Tahoe City Lakeside Trail to open

After 25 years of perseverance, dedication, partnership, and collaboration the remarkable Tahoe City Lakeside Trail will be completed on June 21, 2012. The Trail is a parkway, winding through public and private properties to provide the “missing link” in the largest trail network at Lake Tahoe. The existing nineteen mile trail system was missing this key one mile segment through Tahoe City, forcing hundreds of thousands of trail users onto the State Highway through the town.

First envisioned in the 1980’s, funding was secured in the 1990’s to begin design and permitting. Despite its short length, this missing link has been incredibly challenging to design and build because of its unique waterfront location. Much more than a “trail”, the project has become a linear parkway with overlooks, plazas, picnic areas, seat walls, and environmental restoration. It connects the North Shore Trail, West Shore Trail, and the Truckee River Trail with a safe, and separate trail through Tahoe City.

A lakefront/riverfront connection was problematic from the start, wrought with environmental and property ownership concerns. After years of meetings with property owners, regulatory agencies, and funding partners, the “lakeside” alternative was ultimately approved. Due to property owner coordination issues and funding availability, the project required multiple phases of construction. The first phase was completed in 2001 and the final phase will be complete this June.

The spectacular trail runs along the water’s edge in Tahoe City and offers unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River. California State Parks, the United States Forest Service, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, Placer County, and many commercial property owners served as partners in the project by working with TCPUD to modify their property to ensure the construction of the trail.

On June 21, 2012, TCPUD, Jake’s on the Lake, Auerbach Engineering, and Landesign, will host an official Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony to celebrate this monumental accomplishment. The event begins at 2pm and will be held at Jake’s on the Lake, located in the Boatworks Mall.

On Sunday, June 24th, the Lakeside Trail festivities continue with a “Let’s Get Linked” Celebration at 1pm. A human link one mile long with over 1,000 people will be created and captured through video and aerial photography. A free concert on the beach concludes the weekend.

The Lakeside Trail Grand Opening kicks off a great weekend filled with many events taking place in Tahoe City as part of the Tahoe City Solstice Festival and Adventure Sports Week. It’s a great time to stay and play in Tahoe City. When the Grand Opening ends, stroll downtown Tahoe City and check out the Annual Solstice Stroll Classic Car Show. Later that night, enjoy a movie in the park hosted by Big Blue Adventures. On Saturday enjoy the Wine, Walk and Shop event hosted by the TCDA.

—Tahoe PUD