The Clovis Old Town Trail

The Clovis Old Town Trail is part of a 13 mile pedestrian and bike path that will complement the regional transportation system of the Cities of Clovis and Fresno. This "Rails to Trail project resulted from the abandonment of the Southern Pacific Railroad spur line which historically served the Clovis, Pinedale and Millerton areas.  In 1995, the Federal Surface Transportation Board approved a Notice of Abandonment; under this decision, the City of Clovis was authorized to negotiate an interim rail backing agreement with the railroad. In December of 1997, the cities purchased the Clovis Old Town and Fresno Sugar Pine Trail right of way from the Union Pacific Railroad for $3.5 million dollars.

Rails to Trails

The Clovis Old Town Trail is the first "Rails to Trail" conversion in the Central Valley and is a shining example of innovative design and construction.  In fact, the speed and efficiency with which the trail was developed and completed has become an example used by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a Federal program based in Washington D.C.  Joshua Hart, Project Coordinator, has said, "The story of the Fresno‑Clovis Trail project will continue to be an inspiration to trail enthusiasts for years to come."  Furthermore, the Clovis Old Town Trail has received numerous awards, including a California Trail Project Merit Award and an APA California Central Section Planning Project Award

Volunteer Effort

One of the more impressive feats associated with the trail took place on May 6, 2000 when over three thousand volunteers from Clovis, Fresno, and the County turned out to plant thousands of 15-gallon trees along the trail. The planning and coordination of this event required considerable time and effort, and detailed organization was necessary to mobilize the massive volunteer force.  In the end, however, the community succeeded in planting over 4,500 trees, establishing a Guinness World Record for most trees planted in an urban setting in one day. Not only did the residents create a visually appealing trail, they increased the quality of user experience by building community pride in the work they came together to provide.  Now the people of Clovis and Fresno use the trail and enjoy the trees they helped to plant.

By including local residents in the landscaping of the trail, the project saved an estimated $25.00 per tree on planting costs.  This volunteer labor force saved the venture a total of approximately $120,000.00.  By finding ways to save money on implementation costs, the City is able to provide more amenities such as this trail.

The community has begun regularly using the Clovis Old Town Trail, and civic pride in the project is high.  The people have rallied together to support the establishment of this trail and the City has taken bold steps in its goal to promote alternative modes of transportation.  Few projects are able to provide for civic needs and community wants in such a positive way; the Clovis Old Town Trail truly represents excellence in transportation.