HomeMy WebLinkAboutSaratoga Parks and Trails Master Plan•
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CITY OF SARATOGA
'~ COUNTY PARKS
MROSD OPEN SPACE LAND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE Figure 5 t
~ EXISTING COUNTY TRAILS REGIONAL PARKS & TRAILS ~
~_ PROPOSED COUNTY TRAILS
• CITY OF SARATOG A ~
PARKS AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN ~
WA LLACE ROB E RT S & TODD ~
^
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
•
PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
The trail system illustrated in Figure 6 identifies the dedicated trails, both improved and
unimproved, and the proposed trails. The rationale for development of the trail system
includes consideration of a number of issues:
o The desire to interconnect the neighborhoods, school sites, parks, public open space
and activity centers;
o The objective of providing loops in the trail system permitting a continuous and
nonrepetitive walk or ride from the start point;
o The opportunity for a trail running along the existing Southern Pacific Railroad
right-of-way which cuts across the City from the northeast to the southwest;
o The opportunity to link to the wider regional system.
An additional issue explored was the potential for creekside trails in the City along both
Saratoga and Wildcat Creek. This consideration has been previously addressed by local trails
groups and organizations and again researched during the preparation of this plan but need not
be revisited as the trail system has been considered to be infeasible. The negative impacts
on the bordering properties and the existing natural state of the creek are too severe. In
addition, environmental hazards such as flooding and fire pose a potential safety threat to
users of the trail.
Section 3.7 indicates design standards for the multi-use trail types which will be for hiking,
mountain bicycles and equestrian use. There are two types: 1) An unpaved trail type which is
intended to be only minimally improved in order to allow a more rural trail aesthetic; 2)
and a few trail linkages which would use the sidewalk and bike lanes in the road
right-of-way This last type is to be used only where aligning the trail in a separate
right-of-way is not possible.
Figure 5, in section 3.1, identifies County trails surrounding the City. These trails can
provide potential linkages by which the trails network in Saratoga can be tied into the wider
regional system,
Each of the segments has been explored for future considerations and potential improvements.
The cost of each of the segments has been calculated using the following per linear foot cost
estimates. For existing trail easements which have not yet been improved an estimated cost of
$12 per linear was used. For new trails segments in open space corridors an estimated
construction cost of $24 per linear foot was used. Cost estimates for each segment are
presented below. The total projected improvements costs of the trails system are estimated at
$1,767,000. It should be noted that the City is not likely to bear all of the projected costs
as most of the new trails will be required to be dedicated as a condition of subdivision
approval. The estimated cost to the City (excluding new trails segments that may be dedicated
as a condition of subdivision approval) will be $1,119,000.
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3.6-1
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Figure 6
~~ EXLSTING TRAIL EASEMENT ~ ,~ r» R
----. PROPOSED TRAIL EASEMENT EXISTING & PROPOSED TRAILS
CITY OF SARATOGA
PARKS AND T RAI LS MASTER PLAN
WA LLACE ROB E RT S 8t TODD
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: 1
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This segment is maintained and appears well used. The City needs
to continue monitoring and maintaining the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 5765
Segment: 2
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: The City needs to continue monitoring and maintaining the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 51710
Segment: 3
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: The easement has been dedicated but no trail exists. The City
needs to clear the easement and construct the trail to City
standards.
Cost Estimate: 522,800
Maintenance Cost: ' 5855
Segment: 4
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: The City needs to continue maintaining the trail and monitoring the
status of the proposed roadway. If it is to be developed
consideration should be given to realigning the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 5720
Segment: S
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This segment is in good condition and appears well maintained. The
City needs to continue monitoring and maintaining the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 5270
Segment: 6
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Actioa: The trail is in good condition and signage is posted at both trail
ends. The City needs to continue monitoring and maintaining the
trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A -
Maintenance Cost 5495
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C]
3.6-2
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
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L~
r 1
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Segment: 7
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions -
Action: At this time only the length along Parker Ranch Road appears to be
improved. The City needs to clear the additional lengths and
construct the trail per City standards.
