San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Connector

Reach 1 of this Bay Trail connector was completed by the City of Santa Clara in February 2004. It extends along the western bank of the San Tomas Aquino Creek from Agnew Road in Santa Clara to the Bay Trail near Sunnyvale Baylands Park. A $300,000 Bay Trail grant was used to upgrade the undercrossing of Highway 237 with a paved and accessible pathway, as well as a smooth transition to the Bay Trail. The underpasses feature unique artistic design panels that display wildlife and vegetation of the San Tomas Aquino Creek. This reach connects the 3 COM office complex, Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara Municipal Golf Course, Great America Theme Park and residential neighborhoods to the Bay Trail and San Francisco Bay shoreline.

before and after photographs

Old Mountain View-Alviso Road entrance under construction	Old Mountain View-Alviso Road entrance after construction (signs to be installed)
Highway 237 undercrossing before construction	Highway 237 undercrossing after construction
Connection to Bay Trail near Sunnyvale Baylands Park before construction	Connection to Bay Trail near Sunnyvale Baylands Park after construction

A local artist was hired to create a design for the concrete cast-in-place retaining walls that beautify the three undercrossings of Reach 1. The panels depict the wildlife and habitat of the creek and are grouped together to indicate ecological relationships.