Greenway gets love

The city of Chico was awarded a roughly $1 million grant for improvements to the Comanche Creek greenway, including a pedestrian and bike path, walking trails, picnic areas and trash cans.

The area has been the subject of controversy over the years. In 2001, the city considered building a road over the creek to connect the Hegan Lane Business Park to East Park Avenue, but that project was overturned in a referendum. Meanwhile, members of the Barber neighborhood have long hoped to turn the space into a mini nature preserve.

On July 3, the state Department of Housing and Community Development announced $1.032 million for the Comanche Creek area. The neighborhood association Friends of the Comanche Creek Greenway pledged $17,000 annually for maintenance and patrol of the green space over the next three years.

Dan Efseaff (pictured), the city’s parks and natural resources manager, said the bike path as currently proposed will serve as an extension of Normal Avenue, crossing the creek and leading to the business park.