October 6th, 2024 — The historic Helm Ranch area of Clovis celebrated a momentous occasion Saturday morning as community members and city officials gathered for the ribbon cutting of the newly revitalized Gould Canal Trail. The event, held at Helm Ranch Park, marked the completion of a collaborative project between the City of Clovis and the Fresno Irrigation District (FID), transforming a once-overlooked canal bank into a welcoming pedestrian pathway that honors the area’s rich agricultural past while providing new recreational opportunities.
Just as the ceremony began, a sudden roar of aircraft overhead drew amused smiles and comments from the crowd. “Don’t worry about it—it’s just the sound of freedom,” a someone joked, prompting a ripple of laughter. Despite the interruption, the lighthearted moment only seemed to strengthen the celebratory mood.
The mile-long trail, which runs along the southern bank of the Gould Canal between Peach and Minnewawa Avenues, has been enhanced with a series of new features, including a gateway monument at Helm Ranch Park, a dedicated trail rest stop with a bench and trash receptacle, and improved curb, gutter, and sidewalk access to make the trail more inviting for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike. The project, which broke ground in April 2024, is the first of its kind under the newly established Master Trails Agreement (MTA) between the City of Clovis and FID. This unique agreement allows canal banks throughout Clovis to be repurposed as informal trails, enhancing connectivity and expanding recreational options for local residents.
In a press release, Nicholas Torstensen, Assistant Public Utilities Director for the City of Clovis, spoke of the project’s wider impact. “This trail represents more than just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in our community’s well-being and quality of life,” he said.
The project was made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which supports community development and housing activities for low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods. In addition to new pedestrian amenities, the revitalization also features historical nods to the area’s past, such as a concrete pedestal displaying a historic Helm Ranch sign, a symbol of the neighborhood’s roots in the late 1800s, when much of southwest Clovis was part of the original Helm Ranch owned by William Helm.
“Too often, government find ways not to get things done.”said Ryan Jacobsen, FID President, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting that the project stands as a counterexample to the common perception that governmental processes can be slow-moving.
Councilmember Bessinger, reflecting on his tenure, added a personal note that reflected the depth of this moment: “Of all the ribbon cuttings I’ve been a part of over the last seven years, this one makes me the happiest to be at.”
As families explore the new pathway, they will find more to discover than just a trail. The enhancements include a masonry wall, updated fencing, and newly installed irrigation to ensure the surrounding landscape stays lush and green year-round. The improved Gould Canal Trail also offers a new portal connecting directly to Helm Ranch Park, serving as both a recreational space and a tribute to the neighborhood’s legacy.
The project was designed by Dwight Kroll in 2023, with final construction plans completed in early 2024. The City Council awarded the construction contract to Eslick Construction, Inc., and the work was completed on schedule this October. The City of Clovis sees this as just the beginning—future projects under the MTA aim to create a network of trails along existing canal banks, turning overlooked spaces into accessible greenways for the community.
The Gould Canal Trail now stands as a symbol of Clovis’s ongoing efforts to preserve its history while promoting healthy living and outdoor activity. For Helm Ranch residents this marks a true moment of their neighborhood’s evolution, blending historical charm with modern amenities to create a space that can be enjoyed for generations to come.