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Publication Date: Friday, March 26, 2004 Rotary to spruce up Arroyo del Valle
Rotary to spruce up Arroyo del Valle
(March 26, 2004) Centennial project will improve 1 acre around Main Street Bridge
by Teresa C. Brown
The Arroyo del Valle around the Main Street bridge is about to become a thing of beauty.
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a downtown enhancement project last week that was proposed by the Rotary Club of Pleasanton and agreed to fund $50,000 to help pay for the improvements.
The $60,000 cooperative project between the Rotary Club and the city was initiated by the club in recognition of the organization's 100th anniversary in 2005. Rotary International has requested that each local club complete a centennial project memorializing the anniversary.
The 1-acre area targeted will include 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.
"It would enhance the access, clean up evasive vegetation there and improve signage," said Jim Wolfe, director of Parks and Community Services.
The proposal includes:
¥ Improve the landscaping, removing weeds and planting native vegetation. Install one or more benches.
¥ Re-grade the existing trail.
¥ Create several "spur" trails leading to the water's edge.
¥ Install soft lighting under the Main Street Bridge.
¥ Install new informational signs.
¥ Install public art.
Janet Burton, Rotary Club president, told the parks commission that the club was committed to the project, adding that it must be completed by February 2005.
Supporting the proposal, Wolfe told the commissioners that the current estimate for the project was $60,000. He explained that there was $70,000 currently in the trails fund. On July 1, that amount would be increased by the 2004-05 budget amount, $50,000, which would fund the project. The Rotary Club is expected to raise the remaining $10,000.
Commissioner Karen Ellgas hesitated committing the entire 2004-05 funding to the project. "I'm feeling we'd be remiss to use the whole year's budget," she said.
Commission chairman Jim Dibiase acknowledged Ellgas' apprehension. "I understand Karen's concerns," he said, adding, "This commission likes to get things done and this is a package."
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