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Home , Alamitos Creek, Guadalupe River Trail

TRAIL ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16

Identify Study Plan Design Build Open Projects that have been Projects that have been Projects that have been Projects that have been Projects that have been Projects that are open identified in the City’s or are currently being or are currently being or are currently being or are currently being to the public. Greenprint or trail studied to determine a master planned for designed (construction constructed. 57.54 miles, either database feasible alignment. future development. documents). 1.79 miles paved or interim: 14.21 miles 15.78 miles 37.92 miles 9.36 miles 46.68 miles (paved) 10.86 miles (interim)

During this past fiscal year, active American Galvanizers Association Program projects accounted for almost Award. $19,000,000 in planned and Lupe the Mammoth gained Overview developed trail systems. This recognition as tourist attractions; funding supported 26 the sculpture appears on Google The Trail Program’s vision is to be development projects. The report Maps and the Roadtrippers.com the national leader in the also reports on major website. integration of urban trails. Within accomplishments during this this context, the program is period. Persons seeking more developing a 100-mile frequent updates can follow interconnected trail network SanJoseTrails on Twitter, comprised of 36 individual trail Instagram and Periscope. systems which are defined by the Greenprint and consistent with the Mayor and City Council’s Green Program Vision. The existing 57.8-mile Updates network is already recognized as one of the nation’s largest. Overall Awards and Recognition mileage of the built network grew The team of artists and welders by 1 mile over the past 12 months. responsible for the ’s Lupe (the mammoth) This report is intended as an sculpture were awarded the annual check-in and means to track progress from year to year.

1 Trail Count 2015 The September 2015 count captured travel volumes at ten count stations along the Guadalupe River (3 stations), Los Gatos Creek (2 stations), Los , Coyote Creek, Communications Hill, Three Creeks, and future Five Wounds Trail alignment. This is the largest number of count stations since initiating Trail Count nine years ago. Trail usage saw a modest decrease for the Competitive Grant Writing first time along the Guadalupe River count Staff pursued funding for trail development stations. A large increase in the 2014 count and operations over the past 12 months but (at Coleman Avenue Station) suggests that at a reduced level from prior years. The the prior year may have captured a special number of active projects and pending grant event. The overall trend line continues to work from secured 2014/15 grants reduced show a long-term increase in usage. capacity to pursue new grants. The data gathered from Trail Count supports Project Amount Status trail planning and competitive grant writing. It also reminds the community and leaders $5,000 Awarded that trails are an integral part of our Volunteer Supplies balanced transportation system. Volunteers from the Guadalupe River Park Coyote Creek Land $450,000 Declined Conservancy, Bicycle Acquisition Coalition, Save Our Trails, Five Wounds/ Brookwood Terrace Neighborhood, Keep Thompson Creek $500,000 Pending Coyote Creek Beautiful and others joined Trail with City of San José staff to conduct the ninth annual count and survey of trail users. Coyote Creek - $200,000 Pending See the “Reports” page of the website for Singleton Road more information about Trail Count. Crossing

Trail Count - Guadalupe River Trail / Coleman Avenue Station

1100

825

550

275

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

2 Strategic Plan Active Projects

5/16 Development of the City’s Trail Network has lagged Guadalupe River Trail (Wayfinding): A the pace established by the City’s Greenprint, Green signage plan was completed to add 201 supplemental signage along the Guadalupe Vision and General Plan. Completion of a 100-mile River Trail between Highway 280 and interconnected Trail Network in the near term is not Highway 880. The signage will direct trail possible, as the Program’s staff and resources have users to nearby attractions and resources. supported a 1 to 3-mile/year rate over the past There is currently no funding for installation. decade. To support budget proposals and allocation Doerr Parkway Trail (Curtner Avenue to of resources, a Comstock Avenue): A 500’ paved walkway comprehensive was constructed to extend neighborhood Strategic Plan was access to and from Doerr Park. Pavement

ANNUAL TRAIL REPORT developed and markings identify the name of San Jose’s completed late in the Sister cities as an honor to former Mayor Robert Doerr who initiated the City’s first fiscal year. The current sister city relationship with Okayama, Japan plan, posted on the in the 1950’s. website, will support a number of proposals as Lower Silver Creek Trail (McKee Road to Alum Rock Road): Interagency operational part of the 2016/17 issues were resolved, and design work Budget Cycle. resumed for a paved trail system along the creek system as part of a larger master planned trail system. Funding is in place to Social Media support future construction. San Jose Trails continues to draw followers on Visibility Signage: Social Media. Twitter@sanjosetrails saw followers Coordination with the City’s Department of increase from 1,500 to over 2,000 over the past 12 Transportation, County of Santa Clara months. The Twitter account focuses project (Parks) and Bay Area Ridge Trail occurred updates, program milestones, upcoming closures during the year to define the scope and and general trail news of interest. develop a conceptual plan for on-street signage guidance between Quicksilver County Park and the Los Alamitos / Calero San Jose Trails joined Instagram this past fiscal Creek trail systems. year, where postings focus on periodic images of construction work underway, but you will find a Guadalupe River – Chynoweth Avenue stronger focus on trail and downtown tourism via Pedestrian Bridge Study: A preferred this photo-based platform. alignment was defined for a future pedestrian bridge that will link the Erikson Neighborhood to the Ranch San Jose Trails joined Periscope this past fiscal retail development. Conceptual engineering year and has posted a few live-stream videos about work is now underway. A final study is to be projects sites in order to offer project updates. published by end of 2016.