Cost Estimate: x9600 for 800 L.F. of undeveloped trail
Maintenance Cost: 5720
Segment: 8
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This segment was recently blazed but the City needs to improve the
surface and post signage per City standards.
Cost Estimate: 524,000 -
Maintenance Cost: 5900
Segment: ~ 9
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: ~ This trail segment has been neglected by the City and suffers a
drainage problem as well as the need for bridge crossings at two
points along the easement. The City should explore the opportunity
to negotiate trail improvements with the land developer. As the
existing easement running on the west side of Quarry Road is not
needed to complete the trail loop it could be returned to the
developer in exchange for trail improvements: The City will then
need to post signage and monitor and maintain the trail.
Cost Estimate: 548,000
Maintenance Cost: 51800
Segment: 10
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This segment has been developed but is nonconforming with
construction requirements. Proper drainage has not been provided
and with every rainfall the path is flooded and the surface washes
away. In addition the trail slope is too steep for equestrian
use. The City should negotiate with the subdivision developer for
the improvement of this trail.
Cost Estimate: 512,000
Maintenance Cost 5450
3.6-3
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
• .
Se~meat: 11
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This trail will be developed as the subdivision undergoes
construction. Its location has not yet been defined. The City
needs to insure the trail is constructed per City standards and
that signage is posted.
Cost Estimate: 518,000
Maintenance Cost: 5675
Segment: 12
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This segment has been developed but little maintenance is evident.
The surface width varies and in places the bordering property owner
has encroached on the easement. Because the drainage was
improperly installed, with every rainfall the path floods and the
surface washes away. The City needs to clear the area, improve the
drainage and post signage.
Cost Estimate: 512,000
Maintenance Cost: 5450
Segment: 13
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This trail is overgrown and has received very little maintenance.
At the northern end a bordering resident has infringed on the
easement thereby blocking the passage. The City shall have to
regain the easement at this location prior to clearing the growth
and generally improving the trail.
Cost Estimate: 527,600
Maintenance Cost: 51035
Segment: 14
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: An easement has been dedicated for the length of this trail but no
path is evident in the field. Since the time of the dedication
surrounding property owners have encroached on the easement and the
opportunity for development appears lost. The City should
investigate the opportunity for regaining the easement.
Cost Estimate: 519,200
Maintenance Cost: 5720
U
3.6-4
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: 15
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing condidons
Action: A forty foot wide pedestrian and equestrian easement has been
dedicated for this trail but nothing is evident in the field. The
City will need to grade, the hillside and construct switchbacks per
City standards.
Cost Estimate: $27,600
Maintenance Cost: $1035
Segment: 16
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This section of trail has been dedicated but is not maintained.
The path is overgrown and at the west end the bordering resident
has piled some wood to stop trail users from traveling along the
base of his property. The City needs to regain possession of the
easement prior to clearing and posting signage.
Cost Estimate: $4800
Maintenance Cost: $180
Segment: 17
• Location: See Sectioa 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: The easement originally dedicated for this trail appears to now be
lost to the development of Congress Springs Lane and a private
drive. The City should investigate the opportunity to develop a
trail alongside the road on the south side. The right-of-way could
accommodate a trail.
Cost Estimate: $24,000
Maintenance Cost; $900
Segment: 18
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This path serves as temporary access from Azule Park to Kevin Moran
Park, across the Highway 85 corridor. Although the trail condition
is poor, improvements are not needed as a pedestrian bridge is
under construction to replace this segment.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: S90
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3.6-5
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: 19
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: The City should explore the opportunities for improving this trail
by providing a fence or landscape strip between it and the road.
Cost Estimate: x67,200 .
Maintenance Cost: x2520
Segment: 20
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This trail serves to connect segment #21 to Big Basin Way and the
center of town. Its location varies from along the roadside to an
elevated area behind a brick wall southeast of Historical Park.
The City should explore the opportunity to better define the trail
especially northwest of the Park, where the segment is nothing more
than a City sidewalk.
