This story in today’s Bee, following-up yesterday's post on governance, looks at the ideas Rancho Cordova is bringing to the discussion around Parkway Planning.
The ideas they are putting forth, including another pedestrian/bike bridge across the river, represent the forward thinking desperately needed for one of the most important urban parks in the country.
Here is an excerpt.
Bridge would forge connection
Planners praise idea of linking Carmichael, Rancho Cordova
By Bill Lindelof and Molly Dugan -- Bee Staff Writers Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, March 23, 2006
It's only a concept at this point, but an idea is being floated like a big yellow raft to join Carmichael and Rancho Cordova via a new bicycle bridge over the American River.
With a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, people on the south side of the American River could more easily reach the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, said Linda Budge, Rancho Cordova councilwoman.
Those on the north side could visit the American River Parkway bike trail and Hagan Park.
"Everybody decided a pedestrian and bicycle bridge would open up all sorts of recreational opportunities to both sides of the river," Budge said. "It would have wonderful commute applications, too. It would give people on the north side access to light rail."
Ron Suter, county parks director, pointed out that Rancho Cordova's bridge proposal is "very conceptual at this time."
Dick Barbar, chairman of the Carmichael-Foothill Farms Community Planning Council, said it sounds like a good idea.
"I only heard about it a couple nights ago," he said. "From my perspective in Carmichael, the concept works for both sides."
A bridge, said Rancho Cordova planner Kathleen Franklin, would allow residents north of the American River to reach jobs and light rail on bicycle.
