Richmond Greenway
Years: 1997 to present

This project is part of RTC's Metropolitan Grants Program. Learn more about this work.

Location
Richmond, Calif.

Prepared for
City of Richmond

Partners
City of Richmond; California Coastal Conservancy; The Firedoll Foundation; California Active Communities; Vali Cooper and Associates; Urban Tilth; Groundwork Richmond

Project Deliverables
Richmond Greenway Master Plan (PDF); community outreach; secured funding on behalf of city of Richmond

Trail Description
The Richmond Greenway is a three-mile community bicycle and pedestrian rail-trail that is bordered by 32 acres of community-designed artwork, urban agriculture and recreational space in a densely populated, underserved community. The Richmond Greenway provides pedestrian and bicycle access to the Bay Trail and Ohlone Greenway and connects within blocks to the Richmond BART station. Beginning in 1904, the Atchison-Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) carried freight through the city of Richmond, reaching its height during World War II when Richmond became a national leader of wartime industry and the woman's labor movement. This same corridor, which has sat unused in the heart of Richmond for more than 25 years, has seen a transformation into the Richmond Greenway.

Project Description
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has been involved in the Richmond Greenway project since 1997 helping the city secure more than $2 million in planning and construction funding; producing the Richmond Greenway Master Plan; and conducting community outreach. Our current work includes supporting the efforts of community gardening and watershed groups to develop the green space and the formation of walking clubs to increase use of the existing trail.

With major segments of the trail complete, there are still gaps in the 23rd Street area where major streets and rail lines bisect the corridor and a connection needs to be designed. Another gap connecting to the Ohlone Greenway could soon be filled where the trail crosses San Pablo Avenue at a midblock location, and a signalized crossing has been proposed. A comprehensive green space plan for the adjacent open space is also needed to have orderly and well maintained development of amenities the community desires.