Melvin “Cappy” Mckinney is honored with a local memorial trail

photo credit – northcoastjournal.com

Article updated with the new memorial trail sign installed (seen below). Thank you to Humboldt BayKeeper for sharing the image on HBK facebook page.

photo credit – humboldtbaykeeper.org

Earlier in the year the City of Eureka, CA received a request to re-name the Elk River Loop trail. The request asked for the trail to be re-named the Melvin “Cappy” McKinney Memorial loop trail. Recently both the Eureka open space parks and recreation commission, as well as the planning commission – voted to approve this request.

At the August 5th Eureka City Council meeting, council unanimously voted to approve this request, to make it official. See the council video clip of this agenda item here.

A few life facts about Melvin –

• born September 27th, 1933 in Mountain Lake, MN 
• passed away June 7th, 2013 in Eureka, CA
• served in the US Navy
• worked as an electrical worker for many years, and proud union member

After retiring Melvin was a passionate environmental advocate in the Eureka/Humboldt Bay region. His primary passion was the Elk River area, which was the driving force to honor this trail in his name.  Melvin was a strong advocate behind the Elk River wildlife area , being upgraded to a sanctuary in 2003.  Melvin was very active in speaking at Eureka City Council meetings, educating citizens and government entities alike.

At the Aug 5th council meeting, many citizens and environmental groups spoke publicly in favor to approve this request.  One example of this was Larry Glass, President of the NorthCoast Environmental Center – sharing support on behalf of the NEC for this request. Larry said “I miss Mel, he was a good friend of mine, great guy, and worked tirelessly to protect this area”.  In Aug of 2013, after Mel’s passing the NEC contributed an article to highlight the wonderful legacy of Mel on the NorthCoast.

Where is the memorial trail located ?

The Melvin “Cappy” McKinney Memorial loop trail in located mid-way on the Hikshari trail in Eureka, CA.  You can find more general info about the Hikshari trail on TrailLink.com, which includes a map, access points, etc.  The Hikshari trail is paved, and the Melvin Mckinney trail is a gravel surface.  The memorial trail is a semi loop with two access points along the Hikshari trail.  A beautiful segment of trail that is a wonderful place to reflect on Mel as you move about the Elk River area.  Parking is an option for both automobiles, and secure bicycle parking at the mid-way right by the memorial trail.  As seen in the TrailLink map, the dotted line on the map highlights the memorial loop.

At the time of this article publication, I have not received word on when an updated trail sign will be installed.

Below are images of the Melvin “Cappy” McKinney Memorial loop trail –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

This sign below is what existed before the new memorial sign was installed –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

 

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

 

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

 

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

 

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

 

I would like to thank Mel for his environmental passions.  I hope that community members will always visit the memorial trail while visiting this area.  Be sure to take a few moments to stop at the bench along the trail, and listen for Mel’s strong presence.  To extend Mel’s passion I’m sure he would love for each of you to engage in council meetings to speak your voice, support local environmental groups, and be active in enjoying the outdoors !

May the voice of Mel live through the rest of us, protecting the Humboldt Bay region for future generations.

Mobility Video Friday – 2/8/14

In nearby Eureka we the multiuser Hikshari trail (It’s been about a year since the grand opening).  It’s been a real success story for Eureka, with more trail coming in the near future. These trails area focused to have waterfront access.  This video below shares some of the story of the welcoming Hikshari trail.

Sharing multi use trails

Sharing multi use trails such as the Hammond trail, Hikshari, Elk River can be a wonderful experience.  It can be a challenge sometimes during the summer time when more users are more active.  Users can consist of many different modes of mobility, which can also make it more challenging.  Here are some etiquette rules to keep in mind to have a safe, and enjoyable experience..

Be mindful if the trail has posted hours of operation –

Note if a gate is in the parking lot that may make it difficult for you to leave after hours.  If these signs exist it is usually meant to keep your safety in mind.  So it is best to obey the hours of operation.
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Keep right, unless you need to pass –

Always stay to the right side of the path, except when passing others.
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Share the trail –

Be respectful of all transportation mode users, and remember we all have different skill levels.
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Use lights when it is dark –

California vehicle code requires a front white light, and a rear red light or reflector for bicycle riders. Having some sort of ankle reflector is also a good idea.  Consider reflective tape on your bike frame is a great added touch.  If you’re a pedestrian consider a flashlight, or some reflective gear.
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Use audible warning when approaching users from behind –

Using a bike bell, or your voice helps make others aware of your approaching.
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Keep dogs under control –

It is a very good practice to use a leash on these shared paths.  Please scoop the poop as the need arises!
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Do not block the trail –

Sometimes you can get caught up in conversations.  Please be mindful of keeping the path clear, so others can continue on the trail without obstruction.
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Use safe speeds at all times –

Reduce your speed on these shared corridors to be more respectful of each others space.
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Obey all road and trail signs –

Signs are for your safety!
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Do not leave trash on the trail –

Please keep our trails beautiful, and clean.  Use a trash can, or pack out the trash with you.