Cost Estimate: x25,200
Maintenance Cost: 5945
Segment: 21
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: The condition of this segment varies with some areas requiring
improved pavement and clearing of overgrown landscape and other
sections requiring little or no improvements. The City needs to
better monitor this trail and maintain accordingly.
Cost Estimate: 560,000
Maintenance Cost: 52250
Segment: 22
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: This segment is very well maintained and requires no further
improvement. The City should continue monitoring and maintaining
the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost 5225
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C7
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3.6-6
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3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: 23
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: This segment is well maintained and requires no further
improvement. The City should continue monitoring and maintaining
the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 51620
Segment: 24
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: This segment is well maintained and requires no further
improvement. The City should continue monitoring and maintaining
the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 5540
Segment:' 25
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: This segment is very well maintained and does not require any
further improvements at this time. The City should continue
monitoring and maintaining the trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost: 531 S
Segment: 26
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions
Action: An easement has been dedicated along the north side of Douglass
Lane but no trail has been developed. The City needs to clear the
easement and construct a trail per City standards.
Cost Estimate: 524,000
Maintenance Cost: 5900
3.6-7
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
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Segment: 27
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: This segment is well used but maintenance is poor. The asphalt
surface is uneven and cracked and the landscape buffer separating
the road and trail is neglected and overgrown. The City needs to
improve the surface and maintain the landscape strip.
Cost Estimate: 526,400
Maintenance Cost: 5990
Segment: 28
Location: _ See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: Concerning the series of connections along Fruitvale Avenue, this
segment is the most in need of improvements. The path travels very
near to the road and is in poor condition: The asphalt surface is
cracked and at times slopes sharply toward the road. The City
needs to level the trail and improve its surface.
Cost Estimate: 54200
Maintenance Cost 5160
Segment: 29
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: The surface of this segment is damaged and uneven. The City needs
to make improvements and maintain the landscape strip running
alongside.
Cost Estimate: 512,000
Maintenance Cost 5450
Segment: 30
Location: See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: This segment is located within the San Marcos subdivision which is
now under construction. An open space easement was dedicated
. through development approval. The City needs to insure the trail
is constructed per standards and signage posted accordingly. Once
developed the trail must be monitored to insure property owners do
not encroach on the trail easement.
Cost Estimate: 548,000
Maintenance Cost: 51800
3.6-8
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: 31
Location: _ See Section 2.4 for existing conditions.
Action: A pedestrian and equestrian easement has been dedicated for the
development of this segment but no trail is evident. The City has
researched the opportunity to receive grant money for the
improvements to this segment. If granted the trail will need to be
constructed and signage posted per City standards.
Cost Estimate: x33,600
Maintenance Cost 51260
Segment: 32
Location: This segment travels along the south side of Chester Avenue
connecting segments #31 and #33.
Status: Proposed
Length: 900 L.F.
Type: 2
Ownership: Public right-of-way
Surrounding Land Use: Private residential, West Valley College
Notes:
Action: There exists along the roadside sufficient room to develop a
trail. The City should investigate the development of a segment as
• it will serve as an important connection between segment #31 and
Fruitvale Avenue.
Cost Estimate: x21,600 -
Maintenance Cost x405
Segment: 33
Location: This segment serves as a connection between Fruitvale Avenue and
Quito Road. From the west end, the trail travels along San Marcos
Road to the junction of Chester Avenue. At this point the path
travels northeast to meet Ten Acres Road. From here the trail
turns east and then northeast along Sobey Road until the crossing
of Quito Road.
Status: Proposed, was previously proposed in the Trails and Pathways Task
Force Report, 1979.
Length: 7500 L.F.
~
Type: 2
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Ownership: Public right of way, West Valley College, and private lots
Surrounding Land Use: West Valley College, residential property and the Odd Fellows Home.
Notes:
Action: The City needs to negotiate with the surrounding property owners
for trail easements. This segment, if developed, could potentially
link the City to the Los Gatos Creek Trail. By continuing east
along Pollard Road through Los Gatos, trail users could reach this
very popular creek trail.
