Salinas City Heritage Park is a unique point of destination created by our stakeholders in the historic heart of Old Town Salinas. 1
1 Station Place
Salinas, CA 93901
831-320-5960
[email protected]
Date: February 17, 2026
To: City of Salinas Administration Department,
Mayor Dennis Donohue,
District 3 Councilmember Margaret D’Arrigo
From: Denise Estrada, Salinas City Heritage Park Liaison
TITLE: REQUEST FOR SITE NAMING, SALINAS CITY HERITAGE PARK
RECOMMENDATION
The stakeholders/operators of the City-owned properties that comprise the historic building collection at Station Place, Salinas, CA, request that the City of Salinas formalize the name, Salinas City Heritage Park, to include the following City-owned properties:
-The 1873 Southern Pacific Freight Building, 1 Station Place -The 1941 Salinas Amtrak Station, 3-11 Station Place
-The 1919 Railroad Express Agency Building (REA), 15 Station Place -The 1868 First Mayor’s House, 21 Station Place.
BACKGROUND
These properties are in a linear pattern at Station Place, as shown on the attached addressing map. The parking infrastructure portion of the Station Place property, named the Intermodal Transit Center (ITC), is not requested to be included within the boundaries of Salinas City Heritage Park.
This location was the site of Salinas’ first park. The original park was named Bremen Park and featured a large natural pond. This was the area where early Salinas held various community events, such as an annual circus and rodeo promotions, and eventually became a noted train stop for dignitaries, including visiting U.S. Presidents. Later, the park was renamed Southern Pacific Park in recognition of the site’s proximity to the Southern Pacific depot and railyard.
SUPPORTING CITY POLICIES
Consistent with City of Salinas Resolution 20128 , A Resolution of the Salinas City Council Establishing A Policy For the Naming of City Buildings, Facilities and Property, General Guideline (2., 5.), the proposed name does have historical significance and has generally been recognized by the public and is now in common use as the site’s brand name of Salinas City Heritage Park for the last three years.
Salinas City Heritage Park is a unique point of destination created by our stakeholders in the historic heart of Old Town Salinas. 2
This brand name was adopted by the stakeholders/operators of these properties after extensive discussions with City administration, local preservation groups, business organizations, and the public. The brand, Salinas City Heritage Park, has been adopted for common use as consistent with the intent of Resolution20128:
(8.) “Factors that should be considered in the naming of buildings, facilities, or properties- (b.) Names shall be appropriate to the building, facility, or property… the name of a City park might reflect the…history. Features related to Salinas.” (c) “Names may be from significant historical events, cultural attributes, local landmarks, or historical figures”.
The other adopted City policies that support this naming request are the Guiding Principles of Vision Salinas, which were adopted in 2019 to inform the General Plan 2040 update, including:
“A Community to Celebrate: A City that celebrates, promotes, preserves, and honors the diversity, history, art, and culture of its community.
“Celebrate the City’s history, the architecture of its buildings, the diverse cultures of its people, and its rich immigrant history”.
The Economic Development Element of the General Plan Goals, Policies, and Actions for Land Use:
themed districts within the community for agriculture, business and technology, marketplace/shopping activities, tourism, entertainment, recreation, food and wine, cultural, and historic resources.
Action LU-1.14.1-Identify place-themed districts and neighborhoods within the City. Promote and market those place-themed districts as hubs for specific themed activities to serve the community, attract complementary development and investment to enhance the City’s economic base, and foster a sense of community identity and belonging.
Goals, Policies and Actions for Retail, Entertainment, and Tourism: Page 2.38: Policy ED-RET-1.1- The City will continue to invest in promoting the City’s history, cultural diversity, and positive attributes of the community.”
Action RET-1.1.2-Market Salinas’ existing attractions (e.g., National Steinbeck Center, Steinbeck House, First Mayor’s House, Railroad Museum, historic resources and events (e.g., Rodeo, Sports Complex, Airshow, etc.), and visitor-serving areas with regional tourist attractions and events to integrate Salinas into the tourism menu or marketplace, including agriculture and wine tourism.
destinations.