Coyote Creek Trail (Brokaw Road to UPRR Tracks): Design work commenced for a future trail extension from the recently completed Orchard Park reach of the trail system. Funding is in place for future construction.

3 (Highway 237 Five Wounds Trail (William Avenue to Bikeway to Tasman Drive): Design work Whitton Avenue, Acquisition): was completed and an easement Negotiations are on-going with the current agreement has been executed. The property owner. A survey of site project was bid and awarded. conditions was completed and serves as Construction will commence by Fall 2016. the basis for proposing a purchase price.

Coyote Creek Trail (Mabury Road to Guadalupe River Trail (Park Avenue Empire Street): A $4.6M Grant was Ramp/Transition Study): A study was secured through the Active Transportation completed which offers guidance on how Program to support design and to improve access and sense of continuity construction of the project. A refined along the trail system between San conceptual alignment was delivered to Carlos Street and Park Avenue. A Caltrans for review and approval, prior to discontinuous west bank trail, and a release of funds for design work to transition point at Park Avenue, are the commence. Construction of the project is source of complaints received by first-time expected to occur in 2019. and regular trail users.

Coyote Creek Trail (Story Road to Guadalupe River Trail (Virginia Street Phelan Avenue): Design work was to Chynoweth Avenue, Master Plan): completed and environmental clearance Community workshops were completed was secured. Staff is monitoring local, for the future 5-mile trail system. A state and federal grant sources to support preferred alignment is substantially future construction. defined, and the project team is working with regulatory and oversight agencies to Coyote Creek Trail (Highway 280 to develop the master plan document. The Story Road): Final design work now master plan is to be completed by end of underway as staff seeks clearance from 2016. Caltrans to proceed in use of funds for construction. Construction expected to Guadalupe River Trail (UPRR Under- occur in 2017. Crossing Enhancement Study): A study defines short-term (low cost) and long- Coyote Creek Trail (Singleton Road term modifications and alterations to the Barrier Removal & Bridge): Conceptual existing under-crossing. The study goal alignment study completed. Pursuing was to enhance user safety through possible funding from the Santa Clara greater visibility and other means. County Open Space Authority to support design work. Guadalupe River Trail (Coleman Road Under-Crossing): Design work was Coyote Creek Trail (Shady Oaks completed and staff has been working Fitness Trail): Construction commenced with regulatory agencies to define a on this 1-mile paved fitness trail with suitable site for mitigation. Once resolved, several fitness stations. The loop trail is funding is in place to commence accessed from the primary Coyote Creek construction. Trail and creates with a local and regional fitness amenity. Construction is expected (Reach 5B/C to be done by December 2016. Under-Crossing): Coordination with Caltrain is on-going to develop an under- Fisher Creek Trail (Monterey Hwy to crossing in context of an upcoming Santa Teresa Blvd Alignment Study): A railway bridge replacement project. Work preferred alignment was defined and will is underway to include some trail-related serve as the basis for a future master work as part of Caltrain’s project in order planning effort. to minimize future site work within the sensitive riparian channel. 4 5/16 Lower Silver Creek Trail (Dobern Station Way to support greater multi- Avenue Bridge and Under- modal access. 201 Crossing): Santa Clara Valley Water District awarded a construction Thompson Creek Trail (Quimby contract that will elevate the existing Road to Aborn Court): Design work bridge for flood control objectives, underway, with 65% design plans resulting in sufficient clearance for a complete and funding supports 95% new under-crossing, to support plan development. Completed plans future trail development. Major are intended to support competitive construction at the site commences grant writing for future construction. in summer 2016. Three Creeks Trail (Lonus Street

ANNUAL TRAIL REPORT Trail (Noble to Minnesota Avenue): Avenue to Dorel Drive): Construction documents developed Construction is underway for a to the 95% stage, with construction paved trail system with three scheduled to commence in Fall boardwalk sections to span over 2016. Project design is based on the sensitive tree roots. Construction is 2015 master plan and includes expected to be complete by architectural elements, warm-mix November 2016. asphalt paving and innovative stormwater management practices. Penitencia Creek Trail (King Road to Berryessa BART): Construction is underway for a paved trail linking the existing trail system at King Road to the new regional transit station (also under construction). Project includes two traffic signals to permit controlled crossings at King Road and the new Berryessa Station Way.

