Published October 28th, 2020
Good fences make good neighbors on Rheem to Parkway trail
By Sora O'Doherty
Photo Sora O'Doherty
Orinda Director of Parks and Recreation Todd Trimble has informed users of the trail from Rheem Boulevard to Parkway Court that the DeSpains, owners of the adjacent property, have completed the installation of a fence along the trail. Trimble said that it is hoped that the fence will ease tensions between the users of the trail and the homeowners along the trail.

Trible took the opportunity to remind trail users that it is for pedestrian use only, and that bicycles must be walked all the way from Rheem Boulevard to Parkway Court, as well as the other way, including on the driveway portion. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed and owners must pick up after their dogs on the trail.

Littering, smoking, alcohol, and amplified sound are prohibited. And, as the days become shorter, Trimble reminded users that trail hours are dawn to dusk - no use is allowed during darkness.

The full list of trail rules appear on signs posted in two locations; one near the beginning of the dirt portion of the trail, adjacent to the DeSpain home, and one near the entrance off Parkway Court.

The trail was adopted by the city of Orinda last year following a dispute with the DeSpains about the long-used easement beside the property that they acquired and built their home on. The matter was settled and the city paid the DeSpains $17,500 for the fence and $5,500 to defray the costs of surveyors, and a negotiated payment of $22,500, which represents the value of the easement and the avoided legal costs that would have been incurred in litigation.

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