Santa Clara River Trail Final Master Plan - Development Services ...

Chapter 2: Gap Analysis, Geographic Impediments and Alternatives Analysis
Preferred Alignment
The four alternatives were measured against the evaluation criteria; each has its advantages and
disadvantages. Based on this analysis, Segment 2 Alternative 1 and Segment 4 are the recommended
alternatives primarily because these segments provide the safest route for trail users of all ages/abilities
and in regards to the trail along N. Ventura Road, the trail provides a stronger connection to the Santa
Clara River.
The preferred trail alignment will be primary located on the south side of the river from N. Victoria
Avenue to the Central Avenue. The trail will be designed to highlight the importance of the Santa Clara
River and the larger watershed area, with key interpretive sites representing the river hydrology, riparian
habitat and recycling/sustainability as well as the history of various sites along the river. The Santa Clara
River Trail will serve transportation and recreation purposes, and helps create a connection for the
community to an important natural resource. The SCRT alignment and the Victoria spur are described in
the following sections as follows:
Segment 1 improvements include (Victoria Ave to N. Ventura Rd):
Provide wayfinding signage at trail access locations on east and west sides of N. Victoria Avenue
near ramps down to trail to direct community to the SCRT.
Provide interpretive signage at trailhead; possible subjects could include Santa Clara River
hydrology, riparian habitat, recycling, re-use of a closed landfill, and methane gas collection (at
N. Ventura Rd too)
Provide regulatory signage to prohibit illegitimate uses and warn trail users of maintenance
vehicle traffic.
Provide protective enclosures for existing utilities within the trail corridor.
Remove or paint over graffiti.
Provide police call boxes.
Provide surveillance cameras under bridge.
Remove and/or replace dilapidated fencing that meets the needs of the golf course and VRSD
operations.
Provide chain link fencing with small openings at ground level and gates at access roads along
the north side of the golf course to curb unwanted behavior, allow passive surveillance, protect
habitat and allow for protected/endangered species migration.
Remove abandoned structures within the river corridor.
Remove litter and invasive vegetation.
Provide a highly visible gateway connection/trailhead to the Santa Clara River Trail for
pedestrians and cyclists coming from N. Ventura Road.
46 | Alta Planning + Design