FOLSOM, Calif. — The city of Folsom is asking residents to make any contributions they wish to an interactive river district map ahead of its planning deadline next month.
Folsom houses over six miles of the land next to the American River at Lake Natoma, and citizens can weigh in on what access, recreation and economic ventures they want to fill that land with provided they do so by Jan. 17, 2024, according to the city’s newsletter.
The areas of most importance are those bound by Folsom-Auburn Road, Greenback Lane and Folsom Boulevard, the city said.
The community map platform allows users to place likes, comments, notes and ideas on the map on the exact location they want them recorded. The city said it will document and use this community input in the master plan process.
Users can comment in five categories: parks and recreation, trails and access, economic opportunity, community gathering and “other comments.” Here is the following residential input already placed on the map as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday:
Parks and recreation
- In an area north of the Willow Creek Recreation Area, one user commented they want turf instead of dirt and mud.
- In an area west of Glenn Drive, one user commented they want the land to be protected as a large, open space. In the same area, another uses expressed desire for expanded dirt trails for bikes and kiosks explaining Folsom’s rich mining history.
- In an area north of Lakeside Memorial lawn Cemetery, a user requested a waste management truck storage be moved and the area transformed into a park.
- At Black Miners Bar, someone requested more public camping and more water access.
- Someone requested Lake Natoma have more fish plantings to make it “more of a fishing hotspot.”
- A user requested a Lake Natoma bank across the waterway from Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park add playground equipment.
- Another user requested a stretch of land near Rodeo Park to have more picnic-like amenities.
Trails and Access
- In an area west of Lakeside Memorial lawn Cemetery, someone requested the city make water access more friendly to carrying water craft such as kayaks or paddle boards.
- One user requested a set of stairs be added between the boat launch area and the upper parking lot at Black Miners Bar.
- One user’s input suggested continuing a trail across a property just northeast of Lake Natoma Inn to connect near Rainbow Bridge instead of “forcing” trail users along Riley Street.
- Another user said a continuation of the bike trail on the south side of the river between Lake Natoma Crossing and the Rainbow Bridge would be nice.
- One user said the city should include plenty of space for walker-only trails because “bikes have taken over everything."
- Someone requested the city construct an improved trail under Rainbow Bridge to connect users to the Walker Bridge, or Historic Truss Bridge, without needing to cross the busy Greenback Lane and Riley Street. There are numerous comments about paving new trails and connectors so pedestrians, including students walking to school, will be safe.
Economic opportunity
- In an area north of Parkshore Drive, one user wanted shops and restaurants connected to Historic Folsom. In a demonstration of public discourse, this comment was met with 0 likes and 11 dislikes.
- One user expressed a desire for a boutique hotel north of Lakeside.
- Across Lake Natoma from Black Miners Bar, one user suggested the city create a river walk with restaurants and community shops.
- Another user suggested the city merge properties on Leidesdorff Street and design that combined parcel to complement Scott’s Seafood Roundhouse building.
Community gathering
- A user suggested an orchard southwest of Glenn Drive be revitalized and provided with community access.
Other comments
- One user expressed desire for the city to adjust the timing of signals at the intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Natoma Street to be consistent with Sacramento Regional Transit light rail gate closures.
- Another requested the city preserve the entire state park area north of the river.
“Our waterfront areas are underutilized, and access is limited and poorly identified. But this can change,” the city said in a statement on their website. “Folsom grew around the river, and in many cases, pushed the river into backyard areas of the community.”
The city said federal and state properties comprise more than 75% of the land within the river district, so it must work closely with California State Parks and the Bureau of Reclamation while fulfilling any recommendations.
Plan history
The creation of a river district plan was recommended in the Folsom’s 2035 general plan. According to the city, Its key objectives include:
- Increasing public access to the river and lake
- Increasing recreation opportunities
- Increasing economic development opportunities
- Committing to high-quality design
- Enhancing Folsom's heritage
- Celebrating and protecting our environmental, cultural and historical resources
- Recognizing city gateway opportunities
- Integrating old and new areas of the city
The plan is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act funds after council approved it so in April 2022.
On Jan. 24, 2023, the Folsom City Council directed the creation of an 24-member advisory committee made up of stakeholder organizations and businesses within the district, residents, land managers and resource representatives to make recommendations, the city said.
