The American River in Folsom has played a vital role in the city’s history, and now it’s poised to play an equally vital role in the city’s future. The same river that turned some of the first electric turbines in America can now turn Folsom’s riverfront area from an unrealized treasure into a gem of recreation, economic activity and cultural preservation.
After years of hard work by city leaders, working in partnership with community groups, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, California State Parks, Folsom residents and local tribes, a River District Vision Plan was adopted by Folsom’s City Council in late 2024. That Vision Plan identified and prioritized five key sites in the River District area:
Key Site 1: Canal Trail and Bridge – Connect the Canal Trail running north of Greenback Lane on the east side of the river with the American River Parkway west of the river via a bridge providing a loop connection.
Key Site 2: Rodeo Park – Revitalize existing Rodeo Park to add other amenities to increase utilization throughout the year.
Key Site 3: River Promenade – a conceptual future trail/interpretive “Promenade Project” located between Lake Natoma, the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, and the City of Folsom’s Historic District that would also improve the functionality and safety of the Riley Street/Greenback Lane corridor from Leidesdorff to the Rainbow Bridge.
Key Site 4: Trader’s Lane Area – Advance the City’s goals of stimulating economic activity on the southern approach to the Historic District through improvements to the public space at Leidesdorff and Riley Streets.
Key Site 5: City Corporation Yard – With the future relocation of the existing corporation yard, redevelop the area at the foot of Leidesdorff Street to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and consistent with the goals of the Vision Plan.
To keep the moment going after adoption of the Vision Plan, a special River District Organizing Committee was created to discuss how to move the River District from a vision to a reality. The committee reviewed the Key Site options and selected #3, the River Promenade, as a starting place. Over the past several months, this committee has worked on consultation with State Parks and local tribes to discuss the features, amenities and improvements that would bring the “Promenade” concept to life.
Some exciting ideas have emerged, including an expanded interpretive park area along the east side of Greenback Lane (near the Powerhouse Canal Loop Trail) that would recognize the people and cultures that have lived in and left their mark on the area through the centuries. Other ideas include safety improvements for the benefit of cyclists and pedestrians along Greenback Lane, a pedestrian boardwalk that could connect the east and west sides of Greenback Lane and provide additional access to the Folsom Powerhouse, specific improvements that would enhance disabled access to the area. There is also an idea to create a “water taxi” to improve access to Black Miner’s Bar, Willow Creek and other areas along the shoreline.
While these are exciting ideas, they are, for the moment, only ideas. Necessary next steps include things like more input and support from State Parks and the several tribal governments that associate with this location, a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, public input, and other engineering studies before a final project concept can be approved. These steps all require time, money, and additional cooperation with stakeholders, particularly the City of Folsom. Given the city’s budget challenges, funding for these next steps will not be easy, but the Organizing Committee is already exploring options for state and federal grants, as well as public/private partnerships that can provide some help.
When you look at cities like San Antonio, Charlotte, Tampa, Sacramento and others that have vibrant, thriving river district areas with recreation, dining, entertainment, public art and more, you see very quickly that there’s nothing special about them that Folsom doesn’t have. With a little more support, political will and creativity, our River District can be more than a reality. It can be a transformative cornerstone of Folsom’s identity, and a legacy that defines our city for generations.
Will Kempton has been a former assistant Folsom City Manager, director at CalTrans, and 16-year member of the Folsom Parks and Recreation Commission. To this day he remains an active volunteer in Folsom, where he currently serves on the Folsom Athletic Association and chairs the Folsom River District Organizing Committee.
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