Environment
Mission Trails receives $990,102 to rebuild South Fortuna steps
A state conservancy grant will replace the deteriorating wooden staircase on one of Mission Trails Regional Park's busiest routes with natural stone.
KPBS, in a City News Service report, said the San Diego River Conservancy governing board approved $990,102 for the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation to reconstruct the South Fortuna staircase, often called the “Stairway to Heaven.”
Grant: $990,102
Trail use: More than 60,000 hikers a year
Plan: Replace deteriorating wooden steps with natural stone
Goals: Improve drainage, curb erosion and restore habitat
Heavy use has widened the trail
The foundation said missing and unstable steps have pushed hikers off the formal route, widening the corridor by 10 to 15 feet on each side in places and damaging native vegetation. The stone reconstruction is intended to make the climb safer while directing foot traffic back onto the designated trail.