Cost Estimate: 5180,000
Maintenance Cost 53,375
3.6-9
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Se~meat: 34
Location: This segment serves as a connection between Fruitvale Avenue and
Quito Road. From the west end the trail travels along Monte Vista
Drive to cross an orchard and link with Monte Wood Drive. At this
point the path turns directly east to reach Quito Road.
S~nis: Proposed
Length: 5600 L.F.
Type: 2
Ownership: Public right-of-way, orchard and private lots.
Surrounding Land Use: Residential property
Notes:
Action:
This trail alignment was proposed by a community member attending
the Trails Community Workshop. The City should negotiate with
private property owners and the orchard to establish a trail
easement. This segment is important to serve as a connection with
the Los Gatos Creek Trail and Vasona Lake County Park. In the
Santa Clara County Trails and Pathways Plan a trail has been
proposed along Los Gatos Road from Saratoga Avenue to the creek.
If developed it would connect these two trail systems.
Cost Estimate: $134,400
Maintenance Cost: $2520
Segment: 35 .
Location: This segment travels along the dedicated roadway casement that
joins the north-south and east-west lengths of Douglass Lane.
Status: Unofficial
Length: 800 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Dedicated roadway, private driveway
Surrounding Land Use: Orchard and residential property
Action: This segment appears to run along a private drive and at the
eastern end a locked gate crosses the entrance. It appears to not
be maintained but there are signs of use. As it serves as an
important pedestrian connection between the two lengths of Douglass
Lane the City should be consider it for establishment as an
official trail.
Cost Estimate: $19,200
Maintenance Cost $360
•
3.6-10
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment:
36
Location: This segment travels along a~} orchard on the western side of
Fruitvale Avenue linking segment #24 and X25.
Status: Unofficial
Length: 250 L.F.
Type: 2
Ownership: Orchard property
Surrounding Land Use: Orchard, residential property and West Valley College.
Notes:
Action: A length of trodden earth already exists along the roadside and is
used unofficially by trail users to travel between the two existing
paths. The City should negotiate the establishment of an easement
and then only need to provide minimal improvements and signage.
Cost Estimate: Sb000
Maintenance Cost: 5110
Segment:
Location:
•
Status:
Length:
Type:
Ownership:
Surrounding Land Use:
Action:
Cost Estimate:
Maintenance Cost
37
This segment connects Saratoga Avenue to the Redwood School at
Montauk Avenue. From the western cul-de-sac of Montauk the path
travels northwest and crosses Wildcat Creek with a wooden
footbridge. From this point it moves directly west across Shadow
Oaks Way, past an orchard and out onto Saratoga Avenue.
Unofficial
1150 L.F.
1
Private property, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Redwood School
Redwood Middle School, residential property and an orchard.
This segment appears in quite good condition with the exception of
a few feet along the northeast boundary of the orchard where the
path slopes sharply toward the fence. No trail easement exists but
as the path serves as an important connection between Redwood
School and Saratoga Avenue, it should be considered for
establishment as an official trail and signage posted accordingly.
527,600
SS20
3.6-11
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: ~ 38 •
Location: ,
Status:
Length:
Type:
Ownership:
Surrounding Land Use:
Notes:
Action:
Cost Estimate:
Maintenance Cost:
Segment:
Location:
Status:
Length:
Type:
Ownership:
Surrounding Land Use:
Notes:
Action:
Cost Estimate:
Maintenance Cost:
This segment runs along the south side of the Southern Pacific
Railroad from Prospect Road to Saratoga Sunnyvale Road. At the
junction of Saratoga Sunnyvale Road the trail will have to travel
north for one hundred feet to establish a safe crossing at Sea Gull
Way.
Proposed
3000 L.F.
1
County Flood Control Land, PGBcE easement and private property.
Residential property and the railroad
The City needs to negotiate with owners to provide trail easements
and then construct the trail and signage to City standards. As the
railroad easement continues north through the City of Cupertino
consideration should be given to their development of a trail as
well. This would then serve to connect both cities to the Saa
Francisco Bay and Shoreline Trail.
