benches, tables and trash receptacles are particularly encouraged in conjunction with outdoor seating or employee lunch areas for development occurring adjacent to the River Corridor.

The RiverWay Specific Plan’s Figure 9, Buffers and Trail depicts an 8-foot wide trail tread within the 50-foot planning buffer, while Figure 13 provides a general alignment with potential access points from off-site.

The Trails/Walkways heading of the River Corridor section in the Specific Plan further discusses the proposed “linear riding and hiking trail running the length of the River.” It is acknowledged that the proposed trail alignment encroaches slightly into the Biology buffer.

Pedestrian connections outside the River Corridor are encouraged from adjacent developments and connection to access points is encouraged to be incorporated into development plans. The Access and Parking heading of the River Corridor section in the Specific Plan states that planning areas adjacent to designated riding and hiking trails along the River Corridor should provide at least one public access point to the trail system and provides options to achieve the public access.

2. Lakeside Community Plan

The Lakeside Community Plan was last amended on August 9, 2000 and will be revised as part of the County of San Diego’s General Plan Update 2020, which is ongoing. The Plan recognizes the importance of preserving the existing community character of Lakeside, especially the Upper San Diego River Improvement Project Area, and will play a key role in guiding future growth and creating economic and recreational opportunities in Lakeside.

Chapter 3
Community Input
Stakeholder and citizen input was gained for the RiverWay Trails Plan through various meetings, on-site field visits, presentations and responses to questionnaires. Presentations were made to various stakeholder groups and a questionnaire was distributed so attendees could provide specific input on design and use of the trail. The community input is described below.

A. STAKEHOLDERS

¤Upper San Diego River Improvement Committee (USDRIC)
The Upper San Diego River Improvement Committee (USDRIC) includes property owners within the RiverWay Specific Plan area and other interested parties. Two on-site field visits were conducted with the property owners and USDRIC members in 2002 and 2003, including one field visit that was attended by various resource agency personnel. Following a presentation by the consultants, field visit attendees provided feedback on preliminary draft trail alignments. Subsequent follow up meetings and on-site field visits were held with individual property owners to investigate site conditions and resolve trail alignment details.

¤Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy
The San Diego River Park Conservancy Act was signed into effect in September 2002 and resulted in the creation of the San Diego River Park Conservancy, a state-chartered organization that is responsible for acquisition and management of the 52-mile length of the San Diego River as it flows through unincorporated San Diego County and various cities.
The Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that is a member of the larger San Diego River Park Conservancy. The Conservancy owns acreage on both the north and south sides of the San Diego River, within the RiverWay Specific Plan area. Their intention is to develop a river park on this land, which is discussed on their web site at the following link: www.lakesideriverpark.org.

County staff and consultants attended the Conservancy’s Board meeting on December 4, 2002 to discuss the planning efforts for the RiverWay Trail Plan and receive input from the board.

¤Lakeside Equestrian Groups
On July 17, 2003, the project consultants attended a meeting of three local Lakeside equestrian groups – the Lakeside Frontier Riders, the Blossom Valley Riders, and Eucalyptus Hills Community Horse Owners (EHCHO) where the RiverWay Trails preliminary draft alignment was presented. Meeting attendees discussed issues related to equestrian trail use and provided input regarding staging area needs, trail amenities, and the importance of connectors to other trails. Many attendees also completed the Trails Survey form.

A summary of comments received and a compilation of survey responses are found in Appendix A of this document.

B. LAKESIDE COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP

County staff and the consultants attended the February 18, 2004, meeting of the Lakeside Community Planning Group (LCPG.) The preliminary draft trail alignment for the RiverWay Trails Plan was presented to the LCPG and comments were provided by the Planning Board members and members of the audience. The LCPG was informed that the presentation’s purpose was to update them on the RiverWay Trail’s alignment and to obtain their feedback, but there was no formal request to vote on the RiverWay Trails Plan.

Chapter 4
Trail System

A. TRAIL ROUTE

The RiverWay Trails alignment is shown on Figure 5, The USDRIP Area or refer to the full-size map found in the inside back pocket of this document.

The trail system is made up of “reaches” and “connectors.” A Reach is a portion of the trail typically located along the River, while a Connector moves away from the River to provide linkage to an off-site trail. The length of a particular Reach is generally consistent with property lines because trail implementation is typically related to property development.