Action RET-3.13-Consistent with Policy LU-1.14, create place-themed districts within the City to help unite the City around various themes that create an identity and attract residents and visitors to place-themed areas. Representative district themes could include:
Salinas City Heritage Park is a unique point of destination created by our stakeholders in the historic heart of Old Town Salinas. 3
Wine/food districts
Cultural districts
Marketplace districts e.g., Intermodal Transportation
Center, Chinatown, Alisal Market place
Entertainment districts Shopping districts
Recreation/sports districts Historic district(s)
Salinas is deficient in park sites. Increasing the diversity of the park inventory was a priority for 63% of Salinas residents surveyed for the Parks Master Plan. 80% of those surveyed said that Salinas needs to acquire more land for future parks, with 2/3 of respondents saying this “should be a priority investment.” Development of this site as a City park would require no land acquisition. The current private operators of the properties can operate the park site features without incurring additional land costs.
This same survey for the Parks Master Plan identified a need to expand programming. It was identified that there exists a significant need for “more variety of art, culture, wellness and educational programs, especially for youth and seniors”. This need can be directly addressed through the programs offered by the First Mayors House, the Salinas Valley Railroad Museum, and the Heritage Museum at the California Welcome Center. One of the less obvious benefits is that a historic park can offer interactive educational lessons that help community residents develop a sense of pride in the accomplishments of those who came before them.
REQUESTED ACTION
We request that the City Council take action to approve one of the two options:
1. Designate the collection of City-owned historic buildings at Station Place, Salinas, as a City park, henceforth formally named Salinas City Heritage Park, or
2. Designate the collection of City-owned historic buildings at Station Place, Salinas, as a local historic site, henceforth formally named Salinas City Heritage Park.
The stakeholder group representing all organizations from each historic building and the participating public reviewed several options to bring recognition to the combined historic properties. The options reviewed were inclusion in a State Historic District, a local cultural District, a California cultural district, and a local heritage/historic park. The consensus was that the most feasible option was to recommend that the site be designated a local historic park. It would be at the discretion of the Salinas City Council as to whether this would be included in the City’s Recreation Parks inventory of parks or to be formalized as a special local historical site.
Should the site be formalized as a City park, a significant benefit is that Salinas City Heritage Park could be eligible for many grants reserved exclusively for City, County, and State Park recreational sites and open spaces. Some grants also fund historic sites. Whether as a formal City of Salinas park site or as a named local historic site, the designation may bring increased attention to the site's attractions. As we focus on increasing heritage tourism as an economic driver, both options elevate the potential for this site to benefit Salinas.
Attachment: Heritage Park Site History PowerPoint
Addressing Map
Salinas Heritage Park Proponents Voice Public Support at Council Meeting- Herald article
Letters of Support-SCCIA, AMAP
SITE HISTORY
Once called the Salinas Rail Yard by locals, this site is in the historic heart of Old Town Salinas. Salinas first saw rail service in 1872, with Southern Pacific providing service between Salinas and San Francisco Bay shipping ports. The local economy grew by leaps and bounds. In 1921, the Salinas Valley agricultural market was responsible for growing and shipping by rail 50% of America’s lettuce. By 1930, this number grew to 74%.
As the local economy grew, the site’s infrastructure also expanded. In 1869, Salinas’ first city park, Bremen Park, was built within the footprint of the Salinas Rail Yard. In 1935, Southern Pacific Plaza Park was also built for rail travelers and locals.
Today, the combined historic properties at the Salinas train depot site now form Salinas City Heritage Park. The Park is home to the California Welcome Center, the Amtrak Depot, the Friends of the Salinas Library sales office, the Grain Tower, the Steaming Ahead Rail Exhibit, the Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad Museum, and the First Mayor’s House and Educational Center. Salinas City Heritage Park offers public services that include recreation, transportation, museums, meeting space, tourism services, and educational programs about California’s rich history.
