Keeping the Shepherd Canyon open space pristine, as well as solving its parking problems, and finding the money to accomplish these goals, are what residents cite as priorities for the area.

These thoughts were hashed out at a Wednesday workshop sponsored by District 4 City Councilwoman Jean Quan, the Shepherd Canyon Homeowners Association and Piedmont Pines Club. Other top priorities shared by the 40-plus residents at the meeting include fire prevention and connecting the trails in a hilly area along Shepherd Canyon Road.

The workshop, held at Montera Middle School, focused on identifying and prioritizing ways to implement plans for the open space, which were first discussed at a workshop Sept. 6.

Rosemary Cowen-Knight was concerned about the safety of children and adults in and around the soccer field's parking lot. Speeding traffic on Shepherd Canyon Road is an important issue, she said.

Adrienne Bryant, who leads tours of the park's trails with husband Herb, said she wants a foot bridge built over Shepherd Canyon Road to link both sides of the park. This would make the area safer, she said, and easier to traverse.

Mike Petouhoff, president of the Shepherd Canyon Homeowners Association, said heavy traffic and lack of parking have always been a problem at the soccer field parking lot. Traffic is particularly heavy during weekend games, he said.

Paul Tuttle, who, along with Jill Eulate, volunteered his expertise in urban planning for the workshop, said residents' comments were helpful. The workshop "helps us to know where we should put our effort in the next year," said Tuttle, serving as the meeting's moderator.

The park -- part of a 34-acre area set aside by the city as park land and a nature preserve in 1975 -- includes 22 wooded acres, several open meadows, a soccer field and a former railroad trail on the west side of Shepherd Canyon Road.

Funding for park improvements is limited, and Quan wants to help create a public and private foundation for the park.

Quan and members of the homeowners group said a community-based plan will play a critical role in determining how to allocate future park funds.

"I would like to think that what we do will have an impact on future generations," the councilwoman said. "After tonight, we will take this information ... and in the spring we hope to come back and say this is what we can do.

"Some of you want more soccer fields, some want a quiet park ... we probably won't make everyone happy," she added.