Staff is pleased to provide Councilmembers with the attached invitation to the July 1, 1999, ribbon cutting associated with the opening of the City's 2.7 mile publicly-owned segment of the planned 400-mile San Francisco Bay Trail ceremony (please see Attachment A – Invitation to Ribbon Cutting Ceremony).

In 1992, City Council approved Open Space Sub-Element Action Statement C.3.d.: Participate in the planning and development of the Regional San Francisco Bay Trail to ensure access from Sunnyvale Baylands Park.

On November 26, 1996, Council authorized staff to pursue an open space agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Water District for development and maintenance of this 2.7 mile trail segment within the city limits of Sunnyvale. That agreement, together with grant funding from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and a land use agreement with Cargill Salt, now allows the City to open this particular trail segment to the public.

Development of this portion of the San Francisco Bay Trail will provide considerable benefit to the City. In an era when little open space remains, development of trail segments offers additional recreational opportunities, further enhanced when trails are connected to other facilities (Water Pollution Control Plant, SMaRT Station, Baylands Park) and trail segments. As a stand-alone amenity, this 2.7 mile trail will essentially expand the boundaries of Sunnyvale Baylands Park, increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise. Employees from many companies currently use existing trails along Calabazas Creek for noontime relaxation and weekend outings. Linking Sunnyvale Baylands Park to the larger San Francisco Bay Trail also is in keeping with the regional nature of the park. Newly created trails east of the park lead to the Environmental Education Center, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, complementing the park's nature theme. Located in the center of commercial properties, the trail will also provide a bicycle transportation corridor.

Prepared by:

Robert A. Walker, Director
Parks and Recreation

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager