Emeryville Greenway
BIG IDEA
The Emeryville Greenway describes a chain of urban open space that is part of a vision for a contiguous designated pedestrian and bicycle route stretching from El Cerrito to Treasure Island. The City of Emeryville hoped to take this section of the greenway two steps further, by implementing sustainable design practices to define an informal neighborhood center and gathering space for the growing community.
THE STORY
This section of the greenway traverses two city blocks with a combination of separated walkways, sidewalk and intersection improvements, and designated bicycle lanes. CALA incorporated the City’s vision of a public gathering space on a portion of the connector now named Peladeau Park, where the pedestrian walkway widens to incorporate seating areas, a ping-pong table, and gathering spaces that directly support local businesses.
The greenway follows a former railway line, and the design celebrates this history in the rhythm and language of its plaza and seating areas. Unfortunately, it was discovered that this history also left a legacy of contaminated soil. With the help of a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the City was able to remove the toxins. Additional grant funding reinforced the project’s sustainability goals, with a final design that incorporates recycled materials, permeable pavement, and a palette of native plants. Its signature element is a micro turbine that marks one entry to the park, and powers the site’s energy efficient lighting.
THE DETAILS
CALA was retained by the City to conduct public outreach and produce a conceptual design. After helping to identify grant funding through the Prop 84 Storm-Water Grant Program, the team worked closely with ReScape to guide the project through design and construction, ultimately earning one of the program’s highest Bay-Friendly Rated Landscape scores.
Public Outreach
Design Development
Grant Assistance
Construction Documents
Bay Friendly Documentation
Bidding Assistance
Construction Support