52,000
51350
39
•
This segment runs along the south side of the Southern Pacific
Railroad from Saratoga Sunnyvale Road to Cox Avenue, crossing Rodeo
Creek at the midpoint. At the northwest end a road crossing will
be established at Sea Gull Way to connect to segment #38.
Proposed
3600 L.F.
1
PGBtE land and Flood Control Land
The railroad and private residential lots.
The City needs to negotiate with the Flood Control District and
PGBtE for easements across their land. A safe crossing at Saratoga
Sunnyvale Road must be provided which will include warning signs
and other safety features. Abridge must also be provided at the
crossing of Rodeo Creek. Construct the trail and signage to City
standards.
586,400
51620
3.6-12
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
•
Segment: 40
Location: - This segment travels along the south side of the Southern Pacific
Railroad from Cox Avenue to the junction of Saratoga Avenue. At
the midpoint the trail crosses Saratoga Creek and forms a
connection with the segment proposed to travel along it.
Status: Proposed
Length: 4500 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: PG&E land and easements, San Jose Water Works, and the railroad
Surrounding Land Use: Congress Springs School and residential property.
Notes:
Action: The City needs to negotiate with land owners for easements. When
constructing the trail the City should incorporate Congress Springs
Park. Abridge will be needed at the crossing of Saratoga Creek
and a safe road crossing at Cox Avenue and Saratoga Avenue. By
extending the segment southwest along Saratoga Avenue a crossing
could be established at Dagmar Drive thereby safely connecting to
segment #41. Construction of the trail should comply with City
standards.
Cost Estimate: 5108,000
Maintenance Cost: 52025
•
Segment: 41
Location: This segment runs along the south side of the Southern Pacific
Railroad from Saratoga Avenue to the Cities eastern boundary at San
Tomas Acquino Creek.
Status: Proposed
Length: 5600 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Ten foot wide easement for 2800 L.F. at the western end, private
residential lots, PG&E land and the County Flood Control.
Surrounding Land Use: The railroad, Paul Masson Vineyards and residential property
Notes:
Action: The City needs to negotiate with land owners for easements. In the
trail design, road crossings at Saratoga Avenue and Quito Road must
be addressed as these are both busy roads and appropriate safety
features will be necessary. A safe crossing could be established
by extending the trail southwest along Saratoga Avenue to Dagmar
Drive. Abridge crossing is also needed at Wildcat Creek.
Negotiations should be made with the City of Los Gatos and the
County to continue east along the railroad and link with the
existing Los Gatos Creek Trail.
Cost Estimate: 5134,400 .
Maintenance Cost: 52520 - '
•
3.6-13
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Se meat: 42
g
Location: This segment travels west of the city from the junction of Prospect
_ Road and Maria Lane. The trail could run along the city's northern
boundary line between residential lots and serve as a connection to
Fremont Older Park.
Status: Proposed
Length: N/A
Type:
Ownership: Private .
Surrounding Land Use: Residential
Notes:
Action: The City needs to investigate the ownership along this route and
then negotiate the establishment of trail easements with the owners
and Santa Clara County.
Cost Estimate:
Maintenance Cost:
Segment: 43
Location: This segment travels along Prospect Road from trail #2, west to the
city's boundary.
Status: Proposed
Length: •
2500 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Saratoga Country Club
Surrounding Land Use: Saratoga Country Club, MROSD-Fremont Older, private residential and
the Garrod Stables.
Notes:
Action: This segment serves as one of the alternatives in establishing a
connection to the County parkland to the west of Saratoga. The
City needs to investigate the likelihood of trail development along
this route in contrast to segment #44.
Cost Estimate: x60,000
Maintenance Cost: $1125
Segment: 44
Location: This segment travels along the southern boundary of the Saratoga
Country Club from segment #3 to the city's western limits.
Status: Proposed
Length: 1500 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Saratoga Country Club
Surrounding Land Use: Stables, residential and the country club
Notes:
•
3.6-14
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
• i
d
h
Action: ng
ur
e property owners
This segment has been identified by t
development as a trail easement. Negotiations should be made with
_ the County to extend this segment west thereby making a connection
with Fremont Older Park. The City would then need to construct the
trail per City standards and post the appropriate signage. As the
easement is already dedicated and the land available for
development this route is a more feasible alternative to connect
the City's trail system to the County parkland in the West.
