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Ventura, Calif. – The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a community bike ride on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., as the City of Ventura celebrates the completion of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project.
The upgrades, funded by a nearly $5 million Caltrans Clean California grant, include new pavement, wayfinding signage, improved accessibility, solar lighting, urban greening, and a new public art mural. These enhancements revitalize 1.8 miles of the highly used trail connecting Ventura to Ojai.
"This project is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable, vibrant community," said Mayor Joe Schroeder. "By enhancing Ventura's active transportation with improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and incorporating public art, we're not just beautifying our city—we're fostering a healthier, more connected, and environmentally conscious Ventura."
A brief ceremony will occur at the new public art mural site on the trail, approximately 800 feet north of Kehala Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bike or walk, as parking is limited. After the ceremony, the trail's improvements can be explored with Bike Ventura County, which will lead a 2.5-mile community ride, ending at the Ventura Bike HUB. Riders can depart at any time during the ride.
The mural, created by local artist Anthony Macri Ortiz ("ANTHO"), was selected by the City's Arts & Culture Commission and highlights the Ventura River’s ecology, environmental restoration efforts, and local plant life in the area.
"Caltrans is proud to partner with the City on its project to improve the Ventura River Trail, which will provide an improved recreation space, connect communities, and encourage residents to walk or ride their bicycles along the Ventura River," said Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts. "I want to thank the City of Ventura for embracing the spirit of the Clean California program by beautifying their community and providing crucial outdoor recreation space for all to enjoy."
The Clean California Program has funded approximately $730 million directly into over 300 different local and regional projects through Local Project Grants, Statewide Beautification Projects, and Regional Transit Projects.
Learn more about this project at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaRiverTrail.
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