Rocklin moves forward on $1.7 million park-to-park bridge project
Rocklin is getting a new bridge over Antelope Creek that will connect Johnson-Springview Park to the larger trail network around the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area.
Rocklin Mayor David Bass said the idea started with a simple goal: give students a safer route to cross the creek between the neighborhoods and parks.
“The bridge will join two of Rocklin’s most popular parks: Sunset Whitney Recreation Area and Johnson-Springview Park,” he said. “It will provide a safe route to school for students and increase connectivity in our park and trail system.”
The project, called the Sunset Whitney Connector Bridge, was included in the Rocklin City Council’s 2026-31 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved in June. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.7 million.
The funding for the bridge has come together in pieces.
In 2023, the city applied through Assemblymember Joe Patterson’s district budget process and received $500,000, which paid for the design work and environmental review, city officials said.
After that, the council voted in August 2024 to use the city’s remaining $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase and install the bridge. The federal pandemic-relief money was intended to offset revenue losses from COVID-19.
The bridge itself will be purchased from Contech for $414,628.50 using the ARPA funds. According to the purchase agreement, the 10-foot bridge will span 170 feet.
Next, the city will hire a contractor to build the bridge’s foundation, install the structure and complete the connecting trail segments.
City officials said the project was currently on budget.
Bass, who has served on the City Council since 2022, said that this bridge would help residents have easier access to the parks of Rocklin.
“Our residents regularly tell us how much they love the parks in Rocklin, and this is one more way that we are maintaining that quality of life for our residents,” he said. “Once the bridge is complete, students, residents and visitors will have easier access to enjoy the paved trails, pickleball courts, disc golf course, splash pad and more.”
Delivery and installation are planned for the fall of 2026, with crews hoping to finish before the rainy season arrives.
