City project
Foothills Nature Preserve Improvements
Nature preserve infrastructure and visitor-safety improvements, including design and permitting for the Los Trancos Valley Footbridge, grade-control structures along Buckeye Creek, parking enhancements, fencing, and pedestrian pathways.
- Current status
- Proposed park improvement ordinance under commission review.
- Location
- Foothills Nature Preserve
September 22, 2026 Commission recommendation
The Commission recommended the Park Improvement Ordinance with language requiring construction during the September-to-January non-nesting season. Staff said bidding and contract award are planned by September 2027, followed by construction in fall 2027.
Read related coverageJuly 28, 2026: Anticipated park improvement ordinance
Staff anticipated bringing a park improvement ordinance for the plan to the Commission at its next meeting.
Read related coverageJune 23, 2026 future-meeting update
Staff said the plan was one of two park-improvement action items expected at the July 28, 2026 meeting and said it expected staff updates discussed at the prior Foothills visit could be completed in time.
Read related coverageApril 28, 2026: Updated improvements plan and Commission feedback
Staff presented a reduced-scope plan featuring 3- to 4-foot pedestrian pathways in higher-use areas, reconfigured parking, accessible spaces near Boronda Lake, benches at Vista Hill, traffic-control features, and a dirt island to enforce one-way traffic. Staff stated that no trees or retaining walls are proposed.
Read related coverageMarch 24, 2026 scheduling update
Staff said an informational update was scheduled for April 28, 2026, with a related park-improvement ordinance expected in May.
Read related coverageFebruary 24, 2026 Update
Staff reported approximately 10 utility poles would be removed after the winter and that completion would leave no live aboveground electrical lines in Arastradero or Foothills Nature Preserves.
Read related coverageOctober 28, 2025 reduced-scope presentation
Staff presented a reduced scope focused on the preserve entrance, Boronda Lake, and Vista Hill. It includes 3–4-foot quarry-fines pedestrian paths, barriers using existing boulders where feasible, crosswalks, seven speed humps, one-way enforcement at Vista Hill, parking reconfiguration, and two Vista Hill benches. The scope removes the pathway from Boronda Lake dam to the interpretive center, a trail through sensitive habitat, Vista Hill bus parking, and a new asphalt parking lot across Boronda Lake.
Read related coverageSeptember 8, 2025 scope and budget review direction
Council left current funding in place pending a review of project scope and possible reductions; staff is to return with a budget revision at FY 2026 midyear.
Read related coverageJuly 22, 2025 restoration update
Grassroots Ecology reported new flowering plants and successful seeding, alongside continued removal of poison hemlock, yellow star thistle, and stinkwort.
Read related coverageJanuary 28, 2025 CIP update
The Commission discussed coordinating or evaluating future creek-restoration work and possible grant funding; staff said further resources would be needed to advance a larger restoration effort.
Read related coverageDecember 18, 2024 CIP scope clarification
Staff clarified that the FY 2026 scope includes Buckeye Creek grade-control structures, parking and trail improvements, and pedestrian walkways; broader Buckeye Creek restoration is not included. Scope may be divided depending on funding and workload.
Read related coverage
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