Public Comments

Thank you for all the public outreach you've done with this project. I am a big fan of preserving the space on the northern end and not doing a great amount of development. The Civic Center we have now is showing its age and I do like the designs shown in Tahoe and in Vancouver for programming space - I like Riverfront "B" option. While the rodeo is part of our history, i believe it is better suited elsewhere -where there is more space and a place that's easier and more accessible for horse trailers (near where people live like Clear Creek, or out in the outlying areas where people have horses).

I am intrigued by the 44 re-design and I think it's a great idea to slow traffic coming into town - especially where we've identified a real sense of place in our community - the Sundial Bridge.

As for the south part, I can identify with the water oriented development. I especially love the trail expansion and connectivity along the water and connecting destinations (north and south and downtown). I would like to see some housing mixed in with commercial (2 -3 story) so the space would be active at all hours.

I like concepts b,c, and d for Park Marina. 4 lanes of vehicles as we have now, is overbuilt, not attractive, and needs to be slowed. With future development, less pavement and more landscaping and space where people can be and connect near the river would be amazing. Adding an interactive water feature at the north or south end (or both) would be awesome. Please do not add huge parking lots/parking garages on the south end. There should be plenty of space for people to park in the neighborhood and some small lots at various businesses (lots of parking exists there already).

Thank you!

It will be a sad day when what is left of the riverfront will be more disturbed, more inundated with trash and pollution and destruction of the riparian zone and wetlands! Of all the places Redding can expand and build more businesses the riverfront is not the place! We are spending millions a to save endangered salmon and the city turns around and wants to put concrete and none Native plants over crucial river feeding riparian zones? Outrageous. Money is not everything. Restore the river front so that turtles, otter and salmon can come back to spawn! Hands off the riverfront !

Recommendation : I would like to see an appropriately sized solar array in the shape of Shasta Dam placed on top of the Monolith. The monolith was the structure at Turtle Bay that provided all the aggregate that made Shasta Dam. This visual and functional sculptural scale model of Shasta Dam was part of the original proposal by the artist Buster Simpson. Simpson treated the monolith as a historical model and a memorial to those who worked on the dam.

The fountain is made of Hard hats that create a cascading water fountain like a bucket brigade is a key part of the Artwork and is not functioning because of a broken water line elsewhere in TB. The Solar Shasta Dam would provide free power to the fountain thus circulating the water.....let's get the job done and honor those who created the dam.

I believe the river should be left in its present state from Posse grounds
to the Turtle bay bridge area.

1. Please initiate a plan for identifying, preserving, and reusing the wooden structures a long Park Marina BLVD, including the three round buildings, wooden mini houses at park marina village to create sense of place and locality along this corridor.
2. Please Program the pedestrian trails that running through the ponds and along the river, what type of programs are being introduced a long the pedestrian trails, and what activities/uses are being linked through the pedestrian trail.
3. Depict a street section of the Park Marina BLVD. for the local access of the commercial uses along this corridor, I think the idea of multiway Boulevard is a good example of handling local access and traffic through simultaneously. Please see Octavia BLVD model in San Francisco.

My husband and I attended the open house at City Hall and were impressed with the riverfront plans. After having some time to review the plans and think about them, we wanted to provide some feedback.

We like the concept of turning the Hwy 44 bridge into a slower street and pedestrian area. It would be a great way for the community to be able to enjoy this part of the river. We liked the options that had sidewalks and pedestrian areas on both sides of the bridge. The river is much different on the upstream and downstream sides. Question, where would people park? As we learned from the recent changes to the downtown parking, people in Redding are not willing to walk very far to reach their destination.

We like all the bike/pedestrian paths connecting the Northern and Southern areas.

We like the idea of moving the road near Turtle Bay so that you don't have to cross the road to get to the Sundial Bridge. Currently, the traffic is pretty good about stopping for pedestrians but not having to cross a street will make it much nicer for families with small children.

We like the long term plan of one venue that can support both the rodeo and other events. Having a seperate venue just for the Rodeo doesn't feel like the best use of the area. Plus, combining the venues should open up more parking area.

The plan should include parking for boat trailers near all of the boat ramps.

We would like to see the plan call out the amphitheater. We did not see it and we’re not sure if that means it will be removed. We feel it’s a great location and underused.

The plan should take river flows into consideration so that pedestrian paths and other structures are not damaged at high flows (up to 80,000 csf). We understand that pedestrian paths may not accessible during high flows but the businesses and roads should all be usable when the river is 80,000 cfs.

We like keeping natural areas near the main flow of the river. Businesses near the pond/lake are nice and allow waterside venues while not encroaching on the natural open space we currently have.

We are excited about the pedestrian/bike path by the boat launch into downtown. This will make it much easier to connect the riverfront area to the Shasta Bike Depot.

