Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve Trail Network Expands
The Park District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 24 to celebrate new trails and public access at Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve in Danville. The trails are part of the 381-acre Magee Preserve property, which was permanently protected by Danville voters in March 2020 through the passage of Measure Y. The measure preserved 381 acres as open space while allowing development on 29 acres—at no cost to taxpayers. Save Mount Diablo was a major proponent of the ballot measure.
“The measure was a win-win for the community,” said Park District Board President John Mercurio. “We are grateful for the vision and support of all of the people and organizations that made these new trails possible.”
Expansion of the trail network at Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve was the result of successful collaboration between the East Bay Regional Park District, the Town of Danville, and Save Mount Diablo.
The ribbon-cutting event marked the formalization of agreements for public access to more than 3.5 miles of trails within the 381-acre Magee Preserve property that connects to Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve. The Park District holds a recreational trail and emergency vehicle and maintenance access easement over the new trails on the Magee Preserve property. The 381-acre open space will be owned and maintained by the Wiedemann Ranch Geologic Hazard Abatement District.
There will be a larger community celebration and hike on the property in fall of 2025 following the completion of additional features within the Magee Preserve development. Save Mount Diablo is constructing an additional 2 miles of trails on the Magee Preserve property, and the Town of Danville is constructing a 1-mile bike and pedestrian trail parallel to Diablo Road along the northern perimeter of the property.
Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve occupies two major ridges in Danville. The 328-acre southern ridge area was acquired by the Park District in 1989. In 1998, the Park District acquired 255 acres north of Camino Tassajara from the Town of Danville and 106 acres from developers, bringing the northern ridge area to 361 acres. The new trails connect to the northern ridge area of Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve. The preserve opened in 2005 and totals 695 acres today.
