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Rancho Cordova staff present Rossmore Bar trail plan to formalize paths, limit bike access to paved route
Summary
City staff detailed a planning-stage project to formalize pedestrian trails in Rossmore Bar, funded by a $597,000 Wildlife Conservation Board grant and seeking additional federal support; residents largely supported restoring habitat while raising questions about enforcement and BMX use.
City of Rancho Cordova staff presented a planning-stage proposal to formalize and enhance pedestrian trails in the Rossmore Bar area of the American River Parkway, emphasizing habitat restoration and improved wayfinding.
Public Works’ Albert Stricker introduced the Rossmore Bar Trail Enhancements project, noting the city is the lead agency and was awarded $597,000 in planning and design funding through the California Wildlife Conservation Board. Project goals include improving connectivity to river access, increasing accessibility where feasible, installing wayfinding signs, and decommissioning informal, user-created social trails that have degraded habitat.
Project manager Jesse Abba's described the proposed design elements: a paved class I multiuse path parallel to Rossmore Drive intended to accommodate bicycles and strollers; separate dirt trails intended for walking, hiking and trail running (staff said dirt trail use will be pedestrian-only); wayfinding kiosks and signs showing distances and topography; decomposed granite or similar surfacing on dirt trails; and use of natural materials and temporary fencing to deter use of closed social trails so vegetation can recover.
Staff said the team completed cultural and biological studies and plans to proceed with an EIR addendum to the American River Parkway plan. The preliminary cost range presented was roughly $3 million to $5 million; staff said the project would use the planning grant and pursue additional funding, including a congressional recommendation that could bring up to $150,000 for construction if appropriated.
During public comment, longtime users and parkway volunteers generally supported the plan’s emphasis on habitat restoration and improved access. Several speakers asked whether the new dirt trails would be open to mountain bikes or e-bikes; staff and project presenters reiterated the design intent: bicycles and electric bikes would be permitted on the paved multiuse path only, and the dirt trails are proposed for pedestrian use.
Speakers raised enforcement and implementation concerns, noting that closing informal trails is difficult and that some pathways are also wildlife trails. Volunteers asked for specific plans to remove invasive plants (yellow star thistle was cited), to ensure neighborhood access points are preserved where appropriate, and to collaborate with Sacramento County and the American River Parkway Advisory Committee on final approvals.
Staff said decommissioning decisions were informed by county feedback and that the city will coordinate with Sacramento County for plan amendments and the environmental review prior to construction. The city indicated next steps include incorporating council feedback, finalizing trail layouts in environmental documents, completing preliminary design and pursuing grants for final design and construction.
The presentation closed with staff inviting council direction and stating they will return with refined designs and environmental clearances as the project moves from planning to final design.
