Construction Begins Soon on Ohlone Greenway Natural Area and Rain Garden in El Cerrito

The City of El Cerrito expects to begin construction of the Ohlone Greenway Natural Area and Rain Garden project during the week of June 23, 2014. This project, fully funded by a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, will enhance the segment of the Ohlone Greenway between the South city limit with Albany and Fairmount Avenue in El Cerrito. Construction is estimated to be completed in late August, 2014.

This segment of the Ohlone Greenway will remain open during construction. However, pedestrian and bicycle traffic at the entrance from Fairmont Avenue will be rerouted to the western edge of the Greenway. In addition, a portion of the southern sidewalk along Fairmount Avenue will be closed to pedestrians for up to two weeks during construction.

The Ohlone Greenway Natural Area and Rain Garden is one way the City of El Cerrito is implementing its Ohlone Greenway Master Plan (adopted in June 2009). The Master Plan envisions the Greenway as a unique open space that creates opportunities for healthy, active recreation and transportation and fosters community and environmental stewardship. “We are excited that this project is about to break ground. Projects such as this one helps fulfill the community’s vision for the Greenway as an active, safe place that integrates environmental and social amenities,” says Melanie Mintz, Interim Community DevelopmentDirector.

In 2010, the City applied for and received a competitive $903,721 State Proposition 84/ 2006 Parks Water Bond Sustainable Communities grant to upgrade approximately 2.5-acres of the Ohlone Greenway.  Designed by the planning and landscape architecture firm Placeworks, the project will create a multi-use rain garden at Fairmount Avenue and the Ohlone Greenway to treat stormwater runoff, informal play/exploration and gathering areas, restored riparian and native vegetation throughout the project area, and new wayfinding and interpretive signage.  Contingent upon agreement with the owners of the El Cerrito Plaza Shopping Center, the project will also install an additional stairway to the Center

The City Council awarded the construction contract to Bay Construction of Oakland on March 18, 2014. 

Additional information is available on the City’s website, including:

• Project link: www.el-cerrito.org/ohlonegreenwayraingarden
• Ohlone Greenway Master Plan link: http://www.el-cerrito.org/OhloneGreenway

For general information about the Ohlone Greenway Master Plan or this project, contact Maria Sanders, Environmental Analyst, at 510-215-4361.

—Information submitted by City of El Cerrito