City of Santa Barbara to Host Ribbon-Cutting Celebrating Multiuse Path and Creek Restoration
The City of Santa Barbara invites community members to join Mayor Randy Rowse and the Santa Barbara City Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Las Positas and Modoc Roads Multiuse Path and Phase II of the Arroyo Burro Open Space Restoration Project.
The City’s Transportation Planning and Parking Division (Public Works Department) and Creeks Division (Parks and Recreation Department) are hosting the event on Thursday, March 3, at 8:30 a.m. at the Arroyo Burro Open Space. Please note parking is not available along Las Positas Road. Attendees should park at the Open Space entrance at 599 Alan Road and walk to the ceremony site where the footbridge meets the Multiuse Path, or bike to the event on the path.
The Multiuse Path project included the construction of a 2.6-mile long pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians along Modoc Road, from Calle de Los Amigos to Las Positas Road, and along Las Positas Road from Modoc Road to Cliff Drive.
“We are excited to provide a safe route for bicyclists and pedestrians, improving access to surrounding neighborhoods, parks, and the beach,” said Jessica Grant, Interim Public Works Downtown Manager. “The project also is part of the Coast Bike Route connecting Goleta to Ventura.”
The creek restoration project included improvements along Arroyo Burro and the Campanil drainage, a tributary to Arroyo Burro. Over 2,600 native plants and 350 native trees were planted, enhancing wildlife habitat and park aesthetics. A new footbridge was also installed over Arroyo Burro, connecting travelers on the Multiuse Path with the park.
“Completing Phase II of this restoration project will help to improve water quality in the creek and downstream at Arroyo Burro Beach,” said Cameron Benson, Creeks Restoration/Clean Water Manager. “We are excited to connect Multiuse Path users with the park, and look forward to community members enjoying the creek from new viewing platforms on the footbridge.”
Funding for the Las Positas and Modoc Roads Multiuse Path was provided by the California Active Transportation Program (ATP), and through Measure C. The project construction cost was $15.5 million. Phase II of the Arroyo Burro Open Space Restoration was funded by Santa Barbara County Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund (CREF), and by hotel visitors through Measure B. The project construction cost was approximately $1.3 million.
For more information on the Multiuse Path, contact Jessica Grant at (805) 897-2542 or JGrant@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
For more information on the creek restoration project, contact Erin Markey at (805) 560-7549 or EMarkey@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.