Land Gift Expands Public Access to Blackwater River
The parcel donated by Pete Johnson includes 1,000 feet shoreline in Davis
A private landowner donated a parcel of land in Davis for public use that includes about 1,000 feet of river shoreline, clearing the way for an expanded network of walking and biking trails through town.
The donation ensures public access to all of the riverfront land stretching from the Highway 32 bridge on the east end of town to the shoreline behind the soon-to-arrive Big Timber Brewing facility located next to Blackwater Bikes. The gift will also facilitate more direct access to Blackwater Falls State Park from downtown Davis through future improvements.
“Anytime land is donated to be available for public use is a good thing,” said Davis Mayor Al Tomson. “So I’m really pleased with that.”
The strip of donated land lies between the Blackwater River and the Davis Riverwalk housing project, which features 18 housing lots, including five completed homes. Pete Johnson, the developer of that project, donated the 1.6-acre parcel to the Friends of Blackwater nonprofit, which plans to improve and eventually transfer ownership of the parcel to Blackwater Falls State Park.
Ensuring public access
Johnson, who had owned the land for about two decades, said his plan from the start was to ensure public access to the river instead of giving homeowners in his development private access.
“All Davis Riverwalk homeowners share my vision that the trail will always welcome dog walkers, hikers, fishers and cyclists,” Johnson said.
Friends of Blackwater has begun work on a hiking and biking trail on the donated land that will meander along the riverfront, with multiple spurs leading to the river’s edge. The Tucker Community Foundation provided funding for the trail work.
Friends of Blackwater also plans to seek funding for and lead the construction of a pedestrian and biking bridge that will connect the donated parcel with Blackwater Falls State Park on the other side of the river.
After the trails and the bridge are installed, the land will be donated to the state park, said Friends of Blackwater Executive Director Judy Rodd.
“We’re very pleased that Pete Johnson has that public-land attitude,” Rodd said.
Frosty relationship
Johnson is a polarizing figure, with some longtime locals complaining about the growth and change that he and others are bringing to the area. Also, Johnson and Tomson have had a frosty relationship and have wrangled over the fate of land near downtown.
However, the two men said they are now working together to ensure expanded and seamless public access to the river. Tomson noted that the donated land “is in the flood zone, so this is the best use for it. And I fully support it.”
Garry Green, the co-owner of the Mountain Trails adventure outfitter, said he was excited about the donation and riverfront improvements and he joined Rodd in praising Johnson.
“He may be much more benevolent than people realize,” Green said.
A portion of the donated land is directly behind Green’s store, which opened earlier this year in Davis. “I’m thrilled that it will occur behind our store,” he said. “I think it’s a delightful thing.”
While many people seek extreme wilderness adventures in the area, the new trails will be perfect for others seeking easier access to nature, Green added.
Big plans
Tomson has big plans for the town’s Riverfront Park, including a network of ADA-compliant trails, a band clamshell for outdoor music, playground equipment, and other features.
Work is already underway on trails in Riverfront Park, Tomson said. Those trails will eventually connect with the trails in the donated parcel of land, he said.
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As a fairly new resident in the area, this article is both inspiring and sad at the same time. Inspiring that so many are willing to donate time, property and money to making this area amazing. Sad that a mayor can’t set aside his own personal issues to say a heartfelt, “Thank you.”
This is great news. FYI, minor typo in your map, "peistrian"