An environmental group that was instrumental in developing the American River Parkway is suing the city of Folsom over a plan to improve access to Lake Natoma.

The $1.2 million project approved by the city council last month would pave dirt trails, add lighting and replace a rugged stairway made from railroad ties.

The project would also add a boat launch under the Lake Natoma Crossing Bridge and remove non-native vegetation.

The new path near the foot of Gold Lake Drive would comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

“There’s not going to be anybody excluded,” Folsom Parks and Recreation Director Robert Goss said. “Everybody’s going to be invited, young and old.”

But a group formed in 1961 to help establish the 23-mile parkway claims the Lake Natoma Waterfront and Trail Access Enhancement Project will destroy the area’s scenic nature.

The Save the American River Association (SARA) has filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court claiming the city failed to adequately consider the environmental impact of improved parkway access.

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