Located at Station Place, at the crossroads of Main and Market Streets, the Park is within easy walking distance of Town Salinas, Bataan Memorial Park, and Chinatown, where visitors can enjoy some of the most unique experiences Salinas has to offer.
First Train Station: Southern Pacific Freight Depot Building Constructed in 1873, this one-story wood-framed building was constructed with a gable-style roof and was originally 93’ in length. Old-growth redwood timbers, hauled by mules and carts from the Santa Cruz mountains, were used in the construction. It was built to serve as a combined freight/passenger depot. The freight platform was constructed to store and distribute freight to rail cars. The agent and his family lived in a third of the building’s northwest end. The Southern Pacific Freight Building was determined to be potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It is now home to the unique Salinas City Regional Heritage Center and California Welcome Center.
Third Train Station: Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
Constructed in 1941, it replaced the second station that was built in 1905. The architecture is Mediterranean Revival, a design replicated at several other rail stations after 1910. The depot’s exterior features smooth concrete walls that resemble stucco and a red clay barrel tile roof. The interior carries on the Spanish style with glazed tile on the interior surface. A mural by the famous artist John McQuarrie depicts farmers working in lush fields and men and women exhibiting their rodeo skills. The Depot was determined to be potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Amtrak now operates the Depot for passenger rail and bus travel. Baldwin locomotive and tender, a railroad postal car, a refrigerator car, and a wooden caboose.
The Associated Seed Grower Complex
The Clark Seed Company, founded in 1856, built the Associated Seed Growers complex in Salinas in 1925. The complex was the first major seed-growing facility in the Salinas Valley. In 1958, the company changed its name to Asgrow Seed Company. In 1999, this 36,300-square-foot building was remodeled to provide commercial office space and is now called the Granary Building.
Railroad Express Agency REA
This 1919 Railroad Express Agency building was constructed to provide express parcel shipping services. This railroad vernacular building retains its German siding and some of the freight doors.
It was determined to be potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant component of an early railroad depot. Inside is the Monterey Salinas Valley Railroad Museum and a model railroad exhibit that operates over the landscapes of historic Salinas Valley.
Outside the REA building is the Steaming Ahead Historic Rail Exhibit, home to a collection of steam era railcars, including a Class S-10
The First Mayor’s House
Constructed in 1868 for Isaac J. Harvey, pioneer merchant and first mayor of Salinas, this house served as the family’s home for three generations. The home and the separate cookhouse were moved twice, and in 1998, they were relocated to their current location. The preserved interior contains family documents, photographs, clothes, and furniture. The cook house has been renovated into the Sophronia Harvey Educational Center. It is on the State Registry of Historic Places.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Salinas City Staff-Community Development,
Councilmembers, Mayor, City Manager, Assist. City
Manager
Salinas Historic Resource Board, Finance Committee
Public outreach-City Council meetings
Public Meeting with Harris and Associates
Monterey County Historic Resource Board
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
San Benito County Board of Supervisors
Hollister City Council
Gonzales City Council
Soledad City Council
King City Council
Robert Rivas, Speaker of the Assembly, State of California John Laird, 17
th Senate District
Zoe Lofgren, Congresswoman
Monterey County Mayors Association
Monterey County Office of Education
See Monterey
Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce
San Benito Chamber of Commerce
Salinas City Center Improvement Association
TAMC - Transportation Agency of Monterey County
National Parks Association
Monterey County Hospitality Association
Monterey County Historic Society
Monterey County Department of Parks
Association of Monterey Area Preservationists
CA Historic Architects Association
Museum Regional Roundtable
U.C. Berkeley, College of Environmental
Design
Media-Mo. Co. Weekly, Monterey Herald
Salinas Elementary Schools teachers and
students (1500-2000/school year)
CSUMB -Service Learning Program
Service Clubs: Salinas Rotary Clubs, Salinas
Women’s Club, Daughter’s of American
Revolution, Active Seniors, Red Hats Club
California Retired Teachers Association
Ag Knowledge
Monterey County Farm Bureau
Grower’s Association
Private hospitality operators
Invited hoteliers
Big Sur Land Trust
California State Parks
National Park Service – Pinnacles & Juan
Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
SALINAS VALLEY TOURISM & VISITORS BUREAU
HISTORIC RESOURCE BOARD PRESENTATION 11.3.2025
THROUGH REGIONAL HERITAGE TOURISM, WE ARE CREATING POINTS OF DESTINATION THAT SHARE
OUR STORIES, HONOR THE LEGACIES OF OUR DIVERSE ANCESTORS, AND INSPIRE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH.