San Tomas Aquino Trail (Study, City of Campbell): San Jose transferred $100,000 to Campbell to support the study of a future trail alignment that will pass through San Jose and Campbell. An initial community workshop was held. If determined feasible, the study would support future planning and design work.

Thompson Creek Trail (Tully Road to Quimby Road): A construction contract was awarded and construction is expected to commence in summer 2016, and be complete by December 2016. The paved trail will span between both roadways, and include a connection to a new traffic signal from

5 Partners Association of Bay Area Governments Development of trails can only occur San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail through partnerships with agencies, community groups and hardworking Adopt-A-Trail Volunteers individuals. Many of the projects in this Guadalupe River Park Conservancy report would not be possible without the support of: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition City of San José City Council Save Our Trails (community organization) Santa Clara Valley Water District - Board of Directors and Staff Friends of Three Creeks Trail (community organization) Staff from City of San José Departments and Offices Willow Glen Neighborhood Association Santa Clara County Open Space Five Wounds Neighborhood / Authority Communiversity County of Santa Clara Many residents, bike groups and trail advocates who encourage and support Santa Clara Valley Transportation expansion of the trail network. Authority State of

6 5/16 Arrival and installation of Lupe the Mammoth - Guadalupe River Trail 201 ANNUAL TRAIL REPORT

TOURISM Lupe the Mammoth is San José’s newest attraction

7 Sierra Rd. NEW!

Aquila Hiking5 Map for and ENJOYING SAN JOSÉ’S OPEN SPACE SIERRA VISTA LOT Loop Trail Welcome to 2,320 acres of San José’s popular and scenic open space. Sierra Vista Trail

Both Alum Rock Park & Sierra Vista Open Space P Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve Preserve can be accessed via vehicle. Take Sierra Road for the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. Take Penitencia Creek Road for Alum Rock Park. If driving, B SIERRA VISTA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE please consult the map for a listng of available parking 5 areas. ALUM ROCK PARK Follow only the suggested trail routes shown on the map. San José’s warmest months are June to C Lower Calaveras September, but it is recommended that you hike in the Fault Trail cooler morning hours no mater what tme of year. There is litle to no shade, so be sure to bring sunblock, Boccardo Trail a hat, food, and plenty of water for whichever hike you choose.

Suggested Trail Routes Penitencia Creek Trail N Vehicle Access Road _ 5 5 _ South Rim Trail Restroom Picnic Area 5 Todd Quick Trail 5 MAIN ENTRANCE TO Weather Loop ALUM ROCK PARK

North Rim Trail _ TO LARIAT LN. Penitencia Creek A P Lariat Trail 5 North Rim Trail Eagle Rock Trail _ 2 MILES TO 5 5 CAPITOL AVE. 5

_ Switchback Trail Woodland Trail Lower Calaveras P North Rim Trail VISITOR CENTER LOT: 86 parking spaces, 4 handicap, 4 loading zones ($6 Parking) Fault Trail

_ YSI LOT: 172 parking spaces, 7 handicap & 3 loading P 5 zones ($6 Parking) 5 Woodland Trail _ 5

Berryessa Ave. Peacock Gap Trail Penitencia 0 0.25 0.5 Creek Rd. Scale (Miles) To Alum 680 Rock EAGLE ROCK LOT: 62 parking spaces, 4 handicap, 2 5 §¨¦ min. load zones & 6 reserved spaces for annual pass Name: Boccardo Trail Capitol Ave. Capitol Park Name: North Rim Trail Name: Sierra Vista Trail holders. Parking fee may apply. Distance: 4.4 miles (roundtrip) Distance: 3.2 miles (roundtrip) Distance: 2.7 miles (roundtrip) C Alum Rock Ave. Difficulty: Easy A Difficulty: Moderate B Difficulty: Challenging RUSTIC LANDS LOT: 43 parking spaces, 3 handicap, 2 Tips: There is very litle shade, so bring water load zones & 4 reserved spaces for annual pass Tips: Mult-use trail frequented by hikers, Tips: Connects Boccardo Trail to the holders. Parking fee may apply. bicyclists, and horse-riders. Connects to the Calaveras Fault Trail. Traverses generally level and sunscreen. The steepest segment is the Boccardo Loop Trail for access to the Sierra annual grasslands and oak woodlands while western side of the loop which gains nearly Vista Open Space Preserve. providing views on . 900 feet in elevaton over 1.1 miles.

Alum Rock Park, Since 1872 OPEN SPACE SAN JOSE Trails in Alum Rock Park and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve (Santa Clara County Open Space Authority) AUTHORITY TRAILS

COMING SOON! Documenting environmental and transportation value of trails

NEW! Interactive trip planner and pollution calculator