Lighting the Arroyo Lighting the Arroyo (November 26, 2004)

Rotary invites public to celebrate bridge lighting

A dedicated group of Rotarians has been working to beautify Arroyo de Valle near the Main Street Bridge.

It involved making a plan. It meant getting funding. And it entailed a cleanup, removing debris and non-native vegetation. The project included electrical work for new lighting under the bridge and updated the existing kiosk.

Members of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton tackled the project to celebrate the centennial of Rotary International. They also donated a brand new, custom-designed bench.

"We are proud to mark the 100th anniversary of Rotary with this contribution to our community," said Janet Burton, president of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton.

The club is celebrating its progress at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1, with a "Reflections of Lights" ceremony and the public is invited. Hot cider and cookies will be available and the group will showcase the newly installed lighting in the area.

"Our hope is that the newly installed lights will reflect on the creek and its natural beauty for many years to come," said Burton.

In March the Parks and Recreation Commission approved $50,000 for the project from the trails fund, and the Rotary Club was to raise an additional $10,000 plus donate the labor. Rotary held a dinner and sold commemorative bricks to be installed in the bench area.

Monetary, in-kind and labor donations for the project have been received from Keller-Williams, Performance Electric, Pleasanton Garbage and Graham Manufacturing, said Rotary officials.

The project covers 1 acre and includes the north bank of Arroyo del Valle as it intersects Main Street, extending from the east end of Main Street Green to about 200 feet west of the Main Street Bridge. The purpose is to enhance access to the Arroyo and to improve the view and the educational value of the area.

The city prepared the landscape plan, graded and cleared the hillside, installed the irrigation system and improved the path from the street to the bridge area and beyond.

The celebration will take place rain or shine. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli

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