Cost Estimate: $36,000
Maintenance Cost: $675
Segment: 45
Location: This segment travels along the eastern property line of Garrod
Stables from trail segment #4 south to segment #9 and Quarry Road.
Status: Proposed
Length: 1800 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Garrod Stables, Agricultural Preserve
Surrounding Land Use: Horse stables, Saratoga Country Club and residential property.
Notes:
Action: ~ The establishment of a trail easement should be negotiated with the
owners. If the property is to undergo development the trails could
be constructed as a condition of development approval.
Cost Estimate: $43,200
Maintenance Cost: $810
Segment: 46 •
Location: This segments north end sits at the cul-de-sac of Chiquita Court.
From here it travels directly south to potentially link with the
proposed segment # 11 and then turns southwest along the property
• line to Old Oak Way. The path continues west until a connection is
made with segment #45 and the Garrod Stables.
Status: Proposed
Length: 2600 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Vacant, Open Space Easement, Private residential and Agricultural
Preserve. .
Surrounding Land Use: Residential, orchards, stables
Notes:
Action: The City needs to negotiate with surrounding land owners for the
establishment of this trail. It should then be constructed per
City standards and signage posted. Consideration will have to
given to the rather steep terrain in this area.
Cost Estimate: $62,400 --
Maintenance Cost $1170
•
f
3.6-15
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
•
Segment: 47
Location: - This segment is located at the western boundary of town. The trail
is proposed to travel west from link #9 across the northern edge of
the Garrod property.
Status: Proposed
Length: N/A
Type: 1
Ownership: Garrod Stables
Surrounding Land Use: Horse stables, orchard, residential, and the Sphere of Influence.
Notes:
Action: The City should consider the negotiation of a trail in the future
as a potential link to the County parkland in the West. This
proposal is located in the Sphere of Influence outside of the
city's jurisdiction therefore negotiations will have to be made
with the County.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost
Segment: 48
Location: This segment is located on the west side of Mt. Eden Road from Nina
Court in the north to the junction of segment #10.
Status: •
Proposed
Length: 2500 L.F.
Type: 2
Ownership: Private stables, the southern end is located on what the City
classifies as "undeveloped land".
Surrounding Land Use: Stables, Sphere of Influence.
Notes:
Action: In the future the City should consider this as a potential
connector in the trail loop. This could serve as an alternative to
the proposed segments #47 and #49. Negotiations would have to be
made with the stable owners along the western side of the road.
Cost Estimate: $60,000
Maintenance Cost $1125
Segment: 49
Location: This trail is located within the Thomas Stable property traveling
northwest from the junction of segment #48 and Mt. Eden Road.
Status: Proposed
Length: N/A
Type: 1
Ownership: Private property
Surrounding Land Use: Stables, Sphere of Influence -
Notes:
•
3.6-16
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Action: This link could serve as a connection between the stables and
County parkland to the city's trail system. The City should
- consider this segment for poXential development pending
negotiations with surrounding landowners.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost:
Segment: SO
Location: This proposed connection is located within the City's Sphere of
Influence west of the City, From the west end of segment # 10, the
path could travel along an existing fire road aad connect the
Hillsides to the surrounding County parkland and the Skyline Ridge.
Status: Proposed
Length: N/A
Type: I
Ownership: County land
Surrounding Land Use: County parks, stables, and private residences.
Notes:
Action: The City will have to negotiate with Santa Clara County for the
development of a trail.
Cost Estimate: N/A
Maintenance Cost:
Segment: 51
Location: This segment is proposed for the west side of Mt. Eden Road to link
segment #10 at the north to segment #12 at the south end.
Status: Proposed
Length: 100 L.F.
Type: 2
Ownership: Private
Surrounding Land Use: Residential
Notes:
Action: ~ The City should negotiate an easement along the property here to
provide an important link between the two existing segments. Trail
users are forced to move onto the road for the length of this
segment. r
Cost Estimate: $2400 .