Following these rules should make for happy trail users !  Enjoy the trails !

 

 

 

 

 

 

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* your help is needed – Please help stop Rand Paul from cutting bike/ped funding – action request

Humboldt Trails Council and Future Eureka Waterfront Trail Projects

2/23/13 update : under Miles Slattery comments, I had written a typo of 1oth St instead of Tydd St.  I deeply apologize for this typo, and it’s been corrected.  Thank you to RCAA for bringing this to my attention.

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On February 9th, 2013 I did a ride along, with Humboldt Trails Council’s – Second Ships to Shores benefit ride.  This particular ride featured speakers that would explain future developments of the Eureka waterfront trails projects.   The included speakers were Miles Slattery whom is deputy director of Eureka public works, and Merrit Perry HTC board member.

Kevin Wright speaking to group before leaving the Gazebo in Eureka.

Here comes the gang heading north through Old Town.

One way to find out about these types of events is by visiting HTC on Facebook.  Folks started to show up for this event around 2pm, and the tour began just before 2:30.  To give a little background years ago Eureka created a trails committee that envisioned a 6.5 mile waterfront trail – spanning from southern Eureka up to the Target store area.  As many of you know recently the Hikshari Elk River access trail was just completed on the southern end.

The Hikshari Trail ends at Pound road to the south, and Truesdale road to the north. This includes a total of 1.5 miles of constructed multi user paved trail.  This project received funding from PG+E, California River Parkways, and Coastal Conservancy.

The HTC second ships to shore ride covered what was left in the remaining segments of the coastal trail.  Our first stop on the bicycle tour was 1st and C streets, and Miles Slattery discussed the overall project.  Below I have listed the power points of his presentation of what was left to complete this project in full.

• Next section of trail connecting with Truelsdale would be Palco marsh, and Del Norte.  Currently 1.2 million dollars is ready for this project area – with most of money set aside for construction, and some for planning.  Much of the environmental work has already been completed for this project area.  So the 1.2 million dollars can be used to complete the plans, and construct trail.
• To continue into the next project area would be Del Norte to C street.  75% of the plans for this segment have already been completed, including the environmental work.  The boardwalk begins at C street so this section above will tie into the current south end of boardwalk.
• Miles went on to say “city of Eureka just received a 90,000 dollars for the waterfront drive extension”.  This is the next section that should begin construction, and CEQA is completed.
  

  north end of current boardwalk, and location of G and R metals

• North end of boardwalk ends at G and R metals.  G and R metals site was just cleaned up, and city needs to negotiate purchasing  this property.  The city envisions this property to have trail, parking lot, and a park area.  This would connect boardwalk down to Adorni center.
• The city has funding set for the Waterfront connection, which is H street to Adorni center.
• The last part of the trail would be Halverson park to behind the Target store.  This last section has city council approval for 100,000 dollars to get design, and environmental work completed.
• The city wants to continue a connection across the Highway 101, and over to 10th St Tydd street(near intersection of Myrtle, West, and V streets).  This will allow Myrtletown to have easy access to the coastal trail.
• Every section of the trail has funding except for Halverson to 10th St Tydd street.
• It’s anticipated more trail construction will continue in summer of 2014.

Jen riding with her dog!

The second, and last stop on the future trail tour was behind the Target store.  This time Merritt Perry spoke mostly of how the rail line north of the city could tie in with the Waterfront trail.  Below you can read some of Merritt’s power points in his presentation.

• RCAA helped tremendously with Waterfront trail funding, and conceptual plans.
• a lot of momentum came up recently from the Bay trail advocates.
• determined railbanking was not allowed with NCRA – rail with trail policy only.
• Merritt(through his employer, Winzler and Kelly) did work recently for Humboldt County, to see how rail with trail would tie in with the Arcata project areas.
• So the most important rail line to look at first will be Eureka, X street to Bracut.  As this will be a highly used commuter path for many users, and more Bay side access.
• Initial cost estimate from X street to Bracut was 8 million.

