On June 13, city officials and Southport Levee Trailhead partners gathered to cut a bright red ribbon, symbolizing the trailhead's official opening to the public's new recreation spot. Courtesy photo

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - An inaugural horse ride officially opened the Southport Levee Trailhead to the public.

On June 13, Mayor Pro Tem Dawnte Early and city officials welcomed the public to a Parks and Recreation Department project with all the perks, including an equestrian staging area and trail art.

Parks and Recreation Director Kate Smith started the ceremony.

"This is an exciting day because it reconfirms the city's commitment to access, leisure, parks and trails and continues to contribute to the quality of life for our West Sacramento residents," Smith said of the project and amenities, including an information kiosk, shade pavilion, bike repair station and vault style restroom.

 Two art sculptures along the new trailway show off artist Wesley Horn's talent while featuring local wildlife. Courtesy photo

The project started in 2017 when city officials created the Southport Setback Levee Recreation Trail Report, according to Early.

"It analyzed and identified trail locations and linkages as part of the Southport Setback Levee Project construction and located support amenities such as trailhead access and parking areas," Early said. "One of the priority recommendations included having multiple access points to and from the levee trail for cyclists and pedestrians."

That priority is now a reality.

"These driving factors helped create this beautiful facility, providing recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy our riverfront," Early said about the trailhead that provides Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the levee crown that gives pedestrian and cyclist access to the expanding trail network.

Smith credited the California Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund Program with providing two grants totaling $573,000 for the project.

"One to assist with the purchase of the property in 2017 and a second to fund construction in 2019," Early said. 

Artist Wesley Horn received thanks for his two trail art sculptures, which Smith called two "beautiful Wayfinding and Placemaking" pieces. The nine-foot-tall freestanding "Bird Balance" sculpture depicts local birds, including the California Quail, Yellow-billed Magpie and Kestrel.

"The birds are positioned on a mosaic base inspired by the Golden Poppy Flower, serving as a vibrant landmark at the trailhead," Smith said. "The entire surface is adorned with colorful ceramic tiles and handmade ceramic elements."

The second art installation, the "River Wheel," is a mandala mosaic relief mural located on the restroom’s exterior wall, representing local wildlife, including the Sacramento squaw fish, steelhead trout, king salmon and a river otter.

"The mural has a blue mosaic tile background and encourages a tactile experience for visitors," Smith said.

Before ending the ribbon cutting, Smith thanked city officials, commissioners and the levee project team, whom she invited to enjoy the new view on the access ramp. This project and the recent 5th Street Widening and North Riverwalk Trail Extension are part of an overall vision for city officials.

"This site also represents the first trailhead along the five-point six-mile Southport Levee Recreation Trail, which is currently in design," Early said. "When complete, it will provide a paved trail for all to enjoy."

 The Southport Levee Trailhead is officially open to the public and offers amenities, including bike repair stations, a shaded pavilion, and an information kiosk. Courtesy photo