A 20-mile public walkway along the San Benito River came a step closer to reality this month when supervisors selected a plan to move ahead with landscaping and designing the first phase of the project, as well as a regional park. The conceptual design of the proposed River Parkway would stretch from Bolado Park to Anzar High School and allow for public access to walking, hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The River Parkway portion supported sits between Fourth Street and Hospital Road and will be connected to a new regional park.
In addition to approving the conceptual design, supervisors received a report and data analysis from a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a Community Services District for Parks, Recreation and Library Services that would fund the project. The data came from a recent public opinion survey conducted by an independent firm that assesses voter support for such measures.
"The survey results indicate that a majority of the voters in San Benito County are willing to pay a tax to support parks, recreation and library services," according to the summary report prepared for supervisors. "The community values the educational, technical, and cultural benefits that it receives from its libraries and the health benefits of its parks for all factions of the population: youth, adults, and seniors." In order for a Community Services District to be formed, however, residents would need to approved it by a "super majority", or 2/3 voter approval.