New Tahoe Valley stormwater project trails and play area open with ribbon-cutting ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The latest phase of the Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project was officially opened on Friday as partners from several agencies celebrated the success.

Located behind The Crossing at Tahoe Valley, McDonald’s, CVS, and over to 4th Street, the Greenbelt project includes multi-benefit stormwater treatment based on natural systems (native plants and infiltration into soil), riparian stream environment zone (SEZ) expansion, drainage solutions for localized flooding, bicycle and pedestrian improvements and recreational amenities. Water quality and SEZ enhancements include existing drainage ways being improved and drainage systems that will spread, treat, infiltrate, and retain urban runoff from roadways, commercial areas, and other high-priority, directly connected urban areas to protect Lake Tahoe’s clarity.

There are also new pedestrian and bicycle enhancements to improve connectivity through the project area that connect to regional networks.

On Friday, as the ribbon was being cut, representatives from the City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and California Tahoe Conservancy joined in the celebration that also included contractors Herback General Engineering, Lumos & Associates, and Stantec. Funds for the project came from several different avenues, including the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, the Tahoe Fund, and the Conservancy.

Besides a network of bridges and trails over and around a “hardworking stormwater system,” there is a naturalized play area, benches, and raised boardwalks to keep pedestrians and cyclists off flooded paths year-round.

The ribbon-cutting along the path behind AleWorx completes a two-phase, multi-year project that included underground pipes around the Y area of South Lake Tahoe that will bring the storm runoff to the central drainage area.

Planning for the project began a decade ago with the Conservancy purchasing and demolishing the former Tahoe Urgent Care and adjacent smoke shop. Those properties were at the end of this 320-acre project drainage area.