The RiverWay Trails alignment generally runs on the ground alongside the San Diego River, but does have Connectors that cross roadways and a Reach that goes under the Riverford Bridge. As the RiverWay Trails is implemented over time, the use of bridges may be proposed to cross either roadways or the River itself. As long as engineering standards and safety concerns are satisfied, such bridges are considered consistent with the overall intent of this Plan and should not be precluded.

B. TRAIL USERS

The RiverWay Trails Plan provides for a non-motorized multi-use trail for pedestrian, mountain bicycle and equestrian use; however, pedestrians are anticipated to be the major users. Signage that clearly indicates user right-of-way and yielding protocol will be posted to minimize user conflicts. Pedestrians must yield to bikes and horses, while bikes also yield to horses. This system of yielding is based on the degree of control trail users have over their mode of travel and is not intended to prioritize or favor any particular group of users.

C. DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

The RiverWay Trail system reflects the trail standards of the County of San Diego’s Community Trails Master Plan. The RiverWay trail dimensions and features are consistent with the County Type A Urban/Suburban Trail classification and County Type D Pathway (Special) classification.

As described in the County’s adopted Community Trails Master Plan (CTMP), County Trail Type A is “a type of trail generally associated within an urban / suburban setting. These trails provide the widest tread so they may function as both recreation and transportation facilities and will be accessible to all trail users.” County Type D is described as “A specific type of trail called a “pathway” intended for a high volume of use located within a public road right-of-way. These trails are generally intended for transportation purposes including bike, hike, pedestrian and equestrian use, although they may be utilized for establishing trail connections and recreational experience in areas with trail Type A-C constraints.”

All trails (A-D) shall be constructed with a minimum 4” depth compacted class II aggregate base (per CalTrans standard), or as required by the County CTMP, which requires 4” decomposed granite or natural tread surface material with binder agent.

The RiverWay trail types are briefly described below, their sections shown on figures, and they are depicted on the full-size RiverWay Trails Concept Plan, which is found in the back inside pocket of this document.

Section A-A Typical Multi-Purpose Trail

This trail type is used adjacent to the Willowbrook Estates golf course, where trail width is constrained (see Figure 6.) The width of area between the top of the riverbank and the adjacent fenced private property is relatively narrow. Space is adequate to accommodate the standard 8 to 10-foot trail width adjacent to the biological buffer that ends at the riverbank, but the planning buffer is constrained due to the golf course boundary. Also, there is limited space for plant materials adjacent to the golf course. Section A-A is also used on a portion of the trail along Lakeside Avenue.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 6 Section A-A Typical Multi-use Trail
(County Type A – Urban/Suburban Trail)

Section B-B Multi-Purpose Trail at the Planning Buffer

This trail type is used on all trail reaches adjacent to the River west of Channel Road, except where the planning buffer is constrained alongside the Willowbrook Estates golf course. Section B-B is designated where there is adequate land adjacent to the river to accommodate the 50-foot planning buffer. It provides an 8 to 10-foot wide trail width in a 12 to 20-foot wide easement that meanders within the 50-foot wide planning buffer (See Figure 7.) The planning buffer is planted with native canopy trees and other compatible landscaping materials, which are intended to screen views of adjacent development from the trail.

Section B-B is most consistent with the intent and direction provided by the RiverWay Specific Plan for trail width, easement width and opportunities for the trail to meander within the planning buffer.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 7 Section B-B Multi-use Trail within the Planning Buffer
(County Type A – Urban/Suburban Trail)

Section C-C Multi-Purpose Trail Adjacent to Riverside Drive

This trail type is based on County Type D – Pathway (Special) found in the County of San Diego’s Community Trails Master Plan. Section C-C, shown on Figure 8, is designated along a short portion of Riverside Drive, where the RiverWay Trails provides a Connector linking to another trail. Plant materials and a low fence separate trail users from the roadway.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 8 Section C-C Multi-use Trail Along Roadways
(County Type D – Pathway (Special))

Section D-D Multi-Use Connector Trail

Section D-D, shown on Figure 9, is typically used where the RiverWay Trails has linkages to off-site trails. It is also used in trail portions east of Channel Road. The standard 8 to 10-foot trail width is maintained within a 12 to 20-foot easement; there is typically no planning buffer or biological buffer adjacent to the trail near Riverside Drive.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 9 Section D-D Multi-Use Connector Trail
(County Type A – Urban/Suburban Trail)

D. TRAIL SIGNAGE

The RiverWay Trails Plan proposes a multi-use trail for pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian use; however, pedestrians are anticipated to be the major users.