The challenge agencies are looking at now is how to best reduce the cost.  The NCRA is considering partial use of corridor for a certain set amount of time.  This will help reduce cost, and reduce the need to spend large amounts of money all at once.  This example would be helpful for the Eureka slough bridge allowing us to use the rail line rather than building an expensive structure to the side of the bridge.

Eureka slough bridge

During construction many agencies shall be involved.  An important element before construction begins is to find funding for maintenance, and operation costs.  Define what responsibilities, and roles for each agency.  Merritt wrapped  things up with stating how important this was to our economy, and vital this project was to offering other forms of transportation/recreation.  These trails will also help to build a more healthy community offering more opportunity for folks to get out, and be active with a larger trails network.

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In closing it seems as though we are slowly closing in on the works of a regional trail system along our coast.  Don’t forget the Annie and Mary trail is also slowly moving forward!  So we should all be excited, and take part however you can to help make these projects a success. 

A closer look at Hikshari Trail (Elk River Access Area), and an upcoming waterfront trail event reminder

I thought that it would be fun to share with our readers some pics, and my thoughts after riding the trail.  For those not familiar this is a brand new paved trail in Eureka, CA and found just south of the Bayshore Mall.

My day started out in Arcata, and I choose to do a bike/bus transit trip to Eureka.  Getting off at the first stop in Eureka – I headed directly for the Old Town area, and my first stop was lunch at Los Bagels(conveniently locking my bike at the rack out front of Los Bagels).  

After taking care of my tummy it was time to head towards Palco marsh, and traveled behind the Bayshore Mall to heads towards the trail.

The first thing I noticed at the Truelsdale Vista Point was a full parking lot of cars. This was on a very sunny nice winter Friday afternoon.  So it was clear that I was not the only one planning to enjoy the new trail on a beautiful afternoon day!

More thoughts on the Truelsdale Vista Point – This is a nice area along the water front!  A nice kiosk board with various information about the trail, and general area.  Picnic tables for folks to enjoy before, or after using the trail – although a great spot just to come sit and relax.  Seen in the pic below to the left a few mothers, and their children had just returned from a walk along the trail – the children(and dog) were all really enjoying the water and rocks along edge.  If your with your bike you have access to parking racks if you choose to leave your bike behind to walk away from the trail to let’s say visit the nearby restaurant.  At the start of your trail visit be sure to check out the great kiosk board telling you about the trail, and general area.

 

Heading south now along the trail I just rode my bicycle along slowly, and enjoyed the wonderful day outside.  Very nice views of the waterfront to enjoy, and take in to help relax your mind (as you can see below).  I rode about 1.5 miles each way on this trail, and it was v

The trail was very active this sunny weekday afternoon, and you could tell everyone was on high spirits along this new trail.  I saw a rainbow of trail users of bikers, runners, walkers, roller skaters, strollers, mothers, children, fathers, middle-aged, young at heart, and we can’t forget the doggies leashed with their owners(good to see folks keeping dogs restrained to not cause problems with other trail users).  So as you can see it is most certainly a popular multi use trail!  It was nice to see the doggie stations with baggies placed at various locations along the trail.

The trail had a number of parking lots, and bike racks at various locations.  A parking lot at each end of trail – one at Truesldale, and the other at the park and ride (very southern end).  As well some mid way parking lots – One with ample parking(which was 3/4 full when I passed it) and another smaller lot that looked like they were still doing some project work in that area.

During the mid part of the trail you have a nice meandering trail with vegetation all around.  Giving you a very pleasant feeling of being away from town, and offering more of a park like setting.  I found in most areas the trail to have a good width to accommodate many users.  In general I’m not a big fan of multi use trail as sometimes you can come into conflicts with other trail users.  With the hearty widths in most areas I found it an ease to alert other of my approaching on a bicycle to pass by.

I did have one part of the trail I was not that excited about that had a rather narrow right of way(as seen in the picture below).

Now mind you I did not get off my bicycle to measure the width of this part of the trail above.  However with the chain link fence to the right, and the higher curb to the left the trail felt more narrow at this section(this may not have been the case, though).  I was not fond of the old chain link fence, and thought updating it with something more appealing to the eye would be much more pleasant.   Most certainly this is not part of Eureka’s right of way, and likely something they don’t have control over.

