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Activities and accomplishments
The Coachella Valley Community Trails Alliance began to take shape in January 2006 when local developer Mike Granum contracted with Mr. LeGrand Velez to begin forming a nonprofit organization to plan and advocate for a regional trial system in the Coachella Valley. As the idea of this initiative spread, many people have come forward to offer their support and encouragement for this community improvement effort.
CVCTA’s many activities and accomplishments to date are presented below.
Update of the Coachella Association of Governments (CVAG) Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP) 2009: Thanks to the advocacy efforts the Coachella Valley Community Trails Alliance (CVCTA) and other stakeholders, CVAG agreed in early 2008 to update the 2001 Non Motorized Trail Plan. CVAG allocated $80,000 to contract with consultant, Ryan Snyder Associates, to update the 2001 NMTP. The updated plan was scheduled for adoption by CVAG Executive committee in April, but CVAG staff recommended a delay after numerous requests to review plan and submit edits. We are now advocating for CVAG to provide the necessary funds to complete the NMTP update (respond to comments) so that there is a buy-in by the cities to adopt the NMTP into their General Plans. As of this date CVAG Transportation Committee decide to have the previous ad-hoc committee regroup to discuss and make recommendations.
City of Indio Trails Feasibility Study: This two year project is competed and as of June 10th was enthusiastically endorsed by Indio Planning Commission. 10. This detailed Study proposes a new Indio Trail Plan and provides recommendations and guidance for implementation and funding for trails on the Whitewater connecting to La Quinta and Coachella.
Coachella Valley Urban Trails and Bikeways Map: CVCTA in conjunction with the Riverside County Health Department, the Desert Riders horseback riding club and the Desert Bike Club produced the first ever valley-wide map of bikeways and trails on the Valley floor: the Coachella Valley Urban Trails and Bikeways Map. The map provides a snapshot of all existing Class I, II and III bikeways, multiuse trails, golf-cart paths, and commonly used cycling routes. The 18 month map development process was completed in the Fall of 2008 and over 5000 copies of the map have been distributed for free throughout the Coachella Valley.
Regional Trails Planning: CVCTA held meetings and worked with other organization to share information on current trails studies going on concurrent to the NMTP. These include the Desert Park District & Riverside County Regional Trails Feasibility Study of the Whitewater Channel, the Desert Hot Springs Mission Creek Plan, the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy’s Indio Hills North Valley Trails Study, and Riverside County’s Regional Trail Plan for the Coachella Valley. The CVCTA works to integrate the various planning initiatives so that there is a more cohesive, unified and accurate planning effort for trails throughout the Coachella Valley.
- May 21, 2008 CVCTA held their second Board strategic planning workshop, with Anne Dove of National Parks Service.
- May 8, 2008 CVAG Ad Hoc Sub-committee for Urban Trails held their first meeting with representatives from CVCTA, Riverside County Department of Public Health, Riverside County Parks and Recreation along with various interested parties from the local cities. The Top Ten wish list, which was data collected from community members was discussed. The Sub-committee decided to advocate through the Transportation Executive committee the updating of the 2001 NMTP (non-motorized trail plan). The Urban Trail and Bikeways Map was revealed for final review.
- February 11, 2008 CVCTA attended the CVAG Transportation Executive Committee meeting with a large number of supporters from the local bike clubs, area students, tourists, and equestrian riders. Several of these supporters addressed the committee about the need to address trail/ bike issues in the Coachella Valley. As a result an Ad Hoc Urban Trails Sub-committee was formed to meet and further the discussion on the various public needs and stakeholder interests.
- February 8- 9, 2008 CVCTA participated in the Tour de Palm Springs charity bike ride. CVCTA had a booth for the Friday registration and Saturday ride where we were well received by the public and gained significant support and awareness.
- Staffed information booths at various public events, including the 2007 Earth Day Jam at the Living Desert and the 2007 Fiesta Campesina in Mecca.
- CVCTA received $5,000 Grant from DACE, (Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment) for the purpose of hiring well know professional grant writer Alice Hamilton.
- Obtained written letters of support from Congresswoman Mary Bono-Mack, Supervisor Roy Wilson, the Coachella Valley Water District, the City of Coachella and the North Shore Community Council. We are presently working to obtain written support from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and the Riverside County Parks and Open Space District.
- Building a broad alliance of agencies and individuals supportive of the urban trail network vision for the Coachella Valley. The alliance includes numerous local groups, including the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment (DACE), City of Coachella, City of La Quinta, Riverside County Parks & Open Space District, Riverside County Planning Department, numerous area land developers, trails and local equestrian, hiking and cycling organizations.
- Working with the City of La Quinta to expand and improve their urban trails network. A survey of La Quinta residents identified trails as the most desirable recreation amenity.
- Launched an informational website: cvcta.org. (April 2007) Registered as a federal and state 501c(3) nonprofit organization. (Summer 2006)
- Set up a distinguished and diverse Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and Advisory Board includes two local mayors, local developers, community activist, a Riverside County Parks and Open Space Trails Committee member, city planers, and former executive director of CVCTA and a board member of the Desert Bike Club.
- Raised $70,000 from the development community to set-up CVCTA.
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