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Tolay Up Date 3-6-2008
Tolay Passes Board Of Supervisors
On December 16th, 2008 the Board of Supervisors approved the Interim Access for Tolay Regional Park.
Now the bad news, on January 2, 2009 there was a law suit filed by one of the neighbors, so everything is on hold for now.
When the park does open under the Interim Access there will be two schedules of access for the length of the Interim period which could last as long as 5 years until the Master Plan is completed. Summer Use and Winter Use. Winter Use will be set by conditions not calendar. Under Summer use Hikers, Bikers and Equestrians will be allowed access 3 days a week. Right now the 3 days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Winter use will be limited mainly to hikers. Which is necessary, we all know what that adobe ground is like in wet conditions. Special Events such as the Pumpkin Festival will be closed to permit use to limit the impact to the park.
I would also stress the importance during the Interim Period that Equestrians car pool as much as possible to lessen the traffic and impact on Cannon Lane and space in the parking lot. There will be improvements to Cannon Lane with the Master Plan. Here is a short, general summary of the Tolay Interim Access Plan.
1. Number of People Covered by a Permit Holder: Each permit holder can cover three non-permitted people for a total of four people per permit. The group doesn't have to be limited to one vehicle. If an organization is planning an event, such as an equestrian ride, they will notify Regional Parks if twelve or more individuals will be attending.
For large groups who will want to reserve the group picnic area, Regional Parks will have a special Orientation for these groups at the beginning of their reservation time instead of making a certain number of them attend a regularly scheduled orientation. To have a truly equitable system, even the picnicker need to participate in the orientation program because, quite frankly, we won't be able to control their movement within Tolay once they're there.
2. Orientation Program. The Orientation be approximately one hour followed by a one hour hike. The Orientation and associated hike be on-foot only, no horses or bicycles and that the permits be available for distribution at the end of the Orientation; and that the permits be renewed annually. Annual renewal would be a paperwork exercise, not requiring annual orientation.
There will be no warning about following the rules or staying on the designated trails. Any violation will result in the loss of your permit.
This is still a few months away, so check back for posting of starting date of Orientations and Park Opening Date.
If you have any questions or input, feel free to contact me.
Dan Horn
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