BACKGROUND
The Mahany Park Open Space Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study has been prepared to evaluate the feasibility for paved Class I trails in the approximately 133-acre Mahany Park Open Space Study Area that is located in western Roseville between Fiddyment Road and Woodcreek Oaks Boulevard, south of Pleasant Grove Boulevard. The study area is adjacent to Mahany Park, the Roseville Aquatics Complex, and Woodcreek High School on the east and bounded by residential development on the north and south.
Paved trails are planned for the Study Area in the General Plan, the Roseville Open Space Overarching Management Plan (OSOMP), the City of Roseville Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) and adjacent Specific Plans. This study refines the trail alignments previously identified in the above documents. Please see the attached Transportation Commission staff report for more background information.
Public Engagement
A robust public engagement process was developed to inform the public about the study. Consistent with COVID-19 precautions and public health guidelines, the public engagement process included:
- A project website created and updated frequently by City staff.
- An informational video about the project.
- Two interactive online surveys (instead of in-person workshops).
- The first survey informed the public about the study and gathered information about how people currently use the open space, and how they would like to use the open space. The survey results contributed to development of trail alignment options.
- The second survey presented and requested public feedback on trail alignment alternatives.
The above engagement opportunities were shared with the public using a variety of outreach methods as described in the Transportation Commission staff report.
Trail Alignment Options
The planning process started with a thorough existing conditions assessment and opportunities and constraints analysis. This process included reviewing existing planning documents, field walks, a Biological Constraints Report, consultation with utilities and regulatory agencies, phone interviews with stakeholders including Woodcreek High School biology and extra-curricular program teachers, and comments obtained through the first online survey.
The project team then developed trail alignment options for the study area. To simplify the presentation of the trail alignment options, the Study Area was split into east and west sections. Three trail alignment options were developed for the western half of the Study Area and two trail alignment options were developed for the eastern half of the Study Area. Any of the western trail alignment options would connect with either of the eastern trail alignments. The trail alignment options were presented to the public as part of the second online survey.
Recommended Trail Alignment
After reviewing the project goals and the results of the second online survey, the project team developed a recommended trail alignment. The recommended alignment proposes approximately 2.4 miles of new trail through the Study Area that would:
- Close gaps in the Class I trail and bikeway system resulting in connections to surrounding neighborhoods, schools, parks, transit stops, roads and businesses, for safe use by people of all ages, abilities and incomes;
- Provide permanent, all-weather crossings of creeks in the Study Area to allow safe use year-round;
- Provide varying lengths of recreational loop opportunities;
- Protect natural resources, including vernal pool habitat;
- Maintain required access for existing utilities; and
- Include a variety of amenities along the trail.
The preliminary cost to construct the trail, including a mid-block crossing on Fiddyment Road, ranges from $4.3 million, using standard paving materials, to $6.7 million if permeable materials are used throughout. This cost estimate includes all of the remaining steps to complete the project, which include traffic studies for a potential mid-block crossing of Fiddyment Road, geotechnical studies, additional studies required by regulatory agencies, preliminary engineering, environmental reviews, permitting, final design, and construction.
Parks, Recreation & Libraries Commission and Transportation Commission Review
The study, including the recommended trail alignment, was presented to the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Commission and the Transportation Commission at their May 3, 2021 and May 18, 2021 meetings, respectively. No formal action was sought from the Parks, Recreation and Library Commission, and commissioners commented that the study is well-considered and responsive to the public's needs. The Transportation Commission unanimously recommended the City Council accept the study. Notice of the meetings was provided to the project email list (approximately 1,000 interested persons), the City's Trail Alert email service (approximately 7,000 recipients), the City News email service (approximately 48,000 recipients), the City website and other online and social media platforms. No public comment was received at either meeting.