Busy Santa Maria walkway to receive new safety upgrades and recreational features
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- An upcoming multi-million dollar project will transform a busy walkway in central Santa Maria, providing new safety and recreational features, as well as beautification enhancements.
Caltrans has announced the awarding of a $2.5 million grant towards the Battles Road Green Corridor Rehabilitation and Beautification Project.
The project will be on a 1.1 mile stretch of the highly-used roadway, on Battles Road, from College Drive to Depot Street.
"This is an area that could use a little TLC," said Mark van de Kamp, Santa Maria Public Information Manager. "We are always looking for opportunities. Recreation and Parks put in for the grant and we're thrilled that we were awarded these funds. This is another way the city can improve the quality of living for that neighborhood and everyone that uses that path."
It will provide additional lighting, a walking path, local artwork, drought-tolerant landscaping, and other new features.
The current pathway is underlit, frequently littered with trash, and lacks any type of recreational amenities.
"The idea of getting some of the trash involved in here and if there's anyway of sprucing up the area, why not?" said Larry Dolan, who lives nearby and frequently uses the walkway. "If it's safer and better and nicer, why not? It would be great!"
According to Caltrans the project will cost nearly $2.9 million, and will include a number of upgrades, including: repaving the existing bike path and installing a new meandering pedestrian path the length of the corridor, permeable surfaced “bump outs” for activity areas, outdoor fitness equipment, trash receptacles, shade structures and seating, native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping (with interpretive educational signage), bioswales, art murals and sculptures, solar-powered pedestrian lighting, and a vegetated privacy wall where the project directly abuts residences.
"We really believe this will encourage people to utilize this pathway," said van de Kamp. "It's right in the center of Santa Maria. It should be more heavily used. It's a great way to get out and get some recreation, to feel good about moving around, and it gets you where you need to go."
The grant is part of the state's $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, which is intended to beautify and revitalize public spaces across the California.
The Battles Road grant was just one of 126 projects statewide recently announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom, totalling nearly $312 million.
According to the Governor's office, 98 percent of the projects will benefit historically underserved or excluded communities.
“With Clean California projects transforming more and more sites across the state, we’re taking the next step to create enriching public spaces that serve the needs of our diverse communities and that all of us can take pride in – starting in the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Gov. Newsom in a statement. “Working together, the state and local governments are advancing unique beautification projects that will make a positive impact for years to come.”
The project is set to proceed will be able to proceed with City Council approval, and a local match of about $358,000.
Van de Kamp added it could begin as soon towards the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023.
