A public-proposed trail project balances preservation and visitor safety.
UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Community Workshop
On August 25, 2016, Marin County Parks hosted a community workshop in Mill Valley. Parks staff and community members discussed the proposed Bob Middagh Trail, Horse Hill Trail, and culvert repair projects in Alto Bowl Preserve. A feasibility study presented a range of options for the project.
The August 25, 2016 meeting was followed by a 30-day comment period which closed on September 24, 2016. The MCOSD collected comments from over 400 individuals during that time. The vast majority of the communications focused on the proposed change in use to the Bob Middagh Trail. Approximately 82% of the commenters favored the proposed change.
In fall 2018, the proposal to improve and open the Bob Middagh Trail to bicycle use was approved with design modifications. The change-in-use evaluation process determined that the addition of bicycle use on the Bob Middagh Trail could be accommodated in a safe and sustainable manner, and would not have significant effects to natural or cultural resources if recommended design and management modifications were implemented. The addition of bicycles to the trail provided an important non-paved bicycle route connection for the surrounding community. It was not designed to provide technical riding challenges which could be considered attractions unto themselves. Additional design details, resources surveys, environmental compliance and permitting were conducted prior to implementation of the final project.