About the paths

Public footpaths throughout Kensington were originally established in the early 1900s and provided pedestrians more direct access to the street cars that ran along Arlington Avenue. Many of the paths continue to be used as shortcuts to residences and businesses, and are enjoyed by many for their wooded hiking and spectacular views. The paths also provide important safety routes for access and evacuation in case of a disaster, such as fire or earthquake. 

The path dedication was never accepted by the County so their ownership status has been in limbo for over a century. This has resulted in the encroachment of a few path routes that are currently not accessible to the community. In the past several years local volunteers have made efforts to document, restore and improve the paths. However, lack of clear ownership and liability made progress difficult.

Current Developments

More recently a group of local citizens formed the Kensington Pathkeepers and focused their efforts on working with Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) and the Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District (KPPCSD) to develop a plan for path ownership, protection, and maintenance. A strategy to establish public ownership of three of the most well used paths was created with the intention of eventually protecting all of the remaining paths.

In July 2025 the Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District (KPPCSD) officially took ownership of three of Kensington’s historic pedestrian paths—Ardmore Path, Beloit Path, and Coventry Path.

Who We Are

In 2018, a small group of active community members formed the Kensington Pathkeepers to make sure our paths provide public access in perpetuity. Our goal is to secure the Kensington Paths under public ownership and then assist with their upkeep and improvement to make our community safer and more enjoyable. It is our desire to engage the community to move this initiative forward.

We are working in close partnership with the Kensington Community Services District (KCSD) as volunteers on any physical path improvements. We are helping to organize community volunteer efforts that assist the District in their maintenance and improvement.

The steering committee is:
Mark Altenberg
Rodney Paul
Lisa Caronna
Sarah Paul
Zione Fox
Denise Van Kuiken

We also participate in a larger working group that includes a number of path advocates from the community. We’d love to hear from you if you have questions or concerns or simply want to work with us to make Kensington a better place to live.

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Outlook Articles

A New Day for Kensington Paths (September 2025 Page 1)

Three Paths Finally Gain an Owner—Us (June 2025 Page 4)