CLEARLAKE >> As the city of Clearlake continues to apply the Strategic Plan, an effort is underway seeking grant funds to improve and develop a trail.
The planned trail includes four different overlooks and goes along the shore of the lake. Public Works Director Doug Herren said creating this trail can be accomplished through the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The state offers grants through the Habitation Conservation Fund Program.
“We weren’t aware that this funding was available until I got an email saying this was opened and they were going to have a meeting in Ukiah and we were the only ones from Lake County that showed up,” Herren said.
The program requires successful applicants to match funds and direct the money toward specific projects. Herren expects the trail project to cost the city $170,000.
The trail will run along Lakeshore Drive, starting near the edge of Austin Park and end near Burns Creek.
Incorporating this trail addresses the third goal of the city’s Strategic Plan, which is to improve the quality of life in Clearlake by introducing improved public facilities.
Council member Phil Harris said he uses this area already for recreation and enhancing what is currently there would be beneficial to the community. There are some safety issues he has with some parts of the trail and hoped they would be addressed and fixed during the planning phases after the grant is approved.
Vice Mayor Bruno Sabatier said he also feels the project is beneficial but is unsure if the city can fit another project in. With the other projects in the city that are going on to help benefit the community he just wants to make sure that the grant funds are used after securing them for this trail.
“This is our diamond and to make it more inviting and approachable to anybody within our community or visitors to come and enjoy this is amazing and it’s what we need to do,” Sabatier said. “I love it, we need to do this and I just hope we can fit it in with all the other work we have to do.”
