More Shade Coming To Desert's CV Link

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy has approved a $1.25 million grant to install shade structures and native trees along the CV Link, aiming to combat extreme summer heat for trail users.

The conservancy's board awarded the $1,248,586 Proposition 4 grant to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) during its Aug. 10 meeting. The funds will add protective shade structures and approximately 26 native shade trees across five CV Link rest stops in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Coachella.

The CV Link, a multi-use pathway for pedestrians, cyclists, and low-speed electric vehicles, opened in November 2025. It currently features 30 rest stops equipped with benches, bike racks, and hydration stations.

Currently, the 40-mile CV Link corridor features three open segments:

• The West Valley segment runs 19.63 miles beginning at the Palm Springs Visitor Center in North Palm Springs, along the top of the levee of the Chino Wash and Whitewater River, and ends at Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City. This segment also includes a branch in South Palm Springs along Tahquitz Creek and on-street segments.
• The Central Valley segment is on-street and along the Whitewater River in the City of Palm Desert and consists of 5.44 miles running from the Bump n’ Grind trailhead and ending at Cook Street adjacent to Palm Desert High School.
• The East Valley segment is 16.02 miles starting at Washington Street in La Quinta and concluding at Airport Blvd. in Coachella.

Regional leaders said the new shade infrastructure responds directly to community feedback following the pathway's launch.

"With temperatures in the Coachella Valley regularly reaching triple digits, adding shade is more than an amenity — it is an investment in making public spaces more usable and accessible," said Elizabeth King, executive director of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy.

The initiative comes as climate projections from Cal-Adapt estimate the Coachella Valley will experience an average of 136 days per year at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by 2035.

"By planting these trees now, we are creating a greener and cooler future for generations of CV Link users to come," said Tom Kirk, executive director of CVAG.

Project construction is scheduled to be completed by 2028.