Powell Butte Trail Map proposal

Submitted Mon, 04/12/2010 - 10:25am by Dennis Its a Lo...

The Trail Proposal Open house was last Tuesday.  

<EDIT> I realized that PB folks had the existing trails already shaded on the map online.  Helped me to see what the proposed rerouted trails are in comparison to the current ones.  Here's the link:

http://www.portlandonline.com/PARKS/index.cfm?c=51707&

I for one am pretty pleased.  A lot of opportunity for correcting some problematic trails and some new additional connectors for more loop options.  We will need to continue to voice our interest for shared use trails, and continue to make a presence.

Thanks to all for your help.

‹ Info from Portland Water about Powell Butte Construction Last Powell Butte OPEN HOUSE ›

Don't Comment Yet, Please!!!

by charles289 - 2010-04-12 12:10

Hi there, 

I just looked at the map.  There sure are a lot of trails, and the network looks much more fun and sustainable.  There's a glaring problem though: none of the information available on the Parks website states which trails are multi-use and which are pedestrian or horse only!  There's one small exception- a small trail that leads from 148th into the park is noted to be signed Ped Only.  So, on the one hand, we could have access to all of the miles and miles of trails, on the other hand, they might be signing everything Ped Only.  

That's an exaggeration, of course, but there's no way to know which way they've decided to go!  Some of the trail plan alternatives involved closing down some of the trails we've been using for years, so there's a very real possibility of losing mileage.

This reminds me of the last step in this process, in which riders were encouraged to write in to support trails, while the city had provided only partial information.  Remember that Alternative that called for more trails and "possibly" closing down Pioneer Orchard Trail?  This glaring current lack of clarity is even worse.  

Does NWTA have any info on this?  How can I make a recommendation to the City without knowing their plans regarding bike use?  Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Charley Reneau 

Powell Butte Open House: Update

by Cecily - 2010-04-12 18:27

I am the NWTA Powell Butte rep and served on the Project Advisory Committee.

As Dennis mentioned, what is happening on Powell Butte is still a work in progress and it is important that we continue to make our voices heard. Overall the PAC was not supportive of any single user option for the trails and was in favor of making nearly all the trails multi-use.  There is a trail near 148th that may be ped only- this trail may also have stairs on it due to its steepness. 

You can still comment on the trails right now. The comment form asks your thoughts on the overall project. The form is very brief and only takes a few minutes to fill out. Stating that you support multi-use trail access is exactly the type of thing that should be put in the comment form. 

Public comments are accepted until April 30. In the June-July time period there will be 30-day public comment period.

Thanks,
Cecily

Awesome news!

by charles289 - 2010-04-12 21:10

Cecily,"nearly all" sounds like "great success" to me! Nearly all would be a real coup, and would make this park an even more attractive destination for me.  I find the trails there are perfect for my skill level- fun without being scary.  I would love to get to learn some new ones! Thanks also for replying so quickly.Charley 

trails, multi use

by hamster - 2010-04-16 12:34

I havent looked at the map yet ( i thought it was decided already) from what im am reading Does that mean thee will no longer be pedi or horse only trails then? IF so great. If they leave those existing trails there then the whole idea of multiuse trails goes down the drain.