Blog: Downtown Roseville: What's the DPIP?

Editor's Note — Bill Aiken works for the City of Roseville, concentrating on downtown revitalization efforts. This is the first installment of a blog focusing on Downtown Roseville.

What’s the DPIP?  It’s the Downtown Public Improvement Program - a collection of high priority public revitalization projects and programs for Downtown Roseville.  Approved by the Roseville City Council last August, the DPIP identifies which projects will be given the funding and resources needed to get them finished as soon as possible.  Here’s what you should see over the next three years:

Town Square

This public gathering space will provide activities ranging from concerts, movies, and live stage performances to farmer’s markets, book fairs, and art shows.  Permanent features include a water playground, a colorful rain garden, and a fire pit.  .

Phase I Streetscape/Infrastructure Improvements

The vision for Downtown Roseville is filled with restaurants and cafes; retail, residential, and office development; a creek walk; arts; and entertainment.  The utilities in the area must be able to support all of this.  Later this year, we will upgrade water, sewer, storm drain, and electrical utilities, as well as improve the Downtown’s aesthetics and accessibility.

Roundabout

The intersection of Oak Street and Washington Boulevard is one of the busiest in Downtown Roseville.  A roundabout brings character to the area, enhances the pedestrian nature of downtown and improves traffic flow. It is one more metropolitan amenity for the City and a big step toward managing the projected increase in visits to the Downtown. .

Bike Trail Extension/Downtown Bridges

Although Royer Park draws thousands of visitors every year, man-made and natural barriers separate this very active space from the rest of the Downtown.  Three separate bridges, including a refurbished Ice House Bridge, will provide access between the park and the Oak/Vernon corridor.  The Harding to Royer Bike Trail project will extend the existing Miner's Ravine Trail from Harding Boulevard to Downtown Roseville, and into Royer Park creating more easy access to the area.  Look for these in 2015.

Fire Station #1 Relocation

An important part of the Downtown, the Oak Street fire station will be relocated to the intersection of Lincoln and Oak Streets.  This opens up a long stretch of City owned property along Dry Creek for public or private development.  The ultimate vision is an active “waterfront” that combines cafes and a creek walk with office, retail, or residential space.  But the first step is moving the Fire Station.

So, what’s the DPIP?  It is a pathway to a revitalized Downtown that features an expanding collection of activities, events, projects, and people.   The City is holding a public meeting about all these exciting projects on June 18th, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 311 Vernon Street.  Come, see more and ask all the questions you have.