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West Haven neighbors win Metro grant for trail planning

At a March 31st Metro Council meeting held in Oregon City, Councilors unanimously voted to approve several significant resolutions supporting public access to natural resources, including the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, supporting redevelopment of the former Blue Heron Paper Mill in Oregon City, as well as the development of a Riverwalk; the Newell Creek Canyon Access Master Plan; and the 2016 Nature In Neighborhoods (NIN) Regional Trails Grants. A total of nine trails grants were awarded to help fund community supported trails in natural areas and to enhance natural elements of the Regional Trail system. 

One of the NIN trails grants was awarded to Neighbors for Smart Growth (NFSG) and project partners—West TV Elementary, Catlin Gabel, Westside Transportation Alliance, Tualatin River Watershed Council, Clean Water Services, Providence St. Vincent Hospital, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, and Washington County. The $33,600 grant will help the group plan a soft-surface nature trail and perform riparian restoration along North Johnson Creek in the West Haven neighborhood, between SW 90th and SW 95th.

The new trail will run along the stream corridor on land owned by Catlin Gabel School and Providence St. Vincent Hospital, who are partners in the project. The exact route will be determined as a result of a study funded by the grant. The various partners will match the cash grant amount with in-kind contributions, including planning services, natural resources studies, and more. NFSG will be organizing and publicizing volunteer opportunities, with the volunteer hours counting toward the funding match.

The trail will connect to the 95th Ave Regional Trail and will provide the community with essential off-street pedestrian access to schools, medical facilities, and transit. In addition, the trail will enhance the natural experience of Regional Trail users as they pass alongside the stream corridor. Project goals include encouraging active recreation, protecting the riparian corridor, improving community health, and fostering a positive environmental ethic.

More information is available at the NFSG website (neighborsforsmartgrowth.com), including project updates and upcoming volunteer opportunities. Neighbors are encouraged to join in what will be a fun, educational, and rewarding project.

NFSG member Jake Mintz explained that the group was successful in large part because of its great community partnerships. Along with Tualatin River Watershed Council, they will be working with local schools. Clean Water Services will provide native plants and Friends of Trees will lead an on-site educational habitat restoration event. THPRD and Washington County will review plans and advise to ensure the trail will be compatible with other District trails. “We have received excellent support from Washington County, and especially from our Commissioner Greg Malinowski,” Mintz said. “Our community has been interested in improving the local trail network for a long time, so we’re very excited to get to work!”

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