Press release from the City of Eureka:

The City of Eureka is pleased to update the public on the status of the Bay to Zoo Trail Project. As you may know, the Bay to Zoo Trail has been conceptualized for over 20 years and is a Strategic Visioning Goal for the Eureka City Council. The Trail will link the existing Waterfront Trail to Sequoia Park Zoo, running north/south along Eureka’s sloughs and gulches. In 2023, the City of Eureka was awarded funding for the proposed Bay to Zoo Trail Project with grant funds from Caltrans. We are excited to bring this community project to reality.

The extensive planning necessary for this project has been underway for quite some time. In 2024, The City contracted with GHD to perform environmental impact studies and preliminary engineering, a 30% design set. The project has completed environmental studies, as required by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and CEQA the California Environmental Quality Act. These studies represent the first phase of project work.

The next phase of project work will include furthering the trail design and determining the precise alignment. We will look at elevations along the trail, the types of materials and construction methods, to reach a 65% and then a 100% design set.

Most importantly, this next phase includes conversations with property owners along and adjacent to the trail alignment. Residents within the trail footprint have been contacted by mail and many have responded by phone and email. If you feel you have not received communication, please reach out to the contact information provided below. There are many steps to this process and property owners along the proposed trail are encouraged and invited to be heavily engaged during this phase of work, over the next 9-12 months.

While we believe the Bay to Zoo Trail will be an exciting addition to our region’s trail network, we are aware of the concerns that have been voiced. Our project team is working closely with the Eureka Police Department and the Community Services Department to plan for the resources necessary to patrol and maintain the new trail. We will also use Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques during the design phase.

Visit this link to view the project website, for information on proposed alignment, facts, history, funding and more. Updates will be shared with the public as they become available. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Project Manager, Brittany Powell at bpowell@eurekaca.gov or (707) 441-4127.