Signage is proposed along the trailway system to provide users with a variety of information. Three types of signage are proposed and are described as follows:

¤Monument Entry Sign – to be located at major entry points to the RiverWay Trails system, such as staging areas.

¤Trail Identification Sign / Regulation – various signs to be located at appropriate points along the trail to identify it, especially where Connectors intersect with Reaches, and to provide directions and trail regulations information, such as the yield protocol and hours of operation.

¤Trail Marker – to be located at fixed intervals along the trail to indicate distance to a point of interest or linkages to other trails within the system and trail name.

Signage locations are indicated on the RiverWay Trails Concept Plan.

Additional signage that is not specifically located on the Plan but which will need to be provided at appropriate locations includes use restrictions and educational/interpretive signage. Signage language and design will be consistent with the Community Trails Master Plan and approved by the County Trails Coordinator.

E. TRAIL AMENITIES

The RiverWay Trails must provide a safe and interesting recreational environment for its pedestrian, mountain bicycle and equestrian users. Amenities such as drinking water and restrooms will be available to users at the two staging areas, which are approximately 1-1/4 miles apart. Shade trees will occur along much of the trail length. Seating is provided at the River Interpretive Vista Points and seating should also be provided at short distances from staging areas so people who can only walk short distances are accommodated. Fencing will be Split Rail Fencing consistent with the Community Trails Master Plan Fencing Standards. Access from the Planning Buffer into the Biological Buffer is restricted through use of dense vegetative plantings and low (3’ high) fencing. Fencing should meander between the planning boundary and the fence to maintain a natural trail experience. Where not specified in this plan, fencing requirements shall be determined on a site specific basis by the County Trails Coordinator.

F. STAGING AREAS

Staging areas are designated locations at the beginning or end of a trail, or at a significant point along the way. These areas are generally meant to facilitate the gathering of trail users, loading and unloading, transfer of equipment, or temporary parking. Staging areas should provide users with convenient access to the trail system and are typically provided within a park or level open area, amenities, and directional signage.

The RiverWay Trails Plan includes two staging areas. Actual location of these facilities will depend on availability of land, willingness of property owner(s) to develop and the availability of funding:

Low Volume Staging Area

The Low Volume Staging Area is located adjacent to Reach 2 in the western end of the trail. It is immediately east of a proposed park that would contain various ball fields. The staging area can accommodate approximately ten cars, as well as five vehicles with horse trailers. Access to this staging area would be provided off Mast Boulevard, with user access to the multi-use trail immediately to the east and southeast of the staging area. The staging area is intended to have picnic tables, a restroom, drinking fountain, telephone, water for horses, and a trail map area/information kiosk. An opinion of probable costs for the above improvements is provided in Chapter 5 Implementation and Maintenance, Table 1. A conceptual plan of the Low Volume Staging Area is shown in Figure 10; however, this diagram is conceptual in nature and intended to depict only how typical elements and amenities for a low volume staging area could be arranged. The actual site design may be different.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 10 Low Volume Staging Area Concept

High Volume Staging Area

The High Volume Staging Area is planned in combination with a future nature center and recreational area that the Lakeside Conservancy is intending to develop. The staging area can accommodate up to approximately 40 cars, as well as eight vehicles with horse trailers. Parking areas will be surfaced with asphaltic concrete (AC). Access to the staging area is planned to be at the intersection of Channel Road and Lakeside Avenue, with convenient user access to the multi-use trail immediately. This staging area will include picnic tables, a restroom, drinking fountain, telephone, and water for horses, bike racks, and a trail map area/information kiosk. An opinion of probable costs for the above improvements is provided in Chapter 5 Implementation and Maintenance, Table 1.

A conceptual plan of the High Volume Staging Area is shown in Figure 11; however, this diagram is conceptual in nature and intended to depict only how typical elements and amenities for a high volume staging area could be arranged. The actual site design may be different.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 11 High Volume Staging Area Concept

G. INTERPRETIVE VISTA POINTS

Interpretive vista points are proposed along the RiverWay Trail to provide users with significant views of the River and/or other point of interest. Interpretive vista points will be improved with native landscaping and interpretive display plaques to inform and educate trail users of the environmental setting and processes of the San Diego River. Signage for these areas should be designed to reflect the overall design theme of the Trail. A conceptual plan of an interpretive vista point is shown in Figure 12; however, this diagram is conceptual in nature and intended to depict only how typical elements and amenities could be arranged. The actual site design may be different.

