Mary Augustine and the SR-125 Bridge Crossing Dedicated to Her

Media
Jan 2
2 min read

Mary Augustine was an amazing woman. She helped establish many of the trails in Bonita used by equestrians, mountain bikers, runners and pedestrians today. She also was a big part of Bonita Valley Horsemen, created in 1975. As a past president of BVH, I had the privilege of meeting the incredible Mary Augustine several years before she passed.

Star-News photo taken in approximately 1976.

Here is the story of the woman who inspired the SR-125 bridge crossing, written by Mason Hilliard:

The Mary Augustine Bridge in Bonita, California.

This bridge is located in Bonita along Conduit Road, adjacent to the Bonita Golf Course and Sweetwater Valley Little League. Walking along the Sweetwater Park Trail, this 264 foot long bridge spans across the South Bay Expressway Route 125 Tollroad, connecting Sweetwater Regional Park with Bonita and the river bottom below.

The bridge was completed in 2007 at a cost of $1.5 million that was paid for by South Bay Expressway. San Diego County ultimately paid about $18,000 for specialized matting that covers the concrete pathway. Horses can easily slip on smooth surfaces like concrete, this rubber matting offers non slip protection, and a far more reliable and safer footing for horses.

Dedicated to Mary Augustine, an instrumental figure and key component for development of equestrian trails here in San Diego County.

A National City native, she was raised on 42nd Street just off El Cajon Boulevard in North Park. Family and friends can remember her as a child wanting a horse. She graduated from Hoover High School in 1948 and by her late 20s she was eventually able to afford her own.

Considering development gaining momentum throughout San Diego County during the 1950s, Augustine made it a priority that equestrian riders would safely be able to enjoy the freedom of exploring trails throughout the area.

She helped establish the Bonita chapter of Equestrian Trails in 1969, as well as the Bonita Valley Horsemen in 1975, a group which is still active today. One of her first projects were trails surrounding the Chula Vista Golf Course, used by walkers, joggers, bicyclists and equestrian riders. In the late 1970s, she led the Sweetwater Trail project from the East side of Sweetwater Summit Park to Jamul. She was fundamental to trail development throughout Bonita, investing years lobbying to help establish miles of equestrian and hiking trails throughout Bonita Valley.

She passed away May 8, 2018 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital at the age of 87.