Business professor works toward a greener Fresno

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by Kay Conner

After more than two years of hard work, Dr. Mark Keppler is now seeing his dream come true for the City of Fresno.

When the Binghamton, N.Y., native came to Fresno in 1987, he was accustomed to having an abundance of trees, grass and other green, growing things in his surroundings ­ things that Fresno is somewhat short on. Taking a cue from other U.S. cities that have made use of abandoned railroad tracks, Keppler helped launch a plan to develop a "linear park" using 13 miles of the old Union Pacific tracks.

"Linear parks provide several advantages over traditional park facilities because they allow for multiple visitor experiences and increased access, as well as lower acquisition and development costs," he said.

Keppler worked with the Clovis and Fresno city leaders in developing the plan for a trail that will run from the Fresno-Yosemite Airport to the River Park Shopping Center near Woodward Park. The $3.48 million for the initial purchase of the land came from the federal Surface Transportation Program funds and the Cities of Fresno and Clovis.

The plan calls for a paved 12-foot-wide path within the 60-foot-wide railroad right of way. Both sides of the path will be lined with trees and colorful flowers. Water fountains and rest stops will be located along the way for the benefit of area residents and visitors, who may walk, jog, skate or bicycle along the trail.

The business professor recognized the many benefits to the community the trail would provide ­ not only the aesthetic value, but also such things as increased economic development and increased property values. A light rail system that would help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution could be added to the corridor in the future.

Keppler says corporations and businesses increasingly cite the importance of quality of life in an area as a major factor in making location decisions.

Two years ago Keppler formed Coalition for Community Trails (CCT) to get people involved with the plan. He helped write grant proposals for federal funding and brochures to attract other financial supporters and volunteers. To date the coalition has raised an additional $2.5 million, but continues to look for sponsors to donate funds for amenities such as benches, bike racks, picnic tables and lighting.

"Our hope is that this linear park and trail will not only make our community a greener, cleaner and better place to live, it will become a signature amenity in our area," Keppler said.

Construction of 7.75 miles of trail is set to begin this month; Keppler hopes the work will be completed by early fall. The trail will connect a number of important points of interest such as the Sierra Vista Mall, Old Town Clovis, Buchanan Educational Complex, Clovis High and Clovis West High Schools, Woodward Park, Marketplace at River Park, and the new Palm Bluffs industrial park. The trail also could be linked with cultural attractions such as the Rotary Amphitheater in Woodward Park and the San Joaquin River Parkway, as well as future projects such as the Clovis Botanical Garden. Keppler feels these linkages are significant.

Keppler is lauded in the community for his tireless efforts to bring the Rail Trail to reality. He has given many hours of his time to the project and continues to help oversee it, meeting every two weeks with Clovis and Fresno city planners and the Coalition committee. He has worked closely with Tree Fresno and other organizations in the trail project.

"Projects such as this demonstrate community pride, involvement, and support for a common goal. When the trail is completed, it will allow people to interact with others and increase our sense of community," Keppler said.

"Everyone can make a difference in the community. Get involved in something you care about and make it happen. I am a strong believer that those of us at the university can ­ and should ­ be the driving force for positive change in our community."