Update: 12/14/2019 Marc Woodard
On November 19, 2017, I wrote the following article: Transforming Tigard Heritage Trail. I’ve added current pictures 2 years later. As you can see there’s been great improvement on the heritage trail system. Upon the projects completion I’ll add updated images to make the before and after comparisons.
Avid walkers, joggers and bikers are likely familiar with a crescent shaped porous asphalt pathway running parallel with Tigard Street and intersecting at Tiedeman Avenue and Main Street in down town Tigard. In 2013 city leaders wasted no time to secure the ¾ mile abandoned rail right-of-way with ODOT (Oregon Depart of Trans) through a 99 year intergovernmental lease agreement. Shortly thereafter the city began trail design concepts and receiving feedback through multiple public outreach efforts.
“An open house was held in September 2014 to present the initial trail design plan. Over 100 people participated on-line or in-person. The plan was generally well received.
The concept then grew legs into four main sub-areas: 1) A community plaza [now Rotary Plaza, Council Resolution 17-14] where the South trail intersects Main Street next to the commerce building; 2) a Commons area that include concepts for a dog park and/or BMX-bike-pump track [mid-heritage trail segment]; 3) a Stage Area for performance space; and 4) a second trail gateway entrance with plaza space at the north end of the trail intersecting Tiedeman Avenue.
Three popular trail themes have been reviewed for possible development after three public walk and talk sessions held during the Summer of 2017. The trail themes were, Trail as Outdoor Museum; Trail as Riverine History; and Trail as Timeless Railway. After public input – the two most popular themes appear to be timeless railway and outdoor museum.
Some of the most popular trail and plaza amenities ideals include: Rotary Plaza clock tower and peace pole, Veterans wall and flag, farmer’s market and event space in flexible plaza staging area with overpass LED accent lighting; parking under Highway overpass, and along Tigard Street abutted to heritage trail system up to Grant Street.
Also an adult outdoor fitness center with wheelchair access is possible along Tigard Street “green space” parking, Just West of HWY 99 overpass. Also competing for this space children’s splash pad zone.
Cultural and historical interactive art stations are planned along the trail way and may include time capsules… And the BMX-bike-pump track concept continues to be very popular with biking enthusiasts and community at large.
How is the City paying for the the Heritage Street Trail Project?
“On Aug. 18, 2016, the Oregon Transportation Commission announced a $700,000 award to the city of Tigard through a Connect Oregon VI grant.” Other funding sources and donations include: Washington County MSTIP grant; City of Tigard and Down Town Urban Renewal funds and Rotary Club donations, etc. Construction began in 2018.
Team designers are always looking for further input in creating trail elements that compliment Tigard’s Outdoor Museum.
To provide input/ or learn more about the project: http://www.tigard-or.gov/business/tigard_street_trail.php
Good Health to You and Your Family.
Marc Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET., is a member of the Tigard City Council. He is a strong proponent of City involvement in providing recreational opportunities for its residents. 2017-19 Copy right. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org
