The Campbell Reporter
News
New signs on creek trail will provide users with landmarks
By Koren Temple
Users on the Campbell portion of the Los Gatos Creek Trail have a new tool to identify where they are along the trail's numerous undercrossings. The Campbell Public Works Department installed signs at the Bascom, Hamilton and Campbell avenues, Highway 17, Creekside Way and San Tomas Expressway overcrossings.
The signs with stenciled writing identify each undercrossing to help trail users mark where they are in case of an emergency, public works director Bob Kass said.
The public works department met with Police Chief David Gullo informally in October to discuss the installation of signs. Kass said both departments agreed this was a great way to enhance the safety on the heavily used trail.
"The police department get calls from people on the tail, saying they noticed graffiti, or saying they are underneath a certain area, but they don't know where. The signs will provide a landmark," Kass said.
The police said they receive five to 35 calls a year from trail users. Now with the signs installed, they will be able to respond more quickly to those calls, according to Paula Gallagher, communication supervisor with the Campbell police.
The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos through Campbell to Meridian Avenue in San Jose. The trail is under the jurisdiction of San Jose, Santa Clara County, Campbell and Los Gatos.
The Campbell section of the trail includes a paved walkway approximately 3 miles in length, including a 2-mile parcourse loop. The city is responsible for maintenance and trail use from the Bascom Avenue undercrossing to the Los Gatos Creek County Park. The Campbell Police Department patrols the trail regularly.
"The name signs were at minimal cost to the city. The money to install the signs came from the regular city budget, " Kass said.
Los Gatos is another jurisdiction that labels its undercrossings along its portion of the trail, Kass said.
