Jordan Woods Trail construction to begin

Jordan Park comprises about 18 acres of wooded slopes surrounding Cedar Mill Creek. Land for the park was acquired by Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) from 1988, with the initial parcel conveyed by a developer, through 2001, when Jackie Husen Park was added on the south margin.

Jordan Woods Trail Plan -- click for larger image.

In 2002, THPRD's board approved a Master Plan for Jordan/Husen that included an accessible trail that will become part of THPRD's Trails Master Plan. Funding for the trail was included in the Bond Measure passed by voters in 2008, and construction will begin soon. The total budget for the project is $1.6 million.

The accessible access point for the trail will be at the north side of Husen Park, 10955 NW Reeves St., which includes a parking area. Other trailheads will be from Lost Park Drive, where a set of stairs will lead to a wetlands boardwalk to cross the stream. A soft trail will lead from there to the paved trail. The third trailhead will be at the north end of NW 107th, where the previous, undeveloped trail was. That will also be a soft trail that will lead to the accessible portion.

The name of the park will be changed to reflect the district's effort to preserve natural areas, to Jordan Woods Natural Area. "The purpose of the trail is to allow access from several areas while minimizing impacts to the natural area," said Park District spokesman Bob Wayt.. "THPRD discourages the formation of user-created trails in our natural areas."

Cedar Mill Creek in Jordan Woods Park

THPRD Natural Resources staff was consulted during the planning process on potential impacts to wildlife, which includes beaver and pileated Woodpeckers.  During the county land use process, impacts on wildlife habitat were addressed and it was determined they would not be significant.

The trail will culminate in an overlook that will provide a view of the creek and surrounding woods. A stone sitting wall will provide seating, and interpretive signage will help visitors understand the natural features of the park.

The trail and associated amenities are expected to be complete by next winter. Initial activities will include surveying, fencing, staging and clearing. This will be followed by grading and drainage installation; placement of crushed rock, construction of walls, masonry and stairs, then bridges and boardwalks will be installed. The final phase will include asphalt paving, planting, and site furnishings.

The district has a web page for the project, (http://www.thprd.org/) which notes: As with most construction activities, there will be noise, dust, and traffic impacts. Construction staging will be located at the west end of Jordan Lane, and construction vehicles will use NW Reeves Rd, NW 107th Road, and NW Jordan Lane to access the staging area. Contractors also expect to access the construction site via NW Lost Park Drive.

"We apologize in advance for any inconveniences, and appreciate the public's understanding and patience," Wayt said.

This will be a great addition to our trails system and will be a wonderful attraction for our citizens who need accessible recreation opportunities, while preserving most of the natural areas for the wildlife and native vegetation.

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