Jake Hinton • September 28, 2024

Update: Borrego Springs Shadeway

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Update: Sept. 23rd, 2024


Construction has begun! 


Update: July 3rd, 2024


"We are excited to announce that Granite Construction has been awarded the construction contract for the Sunset Road Ped Gap Improvements and Borrego Shadeway project. 


We are reaching out to let you know that due to long lead times on construction materials, the construction start time has been extended to November with completion anticipated in February 2025. 


If you have any questions, please contact Stefania Castillo Stefania.Castillo@sdcounty.ca.gov project manager for Department of Public Works, or Lucas Taylor at Lucas.Taylor@sdcounty.ca.gov project manager for Department of Parks and Recreation." 





Borrego Springs Shadeway Construction
Christmas Circle Shadeway Construction

Update: March 14th, 2024


"We have good news regarding the progress of the Shadeway project. We have received 2 bids and are in the process of procuring the contractor within the next month. I am anticipating construction to start in the near future and be completed by Fall Winter of 2024. Please let me know if you have any questions. I will make sure the websites are updated to reflect the latest information."

 

Luke Taylor, PLA, LEED BD+C, CLIA, RWSS (he/him/his)

Park Project Manager, Development Division

County of San Diego Parks and Recreation 

lucas.taylor@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-609-8813



Update: Sept. 2023

Borrego Springs is fostering community integration and sustainable development through the Shadeway project. This initiative is not just about creating a walkway but is also a reflection of the town's commitment to collaborative urban design, combining functionality with aesthetic pleasure.


The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in close collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DPW), is spearheading the development of a shaded pathway from Christmas Circle to Borrego Springs Park. This endeavor, dubbed the Shadeway project, is unfolding alongside pedestrian improvements on Sunset Road by DPW, marking a synchronized effort to enhance community infrastructure.


From its inception, the Shadeway project has actively engaged the Borrego Springs community. Initial public meetings and surveys began in late 2020, offering residents a platform to influence the project's direction. These forums highlighted the community's preference for design elements that blend seamlessly with Borrego Springs' unique environment and cultural landmarks, such as the Art Institute and library.


Following these engagements, the summer of 2021 marked a significant milestone, with DPR working alongside the Borrego Art Institute to finalize the color schemes and panel patterns of the shade structures. This collaboration aims to transform the Shadeway into an art walk, fostering a deeper connection between residents and the vibrant local arts scene.


With construction anticipated to start in the fall of 2023, the Shadeway is set to become a testament to the town's inclusive approach to urban planning. Residents have voiced their opinions on various aspects of the project, from the practicality of shaded benches to the integration of local art, echoing a collective desire for spaces that serve both as public utilities and places of leisure and cultural enrichment.


Comments from the community have ranged from logistical considerations, like the placement of pedestrian crossings for safety, to more imaginative ideas, such as incorporating interpretive information along the path to educate walkers about the desert region. The suggestion to embed local artwork within the Shadeway, if the budget allows, has also been a recurring theme.


As we look ahead, the Borrego Springs Shadeway stands as an embodiment of the community's aspirations—a place where safety, beauty, and environmental consciousness intersect. This project, underpinned by public input and a desire for inclusivity, promises to add not just shade but also cultural vibrancy to the daily lives of Borrego Springs' residents.


The Shadeway project's embrace of public opinion illustrates a democratic approach to community development, where the collective voice shapes the spaces we share. As the plans for the Shadeway come to fruition, Borrego Springs sets an inspiring example of community-driven transformation, creating spaces that reflect the shared values and visions of its people.



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