Community Celebrates Coastal Rail Trail Groundbreaking

Hundreds of people gathered near the west base of the San Lorenzo River Railroad Trestle Bridge on January 10 to celebrate the construction of the first segment of the Coastal Rail Trail. The San Lorenzo River Parkway Phase III/Trestle Trail Project will construct a 10-foot-wide multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the river. This is a key segment in what will be a 32-mile continuous trail connecting one end of the county to the other, eventually circling the bay.

The City-hosted groundbreaking ceremony included five speakers, Mayor Martine Watkins, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Chair Ed Bottorff, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Ryan Coonerty, Former CA Natural Resources Secretary John Laird, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Stephen Slade and Friends of the Rail and Trail Board Member/Bike Santa Cruz County Executive Director Janneke Strause.

The speakers ended with a golden shovel groundbreaking, followed by a free community party hosted by Friends of the Rail & Trail with support from other popular local organizations. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing poured their Rail Trail IPA, the Penny Ice Creamery handed out ice cream and Santa Cruz Cider Company and Alta Organic Coffeeprovided drinks as well. Attendees also received cookies and a commemorative glass that both featured the groundbreaking logo. The program for the celebration included remarks from Mark Mesiti-Miller, board chair of Friends of the Rail & Trail, as well as supporters from other prominent local non-profits and government organizations.

Miller Maxfield was proud to play a role in the groundbreaking event on behalf of Friends of the Rail & Trail and in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz and the Regional Transportation Commission. Services included development of the concept and message, media coordination, and creation of the event logo, commemorative pint glass, signage and advertising.