A crowd of approximately 30 gathered on a hot July 2 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Union Pacific Trail Phase II, marking a significant achievement in a five-year effort to revitalize a neglected stretch of land along an old railroad spur in Fullerton.

The project, a long-standing goal for local residents, received a boost with $1.78 million in state funding back in 2020 from the Urban Greening Program. However, the project experienced multiple delays and multiple no votes, leading to growing frustration among community members eager for progress.

Mayor Protem Dr. Shana welcomed representatives from Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Congress Members Lou Correa and Derek Tran, all of whom presented certificates of recognition at the ceremony.
Council Member Ahmad Zahra expressed gratitude to Egleth Nuncci from the CSUF Center for Healthy Neighborhoods and the dedicated South district moms who supported the trail initiative.

He also acknowledged Deputy City Manager Daisy Perez for her hard work on the trail’s design and thanked Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee for his $100,000 donation aimed at improving Independence Park, along with promises of additional funding for Phase III of the Union Pacific Trail.

Reflecting on the long history of the project, Mayor Protem Dr. Shana noted that Phase I began nearly twenty years ago. She invited everyone to a ribbon-cutting ceremony anticipated by the end of this year and called on officials to participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Council Member Zahra and Egleth Nuncci successfully secured a $1,777,200 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency for urban greening in the City of Fullerton in 2020. This grant will fund essential components of the project, including irrigation, electrical work, lighting, safety fencing and the planting of 176 trees. The formal grant agreement was finalized in May 2022.

Funding for the project comes from a $1,777,200 California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant and the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Capital Improvement Program Budget, which allocates $330,000 from Park Dwelling Funds. City staff were also working to secure an additional $300,000 from Park Dwelling Fund resources to expand the project scope.
Originally approved three years ago, the project faced setbacks, including a recent decision by Councilmember Nick Dunlap to halt a construction contract due to concerns over rising contingency costs. City officials clarified that these contingency funds would not increase the project’s overall expenses, prompting questions about Dunlap’s decision.

At a City Council meeting on May 20, supporters rallied to advance the project’s progress, with officials cautioning that further delays could threaten state funding.

Under community pressure, Dunlap ultimately voted in favor of the construction contract alongside Mayor Protem Charles, council members Zahra and Valencia, while Mayor Jung remained opposed.

The Union Pacific Trail project stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to green space, equity, and civic engagement. As planning advances, residents remain optimistic that the forthcoming trail will be an inclusive environment for all.