Union Pacific Trail: A Community Push for a Greener Future

The Union Pacific Trail Project has become a major topic in Fullerton, with residents and advocates working to secure $1.78 million in Urban Greening Grant funds to transform an underutilized space into a thriving greenway. However, the project has faced delays, debates, and strong community involvement as it moves toward a final decision.

Timeline of Events -

June 29, 2023 – Public Meeting on Union Pacific Park and Trail

The City of Fullerton held a public meeting to gather input from residents about revitalizing Union Pacific Park and constructing the Union Pacific Trail. Community members voiced their ideas about how the trail could connect Union Pacific Park to Independence Park, enhancing green space and pedestrian pathways.

July 8, 2023 – Community Walk to Assess the Trail

After the public meeting, Egleth Nuncci and Adrian Meza organized a community walk to better understand the trail’s condition. the walk included several key community figures: , Active Transportation Committee Member Anjali Tapadia, Fullerton School District Board Members Ruthi Hanchett and Aaruni Thakur

Participants found that the trail was rocky, overgrown, and filled with litter, but they saw tremendous potential in transforming it into a safe, accessible route between parks.

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – Trail-Only vs. Road Debate

After the community walk, the Parks and Recreation Commission was presented with two options:

1. Option 1: The Trail-Only Plan 

   • A bike lane and walking path would be built.

   • Fully funded by the $1.78 million grant (no extra city funds needed).

   • Would preserve green space and promote environmental benefits.

2. Option 2: A Road with the Trail 

   • A new vehicle road would be added alongside the trail.

   • Would require additional city funding beyond the grant.

   • Would reduce green space and tree planting.

     
     

Young upstart Adrian Meza and other advocates spoke in favor of the trail-only plan, emphasizing that the Urban Greening Grant should be used for sustainable, eco-friendly development rather than road expansion. Thanks to overwhelming public support, the commission voted in favor of the trail-only option.

December 5, 2023 – City Council Delays Decision

The next step was for the Fullerton City Council to vote on whether to approve the trail project and use the grant funds. However, during the December 5, 2023 meeting, Councilmember Bruce Whitaker moved to postpone the discussion, with Councilmember Nick Dunlap seconding the motion.

The decision was met with boos from the audience, as more than 25 community members had spoken in favor of the trail project. There was no organized opposition, but one speaker raised concerns about a potential future conflict with the California High-Speed Rail project, which might pass through Fullerton in 20 years or more—meaning the trail could be used for at least a decade or two before any possible rail construction.

January 16, 2024 – Final Decision at City Council Meeting

The fate of the Urban Greening Grant and Phase II of the Union Pacific Trail will now be decided at the Fullerton City Council meeting on January 16, 2024, at 5:30 PM at 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.