Sen. Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego, introduced legislation today to create a greenway along the San Dieguito River near the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The legislation would require the Del Mar Fairgrounds to develop a 100-foot-wide greenway along the north bank of the river, stretching from Interstate 5 to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and including an extension of the Coast to Crest Trail toward the ocean, according to Kehoe’s office.

“The greenway would provide a permanent buffer between fairground buildings and the river, restore natural wetlands and ensure public access to this special state asset,” Kehoe said.

The greenway -- which would have to be completed by Jan. 1, 2014 -- was proposed after it was announced that plans are in the works to build a condominium-hotel and fitness center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Plans also call for the replacement of exhibit halls and other projects.