Open space a big draw for county

Open space a big draw for county
By Danny Bernardini
Article Launched: 05/27/2008

Steady growth in revenue and visitors, along with national attention are a few reasons Lynch Canyon Open Space is being called a success after its first year of operation.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors will receive a report Tuesday detailing the first year of the 1,039-acre open space between Fairfield and Vallejo.

That report, the Annual Assessment, will label the area as a success. The park welcomed approximately 3,800 in its first year and revenue has steadily grown, according to staff reports. It compliments the park on providing recreational activities not offered at other parks in Solano County.

Educational and exercise opportunities for children were also praised. Cattle grazing and ranching operations have been successfully operated in concert with public recreation, with no significant conflicts to date.

Overall, Lynch Canyon Open Space is providing a range of low-intensity recreation opportunities that complement the County's other more developed and water-oriented park facilities like Lake Solano and Belden's Landing.

The park is maintained in partnership with the Solano Land Trust and Teri Engbring, volunteer and education coordinator, agreed that the first year went well. She said the increase in use by the equestrian community was a surprise.

But she said the best part for her has been the amount of families she has seen in the park.

"It's the perfect place where family's can go together and exercise. I was delighted to see that," Engbring said. "There are a lot of strollers going through the park."

Engbring said the volunteers deserve a lot of credit for maintaining the park and getting others involved in activities.

"It's really getting adopted by people who care about the environment in Solano County," she said.

While most people only think about hiking in the Spring, Engbring said the park is inviting throughout the year.

"Lynch Canyon is a great place to hike all summer long," she said. "With those bay breezes, even when it's hot in the valley, it's very comfortable up there."

The Solano County Board of Supervisors meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Supervisors Chamber in Fairfield.