Connecting Communities: Highlights from the CA Trails & Greenways Conference
Mark Thomas team members joined regional leaders to showcase how Class I trails are transforming community connectivity and access to green spaces across California.
We had a fantastic time at the California Trails & Greenways Conference in Pomona! Our very own Taishiro Goto joined forces with Paul Martin from the City of Costa Mesa and Grace Blakeslee from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to present on the transformative power of Class I off-street shared-use trails. They highlighted iconic projects like the Tracks at Brea Western Extension, the OC Loop, and the Santa Cruz Coastal Trail, showcasing how these trails enhance community connectivity by providing safe, accessible routes for walking, running, and biking.
The session also explored innovative elements that make these trails more than just pathways, such as incorporating public art, educational signage, and scenic viewpoints that enrich the user experience. Attendees engaged in a lively discussion around funding strategies, including grants and partnerships, that have been instrumental in bringing these projects to life.
We want to thank everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation about the future of trail design and its role in creating vibrant, connected communities. Looking forward to continuing this important work and seeing these green spaces flourish across California!