I also was a little bothered by the higher curb to the opposite side of the trail – in regards to it physically reducing heavier trail traffic flow.  I suppose I’m most concerned that on days of high trail traffic this will be a “one lane” row for each direction.  Not that this is a problem, but perhaps bike wheels or pedestrians may run into the curb fall/trip.  I would have preferred more of a sidewalk style through this section to allow folks to step down and not have to step over in a high trail traffic situations.  Currently the curb blends in very well with the trail, and road(as all our black).  I’m thinking a good safety improvement could be to paint the curb another color to draw more attention to it of trail users.  In the short term it would be great to see the curb painted another color, and explore some street traffic calming at this portion of the road.  Both items helping to improve things a bit more from a safety standpoint.

Also perhaps even consider some bicycle infrastructure sharing the road to possibly allow, or encourage bikes using the road for this section.  The road next to the trail I’m not familiar with though I assume it is a low volume automobile road.  The trail/road is certainly not designed for this variation at this time, but it is just a thought considering this part of trail as somewhat of a “bottleneck”.  Just feeling like this could be a conflict area with high trail traffic like bicycle handle bars catching chain link fence, or pedestrians tripping on curb(when sharing the trail on a heavy use day).  Alternatively bring more attention at each end of this part of the trail.  Somehow bring more awareness of caution through the constricted stretch of trail.  This part of the trail is my only criticism really, and I understand this is a narrow right of way – with a unique segment here with public road/private property than squeezing the trail in between.  I certainly wonder though if things could be tweaked a bit just to fine tune it a little more before some conflict occurs down the road.

Aside from my thoughts above I thought overall it was an awesome trail, and an excellent job well done.  I’d rate the trail an 8 out of 10 – deducting two points for the tricky section of trail as discussed above.  It is really awesome to see this addition for local residents to enjoy this new segment of trail!  I’d like to really give a big thumbs up to everyone whom participated in making this trail become a reality! I’m also aware of plans that the city has to further expand waterfront trail-ways, and so residents will have even more to look forward to in the future!

Let’s talk about the users of the trail a little more as this is another important element.  As I rode back heading north I interacted with a number of trail users, and all had great things to say about the trail.  I think in general folks are just delighted to have access to the trail, and it was clear everyone was very excited about it.

I finished off the trail ride by having a beer at the Shamus T-bones.  Having spoken with the bartender he was feeling confident more customers were coming in due to the new trail.  This showing economic benefits on more reasons on why these trails play an important role in our communities!

My last thoughts are on a broader scope looking outside the trail project area.  Mostly focusing my comments towards city of Eureka, and although I don’t want to dive in too deep at this time.  I feel it is  important to convey my thoughts for others to explore these ideas as well.  I’m just disappointed with the lack of bicycle infrastructure on city streets.  Having the city put more focus on these waterfront trails I feel the time has come to improve the bike-ability of Eureka.  You can see many people have driven their cars to use the trail.  However I want to see more people riding bikes to the trail, and around town choosing to leave a car at home.  I asked people along the trail if they would be supportive of Eureka adding more bicycle infrastructure, and the message from all was a clear “yes” we support those ideas.  Having a more bike friendly city will draw more bicycle riders to the area.  This will help ease automobile congestion, increase tourism, create a more healthy community by reducing automobile emissions, and just in general make folks more active.

In closing Eureka has many neighborhoods with plenty of options to create a healthy bicycle boulevard network(as one example on how to create an improved bicycle-friendly city).  This network could tie in with trails, Old town, other shopping areas, city parks, etc. Eureka most certainly has real estate options to make this work, and I really want to encourage our residents to open up this conversation with Eureka .  Don’t be afraid to talk with city employees, city council, transportation safety committee, advocacy groups, and your neighbors to make this become a reality.  The residents of the area deserve to help in creating more live-able streets!  When will the city realize this is in the best interest of the community?
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Related article – on Hikshari trail from RCAA
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Upcoming  bicycle event on future waterfront trails in Eureka –

Humboldt Trails Council will be hosting a bicycle ride event on Saturday February 9, 2013.  This time they will be riding around downtown Eureka and discussing the Eureka Waterfront Trail Development Project with Host’s Merritt Perry, HTC Board Member and Miles Slattery from the City of Eureka before ending up at the NEW Sirens Song Tavern for Drinks and H’orderves!

Visit Humboldt Trails Council website, or on the facebook event page.
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Highlighted articles –

Learn about future Eureka waterfront trail expansion.

Visit my post about the Hammond Trail

Check out pictures of the high profile rail line on Eureka/Arcata safety corridor

Learn about the bike kitchen in Eureka, CA