Friends of Sausal Creek

by Check out the Plans for Peralta Creek

By Charlotte Bell

Did you know that a section of Peralta Creek is scheduled for restoration during the summer of 2003? The planning process for this project is in full swing. Now is the time for community input. And, as part of the community, it is important that you voice your opinion.

The Peralta Creek restoration project will take place in César Chávez Park (formerly Foothills Meadows Park) to restore a 350-foot open stretch of the creek. The City of Oakland, in partnership with the Urban Creeks Council and the Spanish Speaking Unity Council, hopes to stabilize the banks of the creek by removing the failing structures, stabilizing and revegetating the banks using soil bioengineering techniques. The project will also look at removing the bypass culvert and reconnecting it downstream to allow the creek to reestablish a natural meander while increasing the flood-control capacity of the creek. The goals of the project are to control erosion and sediment deposits, improve flood capacity, improve wildlife habitat, create educational access to and enhance the aesthetic quality of the creek, and restore the connection between the creek and park.

The City of Oakland, the Urban Creeks Council, and the Spanish Speaking Unity Council have already conducted two public meetings to gather community input about the design plans for the project. Both meetings were well attended by the community. At the second meeting, the City of Oakland presented a draft design, elicited public feedback, and discussed ways for the community to become involved with the project. Public reaction to the project was positive, especially for increasing the visibility of the creek. I found this meeting particularly interesting because it was truly interactive.

A third public meeting will occur within the next couple of months, presenting the latest draft design. Community members are also measuring the water quality of the creek and propagating plants for the restoration project. Community residents are encouraged to be involved in the design and planning process and to participate in the restoration by helping to install native plants at the site during the revegetation process. If you would like to be involved in the project or want more information, contact Kristin Hathaway at the City of Oakland at 238-7571.