Fresno’s new slogan should be this: Go take a hike along the river | Opinion
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fresno lacks public access to the San Joaquin River despite growing nearby.
- Western cities showcase rivers with parks, paths, and cultural attractions.
- A planned parkway aims to restore river access and boost local engagement.
In 1871 Leland Stanford spied a lush wheat field on dry prairie in the central San Joaquin Valley. “Wonderful! Here we must build the town,” Stanford is quoted as saying.
Thus was Fresno born, a city that became a stop for Stanford’s Central Pacific Railroad.
Locating Fresno where he did worked out for Stanford — the railroad prospered and he became rich.
But starting the city in that spot meant Fresno would miss out on having the San Joaquin River flow through the heart of the town.
Over the years that followed Fresno would grow north toward the river, and eventually neighborhoods would be built atop the bluffs overlooking the waterway.
But most of that land is privately held, so there is almost no public access. As a result, many — dare I say, most — Fresnans have no idea that they live next to California’s second-longest river. For them, the San Joaquin remains unknown and unseen, save for quick glances when driving over it on Highways 99 and 41.
Having the San Joaquin out of sight and mind is one of Fresno’s tragic realities.
River parkways abound in the West
That might seem like so much hype and hand-wringing.
But consider how many great American cities have waterways as defining features. New York and Boston both have rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, for example.
Here in the West, one can simply scan the map to see other cities with natural water features:
▪ Sacramento has its namesake river plus the American River flowing through it.
▪ The Bay Area is defined by the giant bay into which the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta empties.
▪ Portland, Oregon has the mighty Columbia and the Willamette rivers.
▪ Seattle is aside the Puget Sound and has the Green-Duwamish River.
▪ Boise has its namesake river flowing through the downtown.
▪ Denver features the South Platte River.
▪ Salt Lake City has the Jordan River and City Creek.
▪ Even Reno, with about half the population of Fresno, boasts the Truckee River, which drains Lake Tahoe and flows east out of California into Nevada.
These cities feature extensive paths along their rivers for runners, cyclists and walkers. They have sports fields and picnic areas. There are river walks with restaurants, art galleries and shops, amphitheaters and other outdoor venues.
In Sacramento, the 32-mile-long American River Parkway attracts millions of visitors each year through various outdoor activities, including concerts at Discovery Park. Tourists spend dollars at local hotels, restaurants and stores.
Before I moved to Fresno more than a decade ago, I lived in San Luis Obispo. It has the namesake creek flowing through the heart of its downtown. Even in drought years, that creek maintained its flow. The city’s historic mission is alongside one stretch of the waterway. So are shops and restaurants. Downtown is popular with tourists and locals alike, and the creek is a key reason why.
It is a shame Fresno misses out on these kinds of opportunities. But hopefully that will change soon.
Make the San Joaquin River real in Fresno
The San Joaquin River Conservancy is a state agency whose mission is to create a 22-mile-long parkway in the floodplain, from Friant Dam northeast of Fresno to Highway 99. The river is to be kept in a natural state, but a trail would be constructed and access points would be made along the river. Work on creating the parkway is ongoing, but slow.
Others, like developer Cliff Tutelian, sees the potential for business that complements the parkway plan. Monies raised could pay for maintenance and security, he told Bee staff writer Erik Galicia.
He reported how Tutelian envisions horse riding activities, snack stands and a concrete walkway with small cafes along the water. “You’re not going to destroy the environment,” Tutelian told Galicia. “The goal is to have a good environmental balance where they can coexist.”
Fresno’s leadership will need to be committed to such a vision. There are many competing priorities: the current budget is challenging to balance, new housing is badly needed, poverty is widespread and crime is a constant concern.
It is time, however, for the San Joaquin River to be a more recognized fact of life in Fresno. City leaders, if you want new energy in Fresno, prioritize the river and its opportunities.
