About Us

The Vision for Napa’s RiverLine

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Sculpture “Grateful Harvest” by artist Denis Kleine.

The vision for the RiverLine Trail is to create a community-driven, forward-looking narrative of what it could be for Napa’s long-term future.

The vision focuses on exploring opportunities that will help
to preserve and enhance the Napa River while leveraging the River’s potential as an environmental, recreational, social, historic and economic asset for the community and the region.

Our Guiding Principles

Improve Environmental Quality

Preservation and restoration of the valuable resources and landscapes of the Napa River enhances long-term sustainability.

Create Connections

Increase visibility and access to the Napa River and stitch together connections to the River Trail, Vine Trail, Oxbow Commons, and Downtown.

Enhance Community

Create opportunities for community involvement in education, art & stewardship programs centered on the RiverLine.

Leverage Economic Growth:

Invest in one of Napa’s greatest assets to in turn create economic benefits for the region.

Thoughtfully Activate the Riverfront

Feature the riverfront as a key spine for active and passive recreation and opportunities to gather and engage and access the River.

Enhance the Built Environment

Employ high quality architectural materials and innovative engineering practices to engage, appreciate and experience the “life” of the River.

We envision that the Napa RiverLine will connect locals and visitors to the Napa River in a way never available before.

– Steve Carlin, Board Chair

The Board

Executive Commitee

Steve Carlin | Board Chair | The Carlin Company, Oxbow Public Market

Chuck Shinnamon, PE | Board Vice Chair | President, Friends of the Napa River, a non profit corporation

Bob Muh | Treasurer  | CIA, Chariman Emeritus

Kate Miller | Secretary | Past Executive Director Napa Valley Transportation Authority

Charlie Dunn | Interim Executive Director | Sr. Managing Director Sutter Securities, Inc.

Engineering & Design

Ryan Gregory | Commitee Chair

Gordon Huether | Artist – Gordon Huether Studio

Alonso Corona | Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Chuck McMinn | President – Napa Valley Wine Trail Coalition

Bruce Barge | President, Napa County RCD

Robert Reber | VP & Board – Napa County Bicycle Coalition

Community Engagement and Marketing

Katie Shaffer | Former Committee Chair | Co-Founder Feast it Forward

Bill LaLiberte | Executive Director Downtown Napa Association

Francie Winnen | Former President, Friends of the Napa River

Tempe Reichardt (Advisor)

Capital & Economic Development

Kate Miller | Committee Chair

Rob Anglin | Attorney, Holman Teague Roche Anglin, LLP

Dorothy Salmon | Community Organizer

Ellen Udoff | Board of the Vine Trail (Advisor)

Public Agency
Advisors

Joelle Gallagher | Napa County Board of Supervisors, District 1

Beth Painter | City of Napa Council Member, District 2

Neal Harrison | Economic Development Manager, City of Napa

Richard Thomasser (Rick) | Deputy Director Public Works

Phill Blake | Friends of the Napa River

Brendan Hurley | Economic Development Coordination, City of Napa

Diana Meehan | Planning & Programming Manager Napa Valley Transportation Authority

Our Partners

napa river ecology center logo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Napa RiverLine?

The Napa RiverLine is a planned 4.3-mile waterfront trail system along the western bank of the Napa River, stretching from Trancas Crossing Park in the north to the Imola Bridge in the south. It is designed to be a “world-class waterfront trail experience” that enhances public access, recreation, and connectivity between our neighborhoods and Downtown.

What are the goals of the Napa RiverLine?

The RiverLine will be an important public amenity that “Brings People to the River,” promoting connection with nature, health, public art, the environment, and community. It will be an amenity used by all ages, incomes and backgrounds. RiverLine’s design will be distinctive and differentiate Napa as a beautiful place to live and to visit.

Has the Napa community asked for something like the RiverLine?

Yes. The Napa community views the river and its surrounding environment not just as a backdrop, but as the city’s most important asset to protect. In the 2019 City of Napa Community Survey Report, the Napa River and ecology-minded preservation emerge as high-priority themes for residents. There have been multiple planning documents that support the development of a river-front trail, including policies in the City’s 2040 General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan.

Are there other cities that have developed their riverfront successfully?

Yes. Many cities across the country and the world have designed and built riverfront trails that are among the most popular amenities in their community. Historically, cities had a lot of dirty industry along their rivers which became obsolete. Now, these cities have reclaimed their rivers by improving access, amenities and the supporting ecosystems.