We understand this is a high level concept and not all the details are worked out. However, we'd love to see secure bike parking and Raba bus stops so that it's easier to access to the area without a car.

The mixed used buildings sound nice but unclear how tall they will be and where the residence will park.

Thank you for the thoughtful plan, we look forward to the changes being implemented.

I have looked over the Vision Framework Diagram handed out at the May 5th community open house, and I have a few comments about the extensions to the bicycle/pedestrian trail with bridge crossings.
First, you realize this is going to become a homeless haven, and even without then this isolated trail will contribute to trash in the river, and the only way to maintain it is to build a trail so involved that a vehicle can traverse it and that is a lot of spent money with no economic gains to offer, as this would be a free open public trail.
Second. the bridges would be prone to washing out and needing upkeep, again with no economic offering of income.
Third, this isolated trail that leads right past some residences and visitor parks is access to foot escapes after a crime and runs very close to what is now private property, seems an unnecessary risk for the high cost and zero returns.
Fourth, the long bridge that crosses the large lagoon, poses other risks as far as water rescue goes. It also renders that boat ramp useless for fishing recreation. It would be the highest maintenance for the trail addition and pose the highest threat to current water recreation and safety.
The trail addition would not be a good investment. A small bridge at the most southern point near the camp ground and public boat ramp would open up that long island for recreation, but I suggest only dirt trails and a simple bridge.
Lastly, I sent a proposal, a few years back, for a pedestrian only shop/eat bridge crossing over to the east side open recreation area. This would offer Redding an immediate economic income influx, a interest that would bring in tourist from far away, and have a small footprint impact if built and maintained properly. This bridge could be designed to look like a jumping fish as to give Redding a symbol that can be seen from space, undeniably Redding.
One last thing, on your web page it has a link for the Riverfront Plan 2045, I hope that is a typo.

Thank you for Community Open House to explain latest planning concepts for the Redding Riverfront. I have lived in Redding for over 24 years and raised our family here. I have never been to the rodeo grounds. I understand it is only used for the rodeo. I have been to many events at the Civic Center. I used to fly kites with our kids in front of the Civic Center. We used to go to Turtle Bay when the kids were young but it has been a while now.

Here are a few comments:

Northern Riverfront Concepts: I liked the two concepts that removed the single purpose rodeo grounds and incorporated it into a larger more multi functional event center. Could the rodeo grounds be moved to the Anderson Fairgrounds?

Highway 44 Revision: I support revising Hwy 44 but PLEASE make sure it does not create clogged up downtown traffic like the new Costco Shopping Center area has done. That was poorly planned.

The Riverfront should be a vibrant place. The style needs to be TIMELESS not trendy. There should be a wide swath all along the river for the public, The taller buildings should be held to the back. Allow 1 story buildings closer to the river, for restaurants and bars with outdoor covered seating. Design of the whole area should be along Frank Lloyd Wright style that blends with the natural surroundings, similar to Turtle Bay Museum, and Branch House, not rust belt modern that is completely disconnected from our area.

Hopefully there will be plans designed by companies with real experience designing master plans and understand how to best utilize the property with attention to public use, housing, and commercial ventures. Possibly look to The Irvine Company, that designed the first Master Planned Community in America. Those involved with transforming Bend Oregons Mill District, and the obvious San Antonio Riverwalk concept. There should be concept plans submitted by various companies wanting to bid, and let the public vote on the designs, not a small group of special interest groups in town.

You have one chance to get this right. Downtown is a horrific failure. Redding cannot afford those types of errors on the crown jewel of our City, that is our riverfront. Redding too often listens to those that are self serving, with financial interests to push, and have no experience or track record with the planning of such a valuable asset. One needs only look at the disaster that is downtown. Spending tens of milions of dollars, choosing designs that do nothing to enhance the area, and have a mix of uses and policy that discourage business, etc. Melberg knew how to meld the old with the new seamlessly, but the new buildings designed by someone else, completely missed the mark. The old motels should have been upscale hotels for tourists spending money, not transitional housing for drug addicts and pedophiles. Yet, the COR is continuing the trend, too foolish to realize, people won't go downtown if there are more transitional housing units allowed there, it's dangerous.

I think the public has already spoken...LEAVE IT THE HELL ALONE

Watching Christmas music videos this morning of picturesque quaint shops and restaurants along a lighted river walk. It got me thinking. Redding has a river. Where is the river walk? All those abandoned buildings along Park Marina drive might be a good spot for such a development. It would tie in nicely with Turtle Bay too. Maybe a unique Ferris wheel to highlight its location? Just throwing out some ideas.

Please consider revising the new Riverfront Specific Plan to include a new pickleball complex immediately west of the Viking Skate Fun Center.

