By KITTY CONNOLLY
Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is more than thrilled to announce that the linking boardwalk is open to the public. This walkway, which blends seamlessly with the existing boardwalk, links the Ranch’s two most popular trails. Instead of walking a sometimes muddy and always steep path, people can now safely take a loop trail to view the coast.
The idea for a boardwalk linking the Bluff and Marine Terrace trails has been around for years, but in August 2020, the FFRP board of directors made completing it a goal for the 25th anniversary of the Ranch. After several years of planning, construction began August 6 and wrapped up on October 11.
By zigzagging, the boardwalk keeps its incline low while navigating the slope. Its six feet width, wheel stops along its length, and several turnouts all provide comfort and safety for all users. Where needed, a handrail prevents falls but soon the coyote brush will grow back along the top segment, concealing the railing.
The boardwalk is a public/private partnership between FFRP and the Cambria Community Services District. Support for boardwalk came entirely from private donations to FFRP. No public funds were used. Very generous bequests from Russell Wiggins and Thomas Ridley funded construction while Richard Lee, Shirley Paulson-Lee, Loree Parral, and Walt Andrus got the project started with planning support. FFRP will hand the boardwalk over to CCSD as a permanent community asset and a mark of FFRP’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the Ranch.
FFRP will be dedicating the boardwalk on Saturday, October 26, at 10 a.m. FFRP’s board is excited to share this new feature with the community and to honor the vision and commitment of those who made it possible. The ceremony will include a ribbon cutting, a brief program highlighting the project’s impact, and an opportunity to explore the boardwalk and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape.
To support future upkeep, FFRP is offering dedications on bronze plaques along the boardwalk wheel stops. Proceeds from these dedications go into an endowment for public access and trail maintenance. Dedications can be made through FFRP’s website at: fiscaliniranchpreserve.org/support. More than 100 dedications have already been made.