CA Welcome Center Visitors Behaviors, Profile, Strategy Summary Findings, March 2, 2025, page 3
Travel Analytics Group
thetravelanalyticsgroup.com
CA Welcome Center Visitors Behaviors, Profile, Strategy Summary Findings, March 2, 2025, page 10
Travel Analytics Group
thetravelanalyticsgroup.com
July 1, 2024 — June 30, 2025 Visitors at CWC Salinas: 6554 10% of visitors extended their stay in area*: 655 By 1.6 extra nights in the area*: 1048 FY 2023/2024: 5091 Visitors ( 28.7% increase vs last fiscal year) * Travel Analytics Group Visitors Impacts 2025 Study
“Historic Landmarks of Three Nations, Scenery, Drives” (Postcard circa 1906) Regional Heritage Tourism in San Benito & Monterey Counties Storytelling of our rich history & heritage
Place-making with our beautiful landscapes
Salinas Station
Arriving 2028
250th Anniversary
of the Expedition
2025 - 2026
Place-Making and Storytelling in the Valleys of Anza
“Visit California and its global consulting firm JLL
have recognized the Salinas Valley Tourism and
Visitors Bureau and its marketing plans as a
significant path towards economic growth
through regional heritage tourism.”
— Monterey Herald, July 17, 2025
This first-of-its-kind 88-
page guide showcases
the opportunities for
storytelling through the
experiences of both the
expedition and the
tribes they
encountered,
highlighting their
journey to the founding
of San Francisco.
Throughout the state, CWCs are strategically located in areas where visitors can readily find them. These sites require central locations with convenient parking and typically are adjacent to commercial businesses where tourist spending is valued as a regular component of their business revenues.
Other CWC commercial sites frequently furnish the signage for the CWC recognizing the value of that investment and that visibility is critical to the success of their collective operations.
CWC on- site signage as illustrated in the two examples at the Del Amo Fashion Center and the Citadel Outlets.
Sample proposed banner designs
2008-2009
Grant monies from
Federal funding to
the City of Salinas
for the historic
freight depot
$500K
Source: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/transportation_enhancements
School Tours & Open House First Saturday of the Month
Salinas City Heritage Park stakeholders appreciate the
Historic Resource Board's continued support of our collective programs.
“The march of Salinas City is still onward, and it will be until the town grows into a large city. There is not an inland town in the State of California with prospects better than this. The railroad will soon be in its borders and is destined to be the county seat of one of the largest and soon richest counties on the coast. Salinas in five years, will be unlike the city of today.
It will be to this valley what San Jose is to Santa Clara Valley.” — Salinas City Index, July 12, 1872
Third Salinas Train Station
built in 1941
Salinas City Heritage Park structures are all located along the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail.