Click Image to Enlarge
Figure 12 Typical River and Interpretive Vista Point

H. EMERGENCY ACCESS POINTS

Emergency Access Points are proposed along the RiverWay Trail to provide the Lakeside Fire District and Law Enforcement with emergency access to the trail. Access points shall meet minimum design requirements shown in Figure 6 Section A-A Typical Multi-use Trail. Access points are shown on Figure 5, The USDRIP Area, and listed below:

1. Near Channel Road via the maintenance road that services the aqueduct.
2. Trail easement at Riverside Dr.
3. Palm Row Dr.(along rear of industrial buildings—access gates required)
4. Eastern intersection of proposed trail and Riverford Road at bridge
5. Western intersection of proposed trail and Riverford Road at bridge
6. From cul de sac of proposed ball field development
7. From Mast Boulevard to proposed connector trail on west side of proposed ball fields

Access Points on South Side of River (From East to West):

8. Road extension from Wintergardens Blvd. to Mapleview Rd.
9. Water district channel (to LRPC property)
10. From end of developed parcel

Chapter 5
Implementation and Maintenance

A. IMPLEMENTING THE TRAIL

The RiverWay Trails Plan indicates where the trail system shall occur and identifies the abutting parcels. Property owners of parcels comprising the RiverWay Trail alignment may be required to dedicate trail easements and construct the trail as a condition of approval for any discretionary permit they apply for. All development proposals that require trails, shall indicate an “Easement for Pedestrian, Bicycle and Equestrian Use” and construction methods for the trail on the plans.

The Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU) is the planning entity for County services and is responsible for planning activities related to trails. The activity of planning trails and maintaining regional planning documents such as the Public Facilities Element of the General Plan is consistent with the public service objectives of this department.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is the department with leadership responsibility for the County Trails Program. The provision of recreational facilities, such as trails, is consistent with the public service objectives of this department. DPR has considerable experience and expertise in trail construction, operations, maintenance, and management including the existing trails within County parks and open space preserves. DPR is responsible for operations, maintenance, acquisition and management of the trails program.

B. TRAIL IMPROVEMENT COSTS

An opinion of probable costs for the RiverWay Trail improvements are provided in Chapter 5 Implementation and Maintenance, Table 1, for each Reach and Connector and is also on each Implementation Summary Sheet for the various Reaches and Connectors (See section E. of this chapter.)

The basis of cost for items in Table 1 are found in Table 2, Basis for Opinions of Probable Cost.

TABLE 2 - BASIS FOR OPINIONS OF PROBABLE COST

 
C. TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION

Maintenance is one of the most important factors in the long-term success and life of a trail system. Maintenance may be required for trimming of branches and other plant to maintain a clear horizontal and vertical path, removal of non-native or toxic plants species, repair or replacement of trail surfacing materials, cleaning and upkeep of the staging area amenities
Funding is a crucial component to ensuring a well-maintained and attractive trail system for the long-term. Funding should be identified in advance for future maintenance needs, not just for trail design and development.
An opinion of probable cost for maintaining the Trail and its associated components are included in Table 1 and is also on each Implementation Summary Sheet for the various Reaches and Connectors (See section E. of this chapter.)

D. FUNDING SOURCES

Funding for the RiverWay Trail will come from various sources. These sources will provide monies for implementation, development, construction, and maintenance costs. Other potential funding resources may be identified or become available at a later date.

¤State or Federal Grants

¤Redevelopment Funds

¤Community labor/Fundraisers

¤Trail construction funds and/or bonds from discretionary permits

¤Lakeside River Park Conservancy – The Conservancy has purchased land along the River for restoration. It is anticipated that future grants and other funding sources will assist their efforts to develop the RiverWay Trail and other amenities for lands under their ownership or control.

E. RIVERWAY TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION SHEETS

An Implementation Sheet is provided for each of the 12 Reaches and two Connectors of the RiverWay Trails Plan. Each Implementation Sheet includes the parcel number and ownership; any existing County or other agency permits; trail improvements, applicable trail section and any special siting criteria; and estimates of probable costs for trail improvement and annual trail maintenance.

Connector 1A
Connector 1B
Connector 1C
Connector 1D
Connector 1E
Connector 2A
Connector 2B

Reach 1
Reach 2
Reach 3
Reach 4
Reach 5
Reach 6
Reach 7
Reach 8
Reach 9
Reach 10
Reach 11
Reach 12