Greenway gets bike path facelift, more amenities
CHICO » The second phase for improving Chico’s historic Comanche Creek Greenway, first started in spring, is now complete.
Known for secluded winding paths and different tree varieties, the park’s new improvements are designed for improved pedestrian and bicycling transport, connections to southwest Chico and improved use of the park like benches and signage.
Chico city staff are unveiling the completed construction on the improvement project, funded by an Urban Greening Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency that the city competed for and was awarded in November 2017. The $1.5 million grant funds a $1.25 million contract with Franklin Construction, with
the remaining $300,000 for inspection and materials including $150,000 for construction management consultations, Public Works Engineering Director Brendan Ottoboni said.
The project, originally
planned to be completed in August, is one of a number of Public Works projects, largely funded by grants currently underway, totaling about $17 million.
Exploring the new greenway, Chico residents will see a paved bicycle/pedestrian path along the abandoned railroad grade from the Midway to Estes Road. A permeable path was also completed, with landscaping improvements and installation of recreational amenities including improved interpretive signage and benches.
The greenway has been known in the past for needing improvement of vegetation management, sometimes becoming the site for camping in the past 20 years. Now, it is hoped the area can become better used for walking and safe transport. The bike path provides a safer commuting and recreational route for the southwest Chico neighborhood and adjacent industrial and commercial zones with a connection to the Barber Yard Mixed-Use Special Planning Area.
City staff said these improvements will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration, with augmented vegetation management efforts. This project will complete connections to other surrounding infrastructure and access to the Hegan Lane Business Park.
“The Phase II Comanche Creek Greenway Project represents the completion of amenities and access to this amazing and beautiful Chico gem,” Ottoboni said.