Amtrak Station
Exterior painting $50,000
Signage $50,000
Pavement rehab $50,000
Foodservice amenities $500,000
Shelters, benches trackside $250,000
Automated ticket vending station $250,000
Trackside security lighting, cameras $250,000
Muralist John MacQurarrie, San Francisco
Murals depicts
agriculture,
rodeo, soldiers,
Southern Pacific
Streamliner and
Daylight Trains
First Salinas Train Station
built in 1873
“Caltrain coming to Salinas and its multimodal Heritage Park will offer travelers more choices than the new Monterey Airport. The station and its surroundings will be a destination for economic development and, maybe the best train stop in the State.” — Congressman Sam Farr (Retired)
Foodservice Element
Grab & Go
Salinas Station
Arriving 2028 (est)
250th Anniversary
of the Expedition
2025 - 2026
Monterey & Salinas Valley RR Museum
ADA access ramps to railcars $500,000
Overhead shelter to railcar exhibit $600,000
Restroom improvements $150,000
Security lighting improvements $150,000
Security fencing improvements $50,000
Security camera additions $25,000
1 2
3 4
1. 1918 Rare Baldwin S-10 Super Heated
Locomotive and Tender -moved from Central Park
2. 1916 Southern Pacific caboose, donated by
Betty Gheen, Merrill Family / Growers Ice
3. 1923 Pacific Fruit Growers Express Refrigerated
boxcar, donated by the City of Livermore
4. 1924 REA / Mail boxcar, donated by the City of
Monterey
Historic trains moved to the exhibit area 2002-2012
Locomotive arrives in Central Park 1957
Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum msvrr.org
Train Enclosure & ADA Accessibility
First Mayor’s House
Roof replacement $55,000
Security camera additions $5,000
Window frame repairs, replacements $20,000
Wood fence replacement $20,000
Garden and pathway rehabilitation $10,000
Irrigation repairs, installation $10,000
Exterior painting of House & Education Center $20,000
Replace floor covering $8,000
Plumbing upgrades in Education Center $5,000
Built in 1868
Salinas Station
Arriving 2028 (est)
250th Anniversary
of the Expedition
2025 - 2026
Isaac J. Harvey built the First Mayor of Salinas and one of the oldest homes in Salinas. Harvey played a
pivotal role in the development of Salinas, particularly in securing the Southern Pacific Railroad's route
through the city. This decision significantly impacted
the city's growth and development.
The First Mayor’s House is a non-profit organization
that conducts history-related activities, including
educating students and local teachers about City and
County history.
First Mayor’s House FirstMayorsHouse.org
Collaborating with a network of stakeholders who manage operations at the Station Place historic properties together with nearby partner properties at the National Steinbeck Center and the Steinbeck House. This collaboration is working to mutually promote and develop visitor attractions at what has come to commonly be referred to as Heritage Park. These activities align with and help to meet the goals of the City’s General Plan elements associated with culture, historic preservation, and heritage tourism, as well as the Downtown Vibrancy Plan.
Considering City budget challenges, grant revenues could be used to supplement or provide the only means to fund capital improvements projects at the site. Grant eligible projects could include disability access to the Steaming Ahead railcar exhibit. It could also serve to reduce potential liabilities for a failure to comply with the American Disability Act accessibility requirements for public areas. Other on- site capital projects expenditures that would otherwise require Salinas’ General Funds could then be reduced or eliminated while still promoting development of this center city site.
Salinas City Regional Heritage Center
Roof, gutter repair, rehabilitation $350,000
Expansion of exhibit space in remaining footprint $2,000,000 Security system upgrades - cameras, alarms $50,000
Security lighting -building exterior $100,000
Banner signage $15,000
Building signage $25,000
Entry monument signage $250,000
Trackside exterior improvements $250,000
Salinas Station
Arriving 2028 (est)
250th Anniversary
of the Expedition
2025 - 2026
Salinas City Regional Heritage Center & California Welcome Center cwcsalinas.org
BRANDED BANNERS
& SIGNAGE
Through Regional Heritage Tourism, we are creating points of destination that share our stories, honor the legacies of our diverse ancestors, and inspire new opportunities for economic growth.
In this region, the Costanoan, the Ohlone, and Esselen First Peoples were instrumental in helping guide the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition on its 1,800-mile journey, which started in Sonora, Mexico, in 1775. This National Historic Trail and the Valleys of Anza programs can create platforms for all stories to be told by their descendants and their relationship with the land we call home.
