VENTURA RIVER TRAIL
Ventura, California

Project Background:
In late 2021, the City of Ventura reached out to PCLD to assist in an application to the first ever Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP). PCLD helped identify potential projects, both from within the City’s existing Capital Improvements Program and from other community identified improvement priorities. The Ventura River Trail Improvements Project, a 1.85-mile-long stretch of the existing multi-use trail in Ventura’s Westside neighborhood, was identified as a project that met existing needs within a grant prioritized disadvantaged community. PCLD helped lead a successful but brief engagement effort that garnered greater than 98% support with over 400 respondents and 19 letters of support from local agencies, non-profits, and political leaders. In March 2022, the project was awarded an approximately $5 million grant to proceed into design and construction.

Design:
After receiving the grant award, PCLD was contracted to complete the design for the trail renovation, which included 1.85-miles of trail repaving, two new accessible trail access locations, over 3,500 linear feet of architectural fencing, over 250 new drought-tolerant trees, and 93 solar powered lights. As prime design consultant, PCLD was integral to every design aspect which also included stormwater BMP improvements, trail amenities, wayfinding signage.

PCLD assisted with the Call for Artists RFP that ultimately selected muralist ANTHO to paint a beautiful image showcasing the natural beauty of the nearby Ventura River on the river levee flood control wall structure that also marks the trail’s entrance/exit from the City of Ventura.

The trail was completed and officially re-opened to the public in September 2024.