SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL & PARKWAY, BIKE TRAIL, AND CORYDON STAGING AREA DEDICATION CEREMONY
On the morning of Saturday, the 14th of June, horse enthusiasts, cyclists, hikers, and involved citizens of the city of Norco gathered for the Santa Ana River Trail & Parkway, Bike Trail, and Corydon Staging Area Dedication Ceremony.
Opening the celebration was Cub Scouts Pack 41 with the Presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna then took the stage and welcomed the audience to Horsetown USA , and thanked those who were instrumental in completing the trails. Hanna proceeded to acknowledge several organizations and local leaders for their contributions, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California State Assemblyman Eric Linder, the Historic Preservation Commission, Norco City Council Member Greg Newton, the Norco Area Chamber of Commerce, the Norco Horsemen’s Association, the Riverside County Trail Committee, Mayor of the city of Jurupa, Frank Johnston, Corona City Mayor, Karen Spiegel, the city of Norco as a community, and the current Miss Horsetown USA, Destinee Palladino. After thanking these assisting groups, Hanna noted, “Today we dedicate the Santa Ana River Trail & Parkway with the idea that this is a community working together, and we can accomplish anything.” Eugene Montanez of the Corona City Council and California Assemblyman Eric Linder proceeded to award the Norco City Council for their volunteer efforts in making the trail system possible. After a blessing given by Eagle Scout Jonathan Kahan, Brian K Petree, Norco Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, & Community Services, stated that the project has successfully brought together the three counties of San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside, “from the bridges, to the mountains, to the ocean.” The main goals of the Santa Ana River Trail, as listed on the city website, were to provide a direct route between existing reaches of the regional trail, provide separate trail facilities for bicyclists and equestrians/pedestrians, connect to neighborhoods and other trails, meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards where feasible, minimize environmental impacts, and to remain safe, affordable, and scenic. County of Riverside District Supervisor John Tavaglione, the Norco Animal Rescue Team, the Lake Norconian Foundation, Linda Dixon, Rose and Bill Green, ValleyCrest Landscape, and Waste Management were also thanked for their efforts in the project. |