BACKGROUND:
The City of San Ramon (City) is requesting $105,000 in County Park Dedication Funds to help fund a number of improvements to the Iron Horse Trail (IHT) within the City. Proposed improvements to the IHT include installing park benches, a low-flow irrigation system and native landscaping, and cooling stations. The City has dedicated $657,000 for this project including approximately $204,000 that has already been spend for design and environmental analysis and remediation of chemically impacted soils. The project has been designed to improve the quality of the amenities along the IHT, and to improve the maintainability and appearance of the trail while limiting water use. The City, East Bay Regional Park District, and Contra Costa County are all involved in ongoing maintenance of the IHT which is considered a regional asset that serves people throughout the County. The City invests funds in maintaining a portion of the trail as part of its ongoing maintenance work.
It is the policy of the County to utilize County park dedication funds to meet local and regional park needs. The Iron Horse Trail is a regional recreation path and alternative transportation path for the entire region. The beautification of the trail will enhance the quality of use for residents throughout the County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without the allocation of County park dedication funds, the City would not have the resources to fully implement the proposed improvements to the Iron Horse Trail.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed improvements to the trail supports the following community outcome established in the Children's Report Card: Communities that are safe and provide a high quality of life for children and their families.