The 1.25 acre (+/-) gravel covered site is flat and is already owned by the City of Redding is an ideal location for a new pickleball center for Redding and Shasta County. This site can fit up to 15 new lighted pickleball courts plus a bathroom while still protecting and keeping the two beautiful old oak trees that are present.

The central location with easy access to the freeways and acres of existing parking make this site very infrastructure friendly. Power, water, sewer, and parking is all right there. The location is safe, away from houses so noise and light noise is not a problem, and no new parking lots have to be created.

City is also considering adding pickleball courts to South City Park near Tiger Field. That location does not feel safe with the large number street people that hang out there. Even high school baseball players would have to "buddy up" when chasing down foul balls or otherwise leaving the baseball field itself.

A pickleball complex of up to 15 lighted courts would bring hundreds of players every day to the Riverfront location. Hosting pickleball tournaments at this site would be a natural and would bring in additional hundreds of players including many from outside the area for each tournament. Pickleball players are active and would be a good fit for the Rodeo Grounds, the Sundial Bridge and other attractions in the area.

Pickleball works best with a large facility that draws many players of various abilities. A facility with 15 lighted courts will have room for all level of players and will draw all levels of players. It is great to play with your group of friends or even better, make new friends of similar ability at a large complex.

A 15-court lighted pickleball complex next to Viking Skate Fun Center would attract hundreds of daily 'visitors' to the Riverfront area and would be a great addition to Redding.

I read the Vision and Guiding Principles Framework. Have you considered following the Dark Sky guidelines for outdoor lighting? It would be interesting to have Dark Sky events in the Riverfront area, for sky viewing throughout the year.

The city of Redding should do whatever it can to bring in the retail, businesses, and housing that can be developed in prime river front property. And I’d love this to include an improvement to the rodeo grounds.

I have been to two of your planning forums for the community. I have written ideas to you before.
Here are some things I think are vital for the plan. Many things have been discussed but these to me are the most important:

1. Give a long term lease to the rodeo grounds with time frames built into the contract where they have to make improvements. They can't move forward on improvements without knowing they will be there for a while. The grounds are one of the best parts of the area.

2. Keep the Sundial Bridge maintained better. Make sure all the lights are working and that spider webs and dirt is kept off as best you can.

3. Maintain the open/wild land that the Native Americans feel is important to their culture. We all need green open space.

4. Do not allow housing to be built on any of the riverfront.

5. Turn the neglected hotel and the buildings along Park Marina into something special. No amount of improvements to Turtle Bay will be worth it if you cannot work out a deal with the Kutras Family to purchase the lands along the rivers along Park Marina. That should be filled with places for the public to have access to walk along the river, sit along the river and dine on outside areas along the river. The only place where that is currently available is The View. Redding needs to provide more coffee houses and restaurants with river views. Keep the golf driving range. It is well used.

The Redding rodeo, having been in operation for76 years, deserves a new and larger venue where they can build a modern facility that includes adequate parking and room to expand as needed. The current rodeo grounds facility is pretty run down looking, and I feel is not the best use of precious riverfront property in the heart of Redding.
To me, the current site would be better suited to an endeavor more related to it's river proximity. I'm not sure what that looks like, but I think fishing, kayaking, rafting, or guide businesses would be a good fit. Or a center focused on education about the river and surrounding environment - with related activities for kids and families. We already have the beautiful Turtle Bay Museum facility close by, so this site could be something that compliments that without duplicating. I'd also like to see a couple of restaurants by the river with lots of outdoor seating for people to enjoy the setting as well as the food.

Please showcase our beautiful river so families and residents can access it easily. Boardwalk, trails, affordable restaurants, ice cream, burgers, shops would be nice. This could be such a showcase for Redding, like the beautiful sundial bridge and river trail. More benches and stop and linger places. Our river show be showcased as the jewel of Redding. I have been waiting for this many years, hurry please.

We would like to propose special consideration be made that would attract recreation-based businesses such as ourselves. Enhancing public access to recreation shouldn't be limited to water-based activities and Indoor Rock Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Please consider building development flexibility into the plan that encourages good design while allowing some exceptions to things like height restrictions.

For example, we are the only rock climbing gym within 73 miles (Chico) and the nearest rope climbing gym is in Sacramento. We would love to build the next world-class rock climbing gym in Redding, but the current city and county building code regulations on parking and height hinder our ability to build an adequate facility. For example, a sport climbing gym must have a minimum building height of 55-60ft (45 feet is required for the interior lead climbing wall alone (regulation speed climbing requires 15m/49ft) and both anchor system and roof / foundation are in excess of the minimum). Climbing also has unique square footage / parking considerations. Mats cover the floor and climbers must leave room for the fall zone of fellow boulderers and belay space in sport climbing.

