2 minute read
The (not so) Secret Passageways of Danville
www.DanvilleLivingCA.com @DanvilleLivingCA #DanvilleLivingCA
By Sandra Mcmullan, Resident since 1992
Wandering about our lovely little town brings many pleasures and sometimes a few surprises. It took a friend of mine to point out how many lovely walkways there are that are not so obvious, others are frequently used and others just blend in so well we never really notice them. Take your favorite person by the hand, or your faithful companion by the leash, and get out and stroll around town.
There are no alleys here! Just beautiful paths to be enjoyed!
One of my favorite passageways sits between two buildings right in the heart of Hartz. I’m sure you’ve seen it many times with its brick archway, and you may have even used it to connect to the parking lot behind it. It’s a neglected piece of land these days, but it wouldn’t take much to turn it into a quaint resting spot for dog walkers, elders, parents with small children or anyone who wants to stop and soak up the ambiance of town.
Did you see the NextDoor post about the Danville Zoo? Sadly, some thought it looked like a memorial to a child, so it had to be removed. Jimmy G promised it would be relocated in town, but I don’t know where it is now. I can see this little neglected plot of earth being a fun new location for the zoo!
It’s no secret Danville is a “dining destination.” Just drive through town on a Friday evening and try to find parking! There is a passageway that connects the municipal parking lot on Front Street to restaurants on both Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. Of all the magical things about Danville, the twinkling lights that frame the quaint buildings in the evenings is a favorite and this passageway shines! Honestly, Disney couldn’t do it better.
Do you know where this bridge is located? Take a picture on it and tag us (@danvillelivingca) on Instagram and Facebook!
We have wooden walkways, brick and iron archways, as well as rustic metal bridges crossing the creek. Not to forget simple pathways connecting neighborhoods. All of them help you weave around town without moving your vehicle.
Before you begin your journey of discovery may I suggest you stop by the old Railway car that is now a museum? It certainly is no secret as it sits prominently on the corner of Railroad and Prospect, but the walls are full of printed material for you to take with you. You’ll find all the information you need to be a tourist in your own hometown and the entire Tri-Valley region.
Do you remember when the railroad car was located next to the car wash where Lunardi’s now sits? It was quite an event when they moved it to its current location.
Anyway, park in the municipal lot behind the train station and take off on foot to see how many of these passageways you can find!
Sandra Mcmullan immigrated from Northern Ireland when she was just 3 1/2 years old. She recently retired from a composite career in Workforce and Economic Development designing training programs funded by both the state of California’s Employment Training Panel (ETP) and the Federal Workforce Investment Act. Sandra loves fishing, traveling, and being an adventurous grandmother!
