Russian River now open to residents

The only public, multi-use trail along the 100-mile Russian River in California is finally open for use. Sonoma County residents, who are traditionally known for their acres of hillside vineyards, can now be known for recreation and open space. A joint project between the city of Cloverdale, Calif., and the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department, the 72-acre Cloverdale River Park completed its second phase in March. The $1.56 million park will feature a boat launch, pedestrian bridge, multi-use trail and picnic areas. The one-mile trail is paved for use by bicyclists, skaters, walkers, horseback riders and wheelchairs. Since opening, about 32,800 people have visited the park, and community leaders expect visits to reach 50,000 annually.

"Cloverdale had no public access to the river anywhere," says Mark Cleveland, planner for the Regional Parks Department. "As funding becomes more and more scarce, it becomes more and more important to look at these cooperative agreements and try to do things jointly."