A climbing facility of this height can be tastefully designed if the appropriate code is in place that permits the height and use with special consideration to parking based on applicable metrics like the number of sport anchors and non-overlapping boulder problems.

This should be a high priority! Definitely a tourist attraction. Provide background information or even tours of the area.

I would like to ask you to leave the Riverfront area alone!! Leave the Rodeo grounds alone…, leave the Eagle nesting area alone…, leave it all alone! It is really ok to not change everything it Redding, this area should not be another area that you try to make money off of! It truly is a historical place! Please leave it as it is!!!

Good day to all,
I have heard of your Riverside Plan and looked at the survey. But since I don't live anywhere near and probably will never visit, it felt wrong to fill it out. I am, however, looking at Redding DAILY via videos and photos provided by FORE (Friends of Redding Eagles), who have 24K followers on facebook and 22K followers on youtube. That are many, many people all over the world with their eyes on Redding, who absolutely love the Bald Eagle pair Liberty & Guardian.
Writing from Germany, in the name of all these thousands of anonymous watchers, I beg you to do everything in your power to make sure that Liberty & Guardian will have a beautiful natural space to live in with lots of fish and as less dangers as possible.
This will of course, not only provide Liberty & Guardian with a safe, healthy environment, but many other flora and fauna as well. And for the humans the chance to admire these amazing, strong creatures that were almost extinct at one time due to our human inventions. We don't have bald eagles here, you don't know how lucky you are.
Thank you for reading, and best wishes

I appreciate everyone's work on this important plan. I strongly support the elements of the plan that will enhance, preserve and elevate the riparian habitat. Revegetation, restoration, and public access to the river should remain the cornerstone of this plan. I think that any hardscape development, especially parking lots, should be required to incorporate solar panels. The solar arrays would capture the abundant sunshine in Redding and contribute to the electrical grid, but more importantly they would provide essential shade that would otherwise be lost by removing or not restoring riparian habitat.
I also would strongly support incorporating some kind of funding structure for adding to the police force that is drawn from any commercial business or housing in this specific plan area. No one can currently enjoy the full breadth of Redding's riverfront because it is unsafe and unsanitary.

I am concerned that the Riverfront Specific Plan will not protect the riparian areas along the river which are so important to wildlife. My husband and I have lived in Redding for about 38 years. I walk in the area of Turtle Bay regularly and remember when there was NOTHING built close to the river. I also remember abundant wildlife in the areas close to the river's edge. Putting up any apartments, stores, more restaurants, or other buildings in this area would detract from the beauty of the place. This is public land and it should NOT be sold to private developers and taken away from the citizens of Redding. Please don't let developers destroy our beautiful riverfront (although certain members of the city council seem to be hell-bent on doing so).

I am writing to request that the Riverfront Specific Plan leave untouched the Sacramento River’s riparian area. In addition to the environmental impacts of development close to the river, such construction would impair the community’s enjoyment of this natural area and Redding gem.

I could support some development in the area now occupied by the rodeo grounds if the rodeo grounds were moved to a more suitable location. As you know, a bull escaped during the rodeo in 2022 and injured several people including one near the Sundial Bridge. It’s one thing for visitors to a rodeo to assume such risks but is quite another for the City to expose non-rodeo visitors to such risks. This would be even more true if the City seeks to attract more residents and visitors to the area with the
Riverfront Specific Plan.

The rodeo’s location may have made sense in the 1940’s but that doesn’t mean it makes sense now. Let’s do what’s best for the entire community today and work with the Rodeo to find it a better location, consider quality development in the rodeo’s current footprint, and preserve the natural beauty of Sacramento River. Now that’s a plan.

I am concerned that the Riverfront Specific Plan will not protect the riparian areas along the river that are so important to wildlife. I have walked the Turtle Bay area often and feel that building apartments, stores, restaurants, or other buildings in this area would totally change the riverfront forever, and not in a good way. There is a need for housing, but NOT LOCATED HERE. We are already enhancing and connecting the river area to our downtown, where there is some nice retail and housing development going on, AWAY from the riverfront, which is much more appropriate. These connected areas will enhance each other and allow all kinds of visitors to access what is meaningful to them, and give opportunity to move between both.*

An improved rodeo grounds would be fine, but not a huge stadium that would require multilevel parking structures that would be detrimental to the area. This is public land and it should not be sold to private developers and taken away from the citizens of Redding. Additional parking to the entire riverfront area needs to be done carefully and thoughtfully, to not degrade the natural beauty.

Please honor your duty to your citizens and to the natural riparian beauty, the wildlife and birds, the world-class fishing and the Native cultural history of this area when you consider the development. Those things must not be disturbed or molded into a developers dream of financial gain. Nature is worth more than money and cannot be regained once lost.