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Hayer Bridge opened

by Jay O'Brien

Ron Suter, Director of Sacramento County Regional Parks, introduced the speakers at the Grand Opening Celebration of the Hayer Bridge November 21st. The Bridge, across the East Channel Of Dry Creek at G Street in Rio Linda, connects the Roy E. Hayer Park to the Central Park Horse Arena and the Sacramento Northern Bike Trail. The bridge, 100 feet long and 10 feet wide, is a joint project of the Sacramento Area Flood Contol Agency (SAFCA), Sacramento County Regonal Parks, and the State Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Suter introduced Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, who cited a $338,575 contribution by County Parks, $334,000 by DWR, and $1.8 Million by SAFCA, to the project.  Following Dickinson was SAFCA attorney Tim Washburn who credited Phil Todd and Doug Bolsover from Bell Aqua Ski Lakes, Jay O'Brien and Erwin Hayer for their support of the project. Suter then introduced Parks Commissioner Bob Bastian who identified this as the third recent major Dry Creek Parkway accomplishment in the community, following the dedication of the Train Station/Visitor Center and the extension of the bike trail to Elverta.

Suter introduced Parks Board member Charlea Moore on horseback, and then passed the microphone to Marlene Bastian who recounted her father Roy Hayer's efforts in establishing and maintaining the Hayer Dam that has now been replaced as part of the project.

SAFCA's Washburn acknowledged this writer for supporting the project; others share this credit. The Rio Linda Elverta News thanks SAFCA's Mick Klasson and County Parks' Guy Kolling for their informative articles provided for publication.

To reach the new Hayer Bridge and try it out, proceed west on G Street from Dry Creek Road, past the Junior High School. Parking is available at the end of G Street.