There are many improvement opportunities in the Folsom South Canal area. The maps below illustrate existing conditions and constraints, and a number of these opportunities.
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1 |
The public fishing area on the American River at the base of Nimbus Dam has problems associated with crime. Current proposals would disallow fishing within 200 feet downstream of the dam. |
2 |
The fish weir and ladder may be relocated. |
3 |
There is inadequate bike parking at the hatchery. |
4 |
The Bureau of Reclamation has a 19-acre site (just to the southwest of the Nimbus Hatchery and to the east of a Fish and Game facility) that may be available for new uses. |
5 |
A tunnel at the end of the industrial park provides bike and pedestrian access as well as maintenance vehicle
access under Hwy 50. |
6 |
The industrial park tenants (approx. 2000 employees) do not currently have any orientation or convenient access to the Folsom South Canal Trail. |
7 |
Off-site, overflow parking for special events is available by arrangement at the industrial park on Foundation Place |
8 |
A new 6-story residential tower is proposed at the intersection with Hazel Ave. |
9 |
The intersection of the park entrance station and the bike crossing is dangerous. |
10 |
The American River Parkway bike path currently crosses over the canal in the vicinity of the headworks. This route is currently closed to motor vehicles except for maintenance vehicles since security of the headworks is a concern. |
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A |
Light rail connection at Nimbus Dam Rd. |
B |
Multiuse bridge (pedestrian / bike) from Aquatic Center across Highway 50. |
C |
Hazel Ave. widening project may allow for a white water sporting area in the current location of the diverter and fish ladder on the American River. |
D |
Safe, convenient and simplified off-road connection from Nimbus Fish Hatchery to the fish ladder, Aquatic Center, Nimbus Flat State Park as well as American River Parkway and Folsom South Canal. |
E |
Enhanced vehicular entrance at Gold Country Blvd. / Nimbus Dam Rd. with better signage. |
F |
Improved U-turn capabilities along Hazel Avenue (at Gold Country Road intersection to the north and at Folsom Blvd. to the south). |
G |
A new multi-agency visitor / interpretive center that highlights important area features such as water, power, mining, and the hatchery would be a highly desirable visitor and educational destination point. |
H |
State Park’s General Plan shows a visitor center in the area (on the north side of the American River at an overlook). However, there are many successful examples of multiagency visitor centers, which would make the option of a new visitor center in another location (and with other partners) viable. |
I |
Connecting the hatchery to a relocated fish ladder could be accomplished with a pedestrian/bicycle overcrossing at Hazel Avenue or a new tunnel under it. |
J |
Although this use is currently prohibited under Bureau of Reclamation ownership, a floating bike trail under Hazel Avenue could connect the Aquatic Center to Folsom South Canal Trail. |
K |
Another bridge between the headworks and Hazel Avenue could provide a new, consolidated entry for the Aquatic Center, Nimbus Flat State Park, and a visitor center/trailhead for Folsom South Canal in the location of the current Park and Ride Lot. An advantage of this location for a visitor center would be the possibility of providing a demonstration of hydroelectric power at the headworks. Additional parking to serve the entire area could also be provided. |
L |
Investigate the possibility of providing a hanging multiuse bridge under the
Hazel Avenue bridge across the American River to provide a safe, off-road
pedestrian/bicycle connection to the north. |
M |
Investigate the possibility of a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge or tunnel at Hazel Ave and Gold Country Blvd. |
N |
Investigate the possibility of redesigning the westbound off-ramp to accommodate better access to recreation destinations in this area. |
O |
Investigate the possibility of providing secured access to both sides of the canal at several locations. |
P |
Investigate the possibility of providing pedestrian/bike access to the trail from Gold Country Blvd. near the intersection of Blue Ledge Drive. |
Q |
Amenities such as a water feature or gardens on the south side of the canal in the vicinity of the industrial park would benefit trail users and neighbors as well. |
R |
Improving the tunnel undercrossing would benefit trail users by providing a safer and more pleasant experience as well as providing a more usable maintenance route. The new Putah Creek tunnel is a good example for potential design solutions. |
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