Maintenance Cost: $45 ~_.
3.6-17
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements
Segment: 52
Location: - .This segment is a proposed link to connect the existing segments #9
and # 12. From the north end the trail travels south between
properties to the junction of Via Regina Road. At this point it
ins to travel along side the road until about 100' previous to
be
g
reaching Pierce Road. From here the path moves west between lots
until it reaches Mt. Eden Road. Continuing a few hundred feet west
will connect this link to segment # 12 and # 13.
Status: Proposed .
Length: 3400 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Public right-of-way, private
Surrounding Land Use: Residential
Notes:
Action: The City should negotiate with land owners in order to gain
easements for the development of this trail. It serves as an
important connection and appears to already be used unofficially at
this time.
Cost Estimate: 581,600
Maintenance Cost: 51530
Segment: 53 •
Location: This segment is proposed to connect link # 13 through the vneyazds
and west into the surrounding County pazkland.
Status: Proposed
Length: 1400 L.F.
Type: 1
Ownership: Vacant land.
Surrounding Land Use: Sphere of Influence, private residential, and the Paul Masson
Vineyards
Notes:
Action: The City should negotiate with Paul Masson for the establishment of
a trail. The vneyazds may need, in the future, to establish a
utility easement through this property and the City could then .
potentially form a development agreement for the shared use of the
easement.
Cost Estimate: 533,600
Maintenance Cost: 5630
3.6-18
1~
~~
- M
3.6 Proposed Trail System Improvements ~
~
•
Segment: 54
Location: This segment is located on the north side of Saratoga Heights Drive
from Pierce Road at the western end to the junction of segments #14
and #15 at the southeast end.
Status: Proposed
Length: 2000 L.F.
Type: 2
Ownership: Public right-of-way ~ `
Surrounding Land Use: Paul Masson Vineyards, dedicated open space and private residential
Notes:
Action: The opportunity to plan a trail along this road is good as the City
already has the public right-of-way for development. This link
would serve to connect all the series of trails planned in the
hillsides.
Cost Estimate: $48,000
Maintenance Cost: $900 ~
• ~ ~
~ i
r
_ ~
•
3.6-19 ~
4.3 Trails Implementation
TRAILS IMPLEMENTATION
Ownership
The trails within Saratoga will be held under a number of alternative ownership arrangements.
These may include city in fee simple ownership, permanent dedicated easements held by the city
to allow for public recreational access to land for which the underlying ownership remains
private, and permanent secondary recreational easements along utility easements. Land
dedication for required trails will be a condition of development. Development plans will not
be approved until trail ownership issues are resolved.
Generally, implementation of trails within future developments will be activated when a
property owner submits improvement plans. Any project which increases the intensity of usage
will be reviewed on an individual basis to select a compatible trail alignment.
In order to implement critical connective trail segments, the City may negotiate for a trail
easement/access over property that has not yet submitted plans for development.
For trails already developed and owned by a private interest (i.e., homeowners association),
and for which the City desires a property interest, the City should research the feasibility
and need to gain a property interest based on benefit to the City.
As needed by the City, the developer shall provide access to open space areas for maintenance
and fire protection. As a requirement of the development permitting process, prior to site
plan or Tentative Map adoption, adequacy and placement of such access shall be approved by t~
City. In some instances the trail may serve as the required access for open space areas. As
a product of the development permitting process, the open space trail system and adjacent
landscaping shall be mapped, and subject to the approval of the City.
Improvements Responsibility
As a general rule all improvements for the implementation of the trail system will be the
responsibility of new development through which each trail segment passes. A precise
alignment and elevations for the trail must be included in any development permitting process
at the time of submittals. When existing approved Tentative Maps which do not conform
to the trails alignments shown in this Master Plan are brought before the city for any
extensions and/or amendments, the city will require the map to be brought into conformance
with the city's trail requirements.
