Volunteers praised as council moves forward on Lambert Park south parking expansion

The Alpine City Council on May 13 heard a lengthy Trail Day report praising volunteers and accepted staff direction to pursue permitting for a gravel expansion of Lambert Park's south parking area so additional stalls can be available for next year's poppy season.

Will, a volunteer trail coordinator, told the council trail-day work drew between roughly 175 and 200 volunteers and produced extensive trail repairs and reroutes. Will and other trail-committee members said adding 23 to 26 additional gravel stalls on the east side of Lambert Park would reduce overflow parking on neighborhood streets during peak seasons and better serve youth programs that meet near the trailhead.

Planning staff said the proposed expansion is feasible under the conservation easement and city ordinance but would require Planning Commission review, a public hearing and a supermajority vote by council (4 of 5) for final approval. Staff estimated the construction work itself would take a few days, but the processing timeline means the lot could not be ready for the current poppy season and would be considered for next year.

Council supported sending the item to Planning Commission; staff will add the project to the application calendar and follow public-notice requirements. Trail leaders also offered to provide fencing materials and volunteer labor to help direct parking and reduce neighborhood impacts.

Why it matters: The expansion addresses safety and parking nuisance issues that arise during high-use weekends and seasonal events, while highlighting the reliance on volunteer labor for trail maintenance and park stewardship.