SALINAS V ALLEY TOURISM & VISITORS BUREAU
1 Station Place, Salinas, CA 93901
Craig Kaufman, 831-261-3430
[email protected]
Our Partnerships
By By JAMES HERRERAJAMES HERRERA | | [email protected]@montereyherald.com | Monterey Herald | Monterey Herald PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: April 11, 2023 at 2:53 PM PDTApril 11, 2023 at 2:53 PM PDT The Intermodal Transportation Center in Salinas includes the train station, right, and the CaliforniaThe Intermodal Transportation Center in Salinas includes the train station, right, and the California Welcome Center which houses the Heritage Museum, left. Proponents of the Salinas City HeritageWelcome Center which houses the Heritage Museum, left. Proponents of the Salinas City Heritage Park voiced their support at a recent Salinas City Council meeting. (James Herrera/MontereyPark voiced their support at a recent Salinas City Council meeting. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)Herald)
LATEST HEADLINESLATEST HEADLINES
Salinas Heritage Park proponentsSalinas Heritage Park proponents voice public support at Councilvoice public support at Council meetingmeeting
SALINAS – There seems to be momentum and energy behind Heritage Park in SalinasSALINAS – There seems to be momentum and energy behind Heritage Park in Salinas that at least one council member said would be a “real bummer” to stifle.that at least one council member said would be a “real bummer” to stifle.
The Salinas City Council last week heard from many who spoke in support of HeritageThe Salinas City Council last week heard from many who spoke in support of Heritage Park during the public comment portion of the council’s meeting.Park during the public comment portion of the council’s meeting.
People were speaking out about the effort to establish a heritage park and a regionalPeople were speaking out about the effort to establish a heritage park and a regional heritage center in Salinas specifically expanding the California Welcome Center’s Heritageheritage center in Salinas specifically expanding the California Welcome Center’s Heritage Museum space and installing signs and banners for the park. The site is anchored by theMuseum space and installing signs and banners for the park. The site is anchored by the Salinas Train Depot and has been transformed the past few years into the IntermodalSalinas Train Depot and has been transformed the past few years into the Intermodal Transportation Center in downtown Salinas at the junction of Market and Salinas streets.Transportation Center in downtown Salinas at the junction of Market and Salinas streets. “That was so impressive tonight and to stifle that energy would be a real bummer , so I“That was so impressive tonight and to stifle that energy would be a real bummer , so I realize there’s a process and I see the other side of it,” said Councilman Steve McShane.realize there’s a process and I see the other side of it,” said Councilman Steve McShane. “I’ve been talked to by city staff on this subject, but we can’t squash that energy, we really“I’ve been talked to by city staff on this subject, but we can’t squash that energy, we really can’t. It would be a huge mistake.”can’t. It would be a huge mistake.” The city of Salinas had previously responded to and denied the California WelcomeThe city of Salinas had previously responded to and denied the California Welcome Center’s request to expand into the remainder of the Southern Pacific freight depotCenter’s request to expand into the remainder of the Southern Pacific freight depot building and its application for the installation of banners with the name Salinas Citybuilding and its application for the installation of banners with the name Salinas City Heritage Park to be used at the Intermodal Transportation Center .Heritage Park to be used at the Intermodal Transportation Center .
McShane asked the rest of the council and staff to come to some sort of workingMcShane asked the rest of the council and staff to come to some sort of working compromise.compromise.
“When you have that many people that want to invest and be part of it, there’s got to be a“When you have that many people that want to invest and be part of it, there’s got to be a pathway,” he said.pathway,” he said.
Denise Estrada, a First Mayor’s House board member and Salinas Valley Tourism andDenise Estrada, a First Mayor’s House board member and Salinas Valley Tourism and Visitor Bureau advisory council member , has said the move is to sustain and continue theVisitor Bureau advisory council member , has said the move is to sustain and continue the work undertaken by community members who have worked to build and develop awork undertaken by community members who have worked to build and develop a regional heritage park in the heart of Oldtown Salinas.regional heritage park in the heart of Oldtown Salinas. “The movement to develop Heritage Park has grown significantly and now encompasses“The movement to develop Heritage Park has grown significantly and now encompasses many individuals and agencies that invested their resources in gifting to Salinas a placemany individuals and agencies that invested their resources in gifting to Salinas a place where the stories of our immigrants and native peoples can be shared and celebrated,”where the stories of our immigrants and native peoples can be shared and celebrated,” said Estrada. “It’s a destination that builds historic heritage tourism opportunities for oursaid Estrada. “It’s a destination that builds historic heritage tourism opportunities for our community and to be clear doesn’t include the parking lot at the (Intermodalcommunity and to be clear doesn’t include the parking lot at the (Intermodal Transportation Center).”Transportation Center).”
