portable restroom at a trailhead

Kennedy Trailhead Parking Area Improvement Project

The Kennedy Trailhead of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve provides access to the four-mile Kennedy Trail which connects to the larger 26-mile trail network. Currently, the trailhead parking area can accommodate three vehicles and features a temporary restroom. Visitor demand often exceeds parking availability, resulting in vehicles parking along Kennedy and Top of the Hill Roads.

Midpen is pursuing improvements to the parking area to enhance accessibility, visitor experience and safety. Potential improvement may include expanding the parking area and installing new trailhead amenities.

Following an on-site open house, online questionnaire and a Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting, the board of directors voted on June 10 to move forward with a preliminary conceptual design for the project site. The design includes accommodating 18 standard parking spots, an ADA parking space, bike racks, new restroom facility and trailhead seating.

Kennedy Trailhead Improvement project location
Project location

Preliminary Conceptual Design Chosen

On Wednesday, June 10, Midpen’s board of directors selected a preliminary conceptual design to move forward with at the Kennedy Trailhead area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. A recording is available below.

Public Access, Education, and Outreach
Public Access

Goals

As of spring 2026, Midpen is conducting assessments on a new project scope and reengaging the community to gather input. A formal project scope is being developed.

Overall project goals include:

  • Enhancing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility; ADA Self Evaluation & Transition Plan
  • Expand parking at Kennedy Road Trailhead; 2012 Vision Plan
  • Address community parking concerns; 2012 Vision Plan

Project History

This project is part of Midpen’s 2012 Vision Plan, a 40-year, community-driven roadmap outlining  54 priorities to preserve a regional greenbelt, protect natural habitats, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance public access.

In 2019, Midpen adopted an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, which identified programmatic and physical barriers limiting accessibility at Midpen preserves. The assessment highlighted barriers at the Kennedy Trailhead’s parking, path of travel, and restroom facilities.

Work on the original project proposal began in 2021. Staff completed initial technical studies, including a traffic report, geotechnical investigation, cultural resource evaluation, and botanical surveys. The original plan included:

  • Installation of an ADA-accessible restroom
  • Addition of an ADA van-accessible parking stall
  • Construction of an accessible path of travel to the restroom, trailhead and signboards to meet ADA and CBC requirements.
  • Sign and driveway improvements at the Kennedy Road right-of-way

Following public input in 2021, it became clear that the project needed to evaluate expanded parking. As a result, the project was put on-hold in 2023 while staff evaluated an expanded parking lot and secured adequate resources to support the increased scope.

In 2026, Midpen re-initiated the project, focusing on opportunities and constraints of expanding parking at the site. The site opportunities include: 

  • Adequate line of sight distances at the existing driveway; 
  • Sufficient flat area for a small expansion of parking; and  
  • Mature vegetation to partially screen the improvements from view.  

 

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Timeline

Summer 2021Neighbor and stakeholder meetings
2023Project on hold
Fiscal Year 2025Midpen to evaluate expanded parking area to address community input.
March 2026Stakeholder input solicitation to determine scope of potential improvements
March 21, 2026Midpen staff held a community open house at the Kennedy trailhead to gather feedback from trail users and neighbors.
April 27, 2026Planning & Natural Resource Committee to review preliminary conceptual designs.
June 10, 2026Midpen Board of Directors meeting selected a preliminary conceptual design to advance.

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