How long will it take to create the Napa RiverLine?

The base trail created by the Napa Flood Control Project (see #6 and #7) is anticipated to be completed by 2030. The north floodwall trail is expected to be completed by 2027, after which the south floodwall and trail will be developed. Many parts of the RiverLine already exist, including the River Trail from Lincoln to Trancas, as well as around the downtown and Oxbow core area. The additional trail amenities will need to be fundraised independently and will likely take years to complete, but there will be regular progress along the way. We will be able to move faster if there is strong community support. Therefore, we plan to engage residents and visitors regularly for input, volunteering and financial support.

Is the Napa RiverLine part of the Napa Flood Control Project?

They are separate but closely coordinated efforts. While the Napa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District is building flood walls and a basic trail for utility access, the Napa RiverLine vision expands on this “baseline” work by adding specific amenities, public art, and enhanced design features that go beyond basic flood control infrastructure. For more information on the Flood Control Project, please visit the County’s website: https://www.napacounty.gov/1083/Napa-RiverCreek-Flood-Protection-Project

Does the flood wall also include a path or trail?

Yes. The proposed flood control wall construction to the north and south includes a trail within the flood control easement. This trail serves as the foundational path that the Napa RiverLine Strategic Plan aims to upgrade with better paving, lighting, and wayfinding signage.

How will the Napa RiverLine be funded?

Funding will come from a multi-pronged strategy. This will include local governmental agencies and federal and state grants. Private donations and corporate sponsorships are important components of the Napa RiverLine funding model.

Who will manage and govern the Napa RiverLine?

The project envisions a Cooperative Governance Model shared between the City of Napa, a dedicated private Napa RiverLine nonprofit entity, and supporting agencies like the Napa County Flood Control District and the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA). Specific agreements will need to be made once the project develops further.

Tell me more about the Napa RiverLine non-profit organization?

This non-profit was incorporated in January 2026 to oversee the RiverLine project. The organization has a Board of Directors, and several committees to help drive community engagement, planning and design, fund-raising and related economic development. These are all volunteers who are committed to creating a wonderful amenity for the city of Napa and our surrounding communities.

How will the RiverLine improve the natural health and ecosystem of the river?

The RiverLine plans prioritize a related improvement in the health of the fish, wildlife, and habitat of the Napa River. This includes plantings along riverbanks, environmental education for the community’s users of the trail, and increased monitoring of river health. More community engagement with the river means more awareness and sponsorship toward restoring environmental health. The nonprofit will seek out partnerships with other nonprofits, like the Napa County Resource Conservation District and Friends of the Napa River to collaborate on environmental enhancements.

Will parts of the Napa RiverLine be a City Park?

The Napa RiverLine is designed to connect existing parks like Trancas Crossing Park, Oxbow Commons, and Riverside Park. Future enhancements near the south end of Riverside Drive will build upon the existing City of Napa parkland along the river berm to create a seamless recreational experience.

Does Public Works build the sidewalks and paths?

The City of Napa – which includes the Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments – oversees the planning, construction, and easements for capital improvements. However, for specific segments related to flood control, the Napa County Flood Control District leads the construction of the base trail, which the Napa RiverLine then enhances.

Will the Napa RiverLine be safe at night?

The plan prioritizes safety through “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) strategies. This includes maintaining clear sightlines when possible, evaluating a consistent family of lighting fixtures (such as poles and bollards), and ensuring the Napa RiverLine is visible and integrated with the surrounding neighborhoods.

Can I access the river for kayaking or swimming?

Yes. The Napa RiverLine plan includes a network of docks, launches, and steps for activities like fishing, kayaking, and quiet appreciation of the river. Specific highlights include a recommended kayak launch at the Trancas Confluence and potential river access points near the south end of the trail.

How will the Napa RiverLine help the local economy?

The Napa RiverLine is expected to catalyze economic development by attracting new residential and commercial growth. It aims to support local businesses by increasing foot traffic and creating a world-class destination for food, wine, and outdoor recreation.

PROJECT TIMELINE

From Baseline to Bright Future.

  • 2022–2024: City of Napa 2040 General Plan adopted, formalizing the river as a central focal point for development.
  • January 2026: Napa RiverLine non-profit established to oversee fundraising and community engagement.
  • 2027: Anticipated completion of the North Floodwall trail segment.
  • 2030: Completion of the “Base Trail” by the Flood Control Project.
  • Future Vision: Ongoing implementation of enhanced amenities (lighting, art, docks) through private philanthropy and community support.