The Center serves as a hub for train, bus, and bicycle traffic, but it also houses theThe Center serves as a hub for train, bus, and bicycle traffic, but it also houses the California Welcome Center and its Heritage Museum inside the Southern Pacific freightCalifornia Welcome Center and its Heritage Museum inside the Southern Pacific freight depot, itself significant in that it is the oldest surviving commercial building in Salinas, asdepot, itself significant in that it is the oldest surviving commercial building in Salinas, as well as other buildings and exhibits.well as other buildings and exhibits.
Facilities within the transportation center area include the First Mayor’s House, theFacilities within the transportation center area include the First Mayor’s House, the Sophronia Harvey Education Center , the Steaming Ahead Historic Railroad Exhibit, theSophronia Harvey Education Center , the Steaming Ahead Historic Railroad Exhibit, the Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad Museum, the Southern Pacific Depot Annex thatMonterey and Salinas Valley Railroad Museum, the Southern Pacific Depot Annex that includes the Friends of the Salinas Public Library sales site, and the Southern Pacificincludes the Friends of the Salinas Public Library sales site, and the Southern Pacific freight depot.freight depot.
The combined properties have been providing the public with a free visitor destination,The combined properties have been providing the public with a free visitor destination, classroom supplements for school children, and a community meeting place, saidclassroom supplements for school children, and a community meeting place, said Estrada previously.Estrada previously.
Besides Estrada, other speakers in support of the Heritage Park and the work that hasBesides Estrada, other speakers in support of the Heritage Park and the work that has already been done by its stakeholders included former Congressman Sam Farr who said,already been done by its stakeholders included former Congressman Sam Farr who said, “The future is going to be about rail transportation and you will draw millions if you just“The future is going to be about rail transportation and you will draw millions if you just start investing in downtown and … you do that through the heritage center .”start investing in downtown and … you do that through the heritage center .” Part of the Monterey County Rail Extension project, which included the $11.2 millionPart of the Monterey County Rail Extension project, which included the $11.2 million improvements to the existing Salinas train depot, transforming it into the Intermodalimprovements to the existing Salinas train depot, transforming it into the Intermodal Transportation Center , also includes building the Salinas Train Layover Facility just west ofTransportation Center , also includes building the Salinas Train Layover Facility just west of the Center that will serve as Caltrain’s overnight storage site when its route is extendedthe Center that will serve as Caltrain’s overnight storage site when its route is extended through Gilroy to Salinas slated to begin in 2025.through Gilroy to Salinas slated to begin in 2025.
The Heritage Park group is also developing the Valleys of Anza programs with theThe Heritage Park group is also developing the Valleys of Anza programs with the National Park Service, and Amtrak’s “Trails and Rails.” The Intermodal TransportationNational Park Service, and Amtrak’s “Trails and Rails.” The Intermodal Transportation Center , and by extension the California Welcome Center and Heritage Museum, is locatedCenter , and by extension the California Welcome Center and Heritage Museum, is located on the National Historic De Anza Trail.on the National Historic De Anza Trail.
The group believes the heritage park’s location on the De Anza Trail positions Salinas toThe group believes the heritage park’s location on the De Anza Trail positions Salinas to reap the benefits of a destination of interest to international visitors as well and said thereap the benefits of a destination of interest to international visitors as well and said the expansion into the remainder of the freight depot building that is used for storage spaceexpansion into the remainder of the freight depot building that is used for storage space is required.is required.
