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Mill Rd is now open for access to the San Vicente Trailhead under the 90 Bridge. Above is a new parking area at the trailhead kiosk.
There a a number of creative installations by the crews from Stream Dynamics and the Wellness Coalition YCC besides the beautiful pools in the creak. There is a special bicycle entrance near the right end of the row of boulders that define the parking area and 2 stone benches near the kiosk and


a table with 4 seats just off the main trail where the spur-off to the pools begins.


The trail needs more work by the bicycle riders to smooth it out but many raking hours were spent by the crews as they removed broken concrete and picked up more than a few truck loads of rebar.


The Wellness Coalition YCC at the Zuni Bowl to slow the water that comes out of that downspout. The trail integrates the lower stones of the bowl, at the bottom of the photo.

Of course this is an improvement over the truly horrific destruction brought about by bridge work.
But there's much more to be done here. Starting with seeding, a promised last step for the contractor.
Mill Road itself could use some very drastic tree and shrub trimming, trash pick up and clearing.
Other plantings are required at the creek for slope stabilization and the downstream trail needs attention.
I know that Stream Dynamics' contract was limited in terms of manpower (hours) and materials, but the Town must step up and throw some of both at this lost tragic gem of an urban interface trail.
Volunteer and YCC contributions cannot make up for real concerted municipal efforts to improve this trail, all the way from 32d Street to the golf course.

What a jewel-like asset the Greenways trail system, including the Pinos Altos, Silva Creek, and San Vicente trails, would be if we could find the will to make it happen. Shelby

Once upon a time there was hope for the San Vicente trail.
That was before the bridge was replaced and the trailhead destroyed. Stream Dynamics' restoration efforts have been almost completely obliterated with seasonal rains and other interventions.
If you have ever used this trail, you have probably stopped. Or maybe you just ignore the trash, the trail erosion, the illegal camping, the flood debris and general unsavory and unappealing quality of the surroundings.
In most towns, this trail would be celebrated as the asset it is. The municipality would beautify, maintain and patrol it at levels it deserves.
Once again Silver City distinguishes itself. There is no attention paid to this trail. The legal status of Mill Road is problematic as is that of the trailhead property. However these are not excuses for the neglect and indifference with which the Town treats the San Vicente trail.
If this week -- after your candidates either win or lose -- you feel moved to call the Town and ask what its intentions are about the trail, here are some contacts numbers:
James Marshall, assistant Town Manager, 597-6340
Jaime Embick, Director, Community Development, 534-6349
Code Enforcement, 534-6367
Denise Smith, Director, Office of Sustainability, 519-8987
-- or your Town Councilor.
Ask why there are no crews assigned to cleaning up the illegal camping and its attendant mess, broken glass, and other environmental degradation. Not to mention the safety and security issues.
The folks listed are tired of hearing from the three or four squeaky wheels. They need to know that there is a larger constituency...or not.