Trails System Plan moves to Planning Commission June 15, comment now and/or follow the process.
West Linn is a city with its eye to the future and a history of innovation in its parks and recreation system. With the adoption of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, the City established a conceptual trails network as an integral part of making West Linn a livable city that contributes to the health and wellness of its community members. The Comprehensive Trails System Master Plan is a continuation of the policies and recommendations set forth in the PROS Plan that will continue to make the City a unique and desirable place to visit and live.
The trails system is envisioned to take advantage of the many natural features and existing public lands within the City. Trails in the West Linn system will include a wide variety of recreation and transportation options, from paved multi-use trails to unpaved pedestrian trails. The variety of trail types will require new facilities to be added and maintained throughout the City. Implementing and sustaining the trail system will require a strong working relationship with the public, as well as clear trail project prioritization criteria, design guidelines and implementation policies to make the best use of the staff, technology and available funding. Building trust with the public and elevating awareness of the West Linn trails system will be an important step in maximizing the value of the investment in trail development.
We have identified several goals for West Linn’s Comprehensive Trails System Master Plan process:
- Actively engage West Linn residents in the planning process;
- Advance the trail planning and development that has already occurred in West Linn; and
- Zero-in on actual trail alignments and their feasibility, and prioritize the improvements to maximize the network.
We have designed an approach to accomplish these goals, organizing our work into four phases:
Phase I: Existing Conditions
Public Involvement: Project Website
Community Intercepts:
- Holiday Tree Lighting, Saturday, Dec. 5th, 6-9pm at Central Village
- Holiday Parade, Saturday, Dec. 12th, 10am, Willamette Falls Drive & 10th
- Santa's Brunch, Sunday, Dec. 13th, 10:30am - 2pm, West Linn High School
- Interactive input for existing Conditions through Website
During this phase, a baseline for the plan and later analysis is established. The baseline component will include compiling the inventory by planning area of the existing and planned trails as well as the on-street bicycle routes; conducting a review of existing plans, policies, and operations; and identifying opportunities, issues, and constraints to consider during the trails planning process. The project website will be launched, which will be the main tool for two-way interaction between the planning team and the community. All materials developed during the project will be available in the website's document library.
Phase II: Analysis
Public Involvement: Online Alternatives Review
- Trails Concept Workshop
This phase includes detailed technical analysis of the trail system and the development of alternative alignments and routes. During this phase, an interactive mapping tool will be used to gather community input regarding trail alignment gaps, barriers, and opportunities. Analysis criteria will be developed and alternative trail routes will be assessed against the criteria. During this phase, a public workshop will be held to facilitate the development of a draft trails system concept. The results of the analysis phase will be used as a basis to inform and develop the conceptual trails system master plan and to draft a trails policy framework for the final plan.
Phase III: Plan Development
Public Involvement: Website - Online Conceptual Trails Review
Stakeholder Outreach
During this phase the conceptual trails system master plan will be developed, along with strategies needed for the continued development of West Linn’s trails system. In addition to specific trail routing, prioritization criteria, design guidelines, and planning level costs for trail development be drafted. All materials will be reviewed by the public through the project website.
Phase IV: Plan Refinement & Adoption
Public Involvement:
- Public Open House
- Planning Commission/City Council
A full draft of the Comprehensive Trails System Master Plan will be developed that incorporates the refined material developed and reviewed during Phase III. All recommendations and actions will be incorporated into a readable, usable plan document that will serve as a guide for City staff, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the City Council. Multiple rounds of refinement are built in to our approach, as the plan proceeds through the review and adoption process.
The Trails Master Plan enters next step of the formal adoption process with the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for June 15, 2011. Click the link below to make comments and/or follow the process.
After adoption by the Planning Commission the Trails Plan will move to the West Linn City Council.