Ariel Theatrical, a nonprofit children’s theater on Main Street, is currently using the otherAriel Theatrical, a nonprofit children’s theater on Main Street, is currently using the other part of the freight depot to store sets and props for its productions.part of the freight depot to store sets and props for its productions.
Estrada said the Heritage Park group is committed to facilitating the relocation of theEstrada said the Heritage Park group is committed to facilitating the relocation of the stored material to another acceptable site.stored material to another acceptable site. 20232023 AprilApril 1111
Brigid McGrath Massie, Salinas Valley Visitors and Tourism Bureau board member , saidBrigid McGrath Massie, Salinas Valley Visitors and Tourism Bureau board member , said the Heritage Park has partners and people coming out of the woodwork to providethe Heritage Park has partners and people coming out of the woodwork to provide education, entertainment value, a reason to spend a night and a reason to spend moneyeducation, entertainment value, a reason to spend a night and a reason to spend money and to create jobs in Salinas.and to create jobs in Salinas. “We’re ready to go,” said Massie. “We as a community have come together to build this“We’re ready to go,” said Massie. “We as a community have come together to build this excitement and something to see and experience which even people in Salinas don’texcitement and something to see and experience which even people in Salinas don’t know about so I urge you to direct staff to unleash us to bring this to fruition to get onknow about so I urge you to direct staff to unleash us to bring this to fruition to get on the map and get the respect Salinas deserves for the city we love.”the map and get the respect Salinas deserves for the city we love.” Other speakers that spoke in support of Heritage Park included Weather Tech RacewayOther speakers that spoke in support of Heritage Park included Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca President and General Manager John Narigi, Board member of the FirstLaguna Seca President and General Manager John Narigi, Board member of the First Mayor’s House Mary Randall, retired educator and volunteer at the Steinbeck House AmyMayor’s House Mary Randall, retired educator and volunteer at the Steinbeck House Amy Ish, and President of the Alliance of the Monterey Area Preservationist Mimi Sheridan.Ish, and President of the Alliance of the Monterey Area Preservationist Mimi Sheridan.
Chair of the Salinas Valley Tourism and Visitors Bureau Don Chapin said, “All we’re askingChair of the Salinas Valley Tourism and Visitors Bureau Don Chapin said, “All we’re asking for is your support. Efforts that are being undertaken are at no cost to the city of Salinas.for is your support. Efforts that are being undertaken are at no cost to the city of Salinas.
We have vision, we have passion and we have energy and we want to make a difference.We have vision, we have passion and we have energy and we want to make a difference.
We want to undertake and improve every opportunity we have to make Salinas a betterWe want to undertake and improve every opportunity we have to make Salinas a better place. We have great momentum and we would ask you to please direct your staff to helpplace. We have great momentum and we would ask you to please direct your staff to help us, get us the lease that we need, get us the heritage park designation, get us what weus, get us the lease that we need, get us the heritage park designation, get us what we need to move on and all we can do is deliver value once we have that.”need to move on and all we can do is deliver value once we have that.” Estrada wrapped up her public comment period by saying, “I’m asking you to helpEstrada wrapped up her public comment period by saying, “I’m asking you to help facilitate the amendment of the lease to allow us to expand our exhibit areas andfacilitate the amendment of the lease to allow us to expand our exhibit areas and educational spaces into that portion of the building that is now used for storage.”educational spaces into that portion of the building that is now used for storage.” At the conclusion of the lengthy meeting, McShane asked that the council work onAt the conclusion of the lengthy meeting, McShane asked that the council work on getting Americans with Disability Act access to the historic rail cars, makinggetting Americans with Disability Act access to the historic rail cars, making improvements to the depot annex so that Friends of the Salinas Public Library sales siteimprovements to the depot annex so that Friends of the Salinas Public Library sales site would have a restroom, expanding the exhibit space at the Welcome Center , andwould have a restroom, expanding the exhibit space at the Welcome Center , and providing overall safety improvements at the site.providing overall safety improvements at the site.