Fall Debut for Citrus Heights’ Extensive Multi-Use Trail
Scheduled to open later this fall, a brand-new multi-use trail is set to cut through Citrus Heights, offering users an extensive network of more than four miles of trails. However, the city tends to reference the trail’s length as only 2.9 miles, which may initially seem confusing.
This apparent inconsistency in the trail’s reported length originates from the fact that the cited 2.9-mile figure doesn’t encompass several pre-existing trails that the new path will seamlessly connect to.
Last year, a spokesperson for the city clarified this apparent discrepancy. The 2.9-mile length, they explained, doesn’t include the newly established trail within Mitchell Village. Instead, it only represents the segment of the trail that will be constructed under the current grant-funded construction scheme. The city official confirmed that the 2.9-mile measurement includes two trail spurs at Northwoods Park and Woodside K-8. However, it doesn’t consider the sections of the trail where users will need to use existing sidewalks along Woodmore Oaks Drive and Highwood Way.
When you factor in the existing one-third-of-a-mile trail in Arcade Creek Park Preserve and the three-quarter-mile trail coursing through Mitchell Village, which will link to the new 2.9-mile trail, the total trail length expands to over four miles.
Upon completion, trail users can walk or cycle from Arcade Creek Park Preserve to the city’s northeastern fringe at Wachtel Way, near Roseville’s border.
As stated on the city’s website, this ambitious trail project forms part of Citrus Heights’ concerted efforts to enhance walkability and safety and make improvements for pedestrians and cyclists throughout an integrated network of creekside trails, passive open spaces, and parks.
The Benefits of Multi-Use Trails in a Neighborhood
Multi-use trails bring numerous benefits to neighborhoods and communities. These can broadly be categorized into health, environmental, economic, and social advantages:
- Health Benefits: Multi-use trails encourage physical activity like walking, cycling, running, or inline skating, improving physical health. Regular exercise can decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Additionally, spending time outdoors can improve mental health by reducing stress and improving mood.
- Environmental Benefits: Trails provide a sustainable transportation alternative, reducing reliance on motor vehicles and decreasing carbon emissions. They contribute to improved air quality and noise reduction, especially in urban areas. Additionally, they often preserve and highlight local natural features and biodiversity.
- Economic Benefits: Trails can boost local economies by increasing property values and attracting tourism. They can spur economic activity through trailside businesses like cafes, bike shops, and bed and breakfast establishments. Further, they can reduce transportation costs for individuals who use the trail for commuting.
- Social and Community Benefits: Trails can foster a sense of community and promote social interaction by providing a shared space for recreational and community activities. They also enhance neighborhood connectivity, making it easier for residents to reach key destinations like schools, parks, and shopping areas. Additionally, they can improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by providing dedicated, usually off-road paths.
- Educational Opportunities: Many trails offer interpretive signage or programs that provide educational opportunities related to local history, ecology, and more. This can help foster a greater appreciation for local culture and natural resources.
Overall, multi-use trails are a valuable asset for any neighborhood or community, providing many benefits and positively impacting the quality of life.
The following video from ABC10 News reports on the new $6 million walking trail in Citrus Heights.
Citrus Heights Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Citrus Heights Personal Injury Lawyer. Should you or someone close to you have sustained significant injuries in Citrus Heights or any part of Sacramento County, don’t hesitate to contact our expert legal team. Contact us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. Since 1982, our law firm has been dedicated to assisting our clients in achieving just verdicts and settlements.
Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
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