The East Bay Regional Park District is currently finalizing plans to open the newly acquired Roddy Ranch near Antioch, which will be the first step in opening up thousands of new acres of parklands to the public in eastern Contra Costa and Alameda counties. However, the Park District must consider some important adjustments to its current plans before the Board of Directors approves it.
The opening of new parklands is an exciting moment, particularly new parks next to historically underserved communities like Antioch. However, the Park District’s current plans for Roddy Ranch would force all park users — hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and others — onto the same narrow trails, raising the threat of conflict between trail users as we have seen throughout the region. While we strongly support ensuring access for all trail users in Roddy Ranch, we believe there is a better way to design trail use to minimize conflict and ensure everyone can have a safe and positive experience.
The Sierra Club, California Native Plant Society, and equestrians from the California State Horsemen's Association are providing three recommendations to East Bay Parks, to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all at Roddy Ranch.
We are requesting that the Park District:
- Add a 5’ mowed shoulder to all trails so that there is more room for hikers, bikers, and equestrians to share the trails.
- Set aside a pedestrian-only "Nature Trail" for families and seniors.
- Plant native oak trees as ecologically appropriate in order to bring more shade to these hills that can get quite hot in the summer, both making for a more enjoyable experience for park users, and improving wildlife habitat.
Please add your name to let East Bay Parks know that you support these important modifications — and that you want Roddy Ranch and all East Bay Parks trails to be safe and enjoyable places for everyone.