Go here for maps, photos and other details of the property.
A 125-acre piece of land sitting on the , known as the Hanlon-Walker property, will soon acquired by the , eventually allowing more public access to the river.
This stretch of riverfront land and ponds along the San Diego River east of Town Center stretching to the Santee's boundary, would join the recently developed as part of the “,” following the river from the El Capitan Reservoir to the Pacific Ocean.
The project was approved by the Santee on April 13 and a $1.25 million grant was approved by the California Coastal Conservancy last Thursday. That grant along with another $1 million grant secured by the San Diego River Conservancy, means acquiring this piece of land will end up costing the City nothing, with costs of about $18,750 annually for upkeep.
The land hasn't officially been purchased yet, but, according to the City of Santee, there is a signed option agreement between the Trust for Public Land, which is facilitating the purchase, and the Walker family. Santee's Director of Community Services, , said it's likely the deal will be closed in April, 2012.
"Plans for the property include habitat restoration and a trail similar to the ," said Maertz.
This additional public access to the river has been a part of Santee's master plan for the last 30 years
Mike Nelson the Executive Director of the San Diego River Conservancy is a driving force for making this acquisition happen. In the past Nelson has applauded Santee for both protecting natural resources, like the river, and allowing public access.
