MoVal Celebrates Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail Project Completion

The City of Moreno Valley celebrated the completion of the fourth and final section of the Moreno Valley portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.    "This project, made possible by a generous grant from the California Transportation Commission, connects our communities and serves as a reminder of our rich history,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “It's a beautiful asset within our city and a testament to Moreno Valley’s commitment to preserving our local heritage."   The trail, which spans over 1,200 miles from the San Francisco Bay area to the U.S./Mexico border, was celebrated with a plaque dedication and ceremony on July 24 at John F. Kennedy Veterans Memorial Park in District 4.   "The completion of this trail is a notable achievement showcasing unity and collaboration between several local, state, and national organizations,” noted Mayor Pro Tem Cheylynda Barnard. “This trail also emphasizes the City’s commitment to a safe and healthy community by providing a scenic space for residents to enjoy hiking, biking, walking, and more."   Registered on the National Historic Trail Registry, the roughly eight-mile Juan Bautista de Anza Multi-Use Trail connects the entire City, from Towngate Boulevard in the north to the Lake Perris Recreation Area in the south.   "The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail carves an aesthetic path through the City's landscape,” said District 1 Council Member Elena Baca-Santa Cruz. “It serves as a connector across multiple districts in our City and provides opportunities for our diverse community to connect while enjoying the outdoors."   During the ceremony, Estrella Sainburg, Planner for the Juan Bautista National Historic Trail, presented the City with a certificate and spoke about the trail's significance in preserving history and connecting communities.   The City of Moreno Valley invites residents and visitors to discover the trail, which offers a unique opportunity for residents to explore the city's natural beauty and learn about the area's rich history.   About the Trail: The historic 1,200-mile trail dates back to the 18th century and runs from the San Francisco Bay Area in the north to the Arizona/Mexico border in the south. The trail is named after Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish military leader who established one of the first non-native settlements in California.    The majority of the multi-use trail sits on an otherwise unusable 100-foot-wide Department of Water Resources (DWR) water pipeline easement that runs diagonally through the City. No structures or buildings are allowed in the DWR easement, but in cooperation with the DWR and other agencies, the City was allowed to install non-structural improvements such as trails in the easement, turning otherwise unusable space into a great recreational opportunity. More information can be found at moval.org/parks.