Multi-use trail discussed at library

A multi-use trail from Bob Spencer Park to Hillcrest Park in Clovis could mean more opportunities for health and well-being. 

Proponents envision people running, walking with friends or riding their bikes.  

According to a 2014 study by the National Library of Medicine, “proximity to greenspace has been associated with lower levels of stress” and “reduced symptomology for depression and anxiety.” 

Trent Doolittle, who grew up in Clovis, works with Stantec, an engineering, architecture and environmental consulting organization working on the project. He spoke about it Tuesday night at Clovis-Carver Public Library.

His goal of the meeting, which was attended by 12 people, was to inform locals, address concerns and learn about ways to improve the project. 

One of the major concerns from locals was about the safety of the trail.  

“One of the alternatives that we are considering is, ‘Do you terminate the trail and walk south on Thornton and then along 21st street?’” Doolittle said in an interview after the meeting.  

“When you’re crossing the intersection at Thornton and 21st street, there’s a lot of high school kids that are pulling in and out of the Allsup’s,” Doolittle said, “21st Street, for instance, does not have current bike lanes. It only has sidewalks. So there’s a concern, what does a bicyclist do when they get to the end of the trail? Do they travel on the lane itself? Do they walk their bike on the sidewalk?” 

One solution could be installing a traffic signal designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy streets. Another, Doolittle said, is that “if we terminate and travel south on Thornton, we would have a responsibility to put a new sidewalk on Thornton.” 

There were several minutes of discourse regarding trash.

Because the proposed trail would run along dirt alleyways dotted by dumpsters, locals wanted to make sure their trash service wasn’t hindered; garbage trucks didn’t collide with pedestrians; and questioned how enjoyable the trail could be if dumpsters flanked it.  

 One potential solution, Doolittle said, “is eliminating the big trash dumpsters in the alleyways” and utilizing poly carts instead. It’ll be discussed as a team, but the final decision will be made by the city.  

Doolittle talked about how the increase in foot traffic near private property doesn’t equate to an increase in crime or theft.  

Though it’s not a major concern, he said he brought it up because he has fielded “concerns from constituents” about this in the past.  

“Although it may increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic, it is not going to increase crime just because there’s more people there,” Doolittle said.  

He backed this up by emailing a study that showed how outdoor light can lead to a “a 39% reduction” in crime. 

While light could reduce crime, he said “we have a responsibility not to put lighting in that’s going to shine in people’s yards (and) disrupt their sleep,” Doolittle said. 

There may also be an increase in noise pollution stemming from how people like to chat or listen to music without headphones in. 

“There’s really nothing that we could do outside of a city noise ordinance that would prevent that,” he said.  

Other matters for the trail include questions about turning parts of it into ramps to make it more wheelchair or bike friendly.  

“The trail and all direct connections to the trail will be ADA (American disability Act) compliant,” Doolittle said.  

Officials may also widen sidewalks from 4 feet to 8 feet to allow for more room.  

While several concerns were brought up, locals did express they thought it was a good idea overall.

Doolittle said he encourages people to reach out to him to provide feedback. He can be reached at: [email protected] 

The comment period ends Sept. 30. 

Clovis City Manager Justin Howalt said the design for the project will be funded by a $256,320 grant that includes a city share of $43,680. 

Total cost for the project is not known and there is no target date for completion.