Prior to Final Map, approved landscape and irrigation plans, erosion control plans, and
detailed water management guidelines for all landscape irrigation including trails shall be
submitted and subject to review and approval of the City and the appropriate water/sewer
district servicing that area. The landscaping format within the project shall be to emphasize
native, drought-resistant plant material unless otherwise specified.
4.3-1
4.3 Trails Implementation
• Public financing may be used for trail improvements on existing single family,
non-subdividable residential lots. Lot splits and/or special requests for city ordinance
variances may require participation by the property owner in the trail improvements. Public
financing may also be used where the property is already developed or where a new development
would not produce a viable trail segment.
Liability
Liability problems associated with trails implementation are often assumed to be a more
significant issue than has been borne out in reality. Surveys of California jurisdictions with
implemented trail systems have revealed very few suits resulting from trails use. Never the
less, the City's risk manager and attorney should review the existing terms of the City's
liability policy to ensure coverage of trail related incidents.
State law limits the liability to landowners who make their land available, through easements,
to the public. The Recreational Use Statute (California Civic Code Section 846), protects
landowners from financial responsibility in the event of injury. Immunity only applies,
however, if the landowner does not charge a fee for the recreational use of the land other
than the fee paid by the government or another entity to use the property, and if the
landowner does not expressly invite the person onto the property. A property owner who gives
permission to enter and use the property (such as on a trail easement) is not expressly
inviting use of the property and does not assume responsibility or incur liability for injury.
The public enters at its own risk. Thus this measure protects landowners from claims by
• people who stray off the public trail onto the adjacent private open space or property as well
as users of the easement. However, the landowner must warn or guard against a dangerous
condition, use, structure, or activity. While this law protects the landowner, it does not
preclude a suit from being filed, and the landowner may still have to invest time and
resources in the legal process.
The State of California has protected itself (Government Code Section 831.2 and 831.4) from
"liability for injuries resulting from natural conditions of a state park area where the only
improvements are recreational access road and hiking, riding, fishing, and hunting trails".
Section 831.2 states that a public entity is not liable for injuries caused by a natural
condition of unimproved public land. Therefore, liability increases as improvements to the
property are made. Exposure to liability diminishes if the trail is in a natural state.
Security Concerns:
Concerns with regard to security focus on the prevention of illegal activities both on the
trail system and adjacent to the trail system -for example using trails as a mean of access
to private property. Some of the larger trail systems in California operate an independent
security force, but given the relatively small size of the Saratoga trails system (it is a
citywide but not a regional system) a separate security force seems unlikely to be cost
effective. One possibility in Saratoga would be to work cooperatively with the various trail
user groups to organize an informal volunteer patrol to keep watch over the trails.
•
4.3-2
4.3 Trails Implementation
• •
The majority of law enforcement problems are likely to occur close to the road system. The
design of trail sections close to the road system should be designed to facilitate
surveillance by police patrol units. With regard to security generally it should be noted
that frequent levels of trail use for legitimate recreational purposes will serve to provide
informal monitoring, and discourage inappropriate or illegal activities. Encouragement of
trails use through making people aware of the resource, scheduling hiking tours and school use
etc. will not only optimize use of the system but will also serve to preserve the safety of
the system. It should be noted that many communities throughout California and the
United States have existing trail systems and have not found them to be an undue security
problem.
Fire Risk
The presence of the trail leading to increased public use of natural areas may increase the
risk of fires. It may be necessary for the Fire Chief to have the authority to close certain
trail sections when fire hazard is especially high -even if this means closing linkages for
the whole summer.
Vehicular Access
It is not intended that the Saratoga trails system should be used for vehicular traffic with
the exception of vehicles for safety, security, or maintenance purposes. A number of
different barriers may be used to discourage motorized use of the trails system. Suggested
alternatives are shown in the trails design guidelines drawings.
Demonstration Project
It is suggested that the City consider implementing a demonstration trail to initiate the
development of the citywide trail system. A suitable segment or loop of significance which is
to be implemented early in the development of the system could be selected and identified as a
pilot linkage to be advertized widely to herald the start of trails system implementation and
to give an example for future trails design. Implementation of a portion of trail along one of
the creeks could be particulrly effective.
•
4.3-3