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Rose City Recreation Trail Project Frequently Asked Questions

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This page is a resource for community members seeking answers to common questions about the Rose City Recreation Trail Project.

Metro regional government funding calls for this project to work towards a safer, more connected trail system that increases access to nature. 

How does the project fulfill those goals?

PP&R will achieve these goals by creating trails that provide:

  • Free trails that welcome everyone during standard park operating hours (5am to 10pm)
  • ADA access and connectivity in several locations where none currently exists
  • Increased access to nature including trees and open space away from busy streets
  • Improved access to observe wildlife including birds
  • An accessible, off-road east to west connection linking NE 62nd Ave. to NE 82nd Ave. 
  • Improvements to NE 72nd Ave. creating a safer experience for users, especially school children walking or biking to Roseway Heights Middle School and McDaniel High School.
  • Native plantings to enhance and protect habitat and sensitive ecological areas 

How will funding for the project be prioritized and allocated?

The Rose City Recreation Trail project is funded in part by the Metro 2019 Local Share Bond measure and in part with Park System Development Charges (SDCs). PP&R applied for and received Metro funding by illustrating that the project satisfied several criteria set forth in the Metro Bond measure. These criteria were:

  • Improving access to nature
  • Increasing accessibility
  • Providing access for environmental education 
  • Providing access for an underserved community

Using those criteria as a guide, PP&R will focus funding on trail projects that encourage and enhance the natural elements of the golf course and park. Funding will also focus on trail projects that promote safety, inclusion, and increased access for underserved communities near the golf course and park. Safe access routes to Roseway Heights Middle School and Leodis V. McDaniel High School will also be prioritized for budget allocation. 

As of September 19, we have completed 30% of the design process. Learn more about the design process and view draft designs on the PP&R website.

Trail alignments, surface types, and amenities are under consideration as community priorities and design constraints continue to be gathered and are subject to change. 

Why build trails on a golf course?

In keeping with Portland Parks and Recreations (PP&R) equity and inclusion goals, new trails at Rose City Golf Course and Park will diversify and increase interest and use on these scenic properties. Many neighbors already use existing trails in and around the golf course and park. PP&R’s goal is to enhance these existing trails and construct new trails that better connect users to the surrounding neighborhoods, schools, and public transit. We also aim enhance access to the natural beauty of the golf course and park. 

How will the trail impact golfers and golf course activities?

PP&R project management staff is working closely with our Rose City Golf Course staff and the design consultant to to identify and mitigate potential impacts to golfers and golf course activities through effective design. The site has many opportunities for increased use and enjoyment of the space beyond golf, similar to the trail systems at Chehalem Glenn Golf Course Trails, Glendoveer and Stone Creek golf courses. 

Is it legal for PP&R to build trails in Rose City Golf Course and Park? 

The Rose City Golf Course and Park properties are owned and operated by the City of Portland and are zoned Open Space. Recreation trails are explicitly an allowed use for that zone per City of Portland code

Is it safe to walk on trails adjacent to the golf course?

While walking on trails adjacent to a golf course does pose some risks, PP&R and the design team are working to create safety through sensible design, signage, and trail alignment. PP&R will clearly sign trail routes, rules, and “Caution Zones” at key locations throughout the trail network. Trail users are expected to remain aware and responsible, as with any public space.

Will the trails be multi-use, or built with a single use in mind?

The design team anticipates that there will be both single use and multi-use trails constructed at Rose City Golf Course and Park. Trail surfacing may include both paved and soft surface trail types creating a loop around the golf course.  This approach is designed to provide the diverse opportunities for safely walking, jogging, and/or rolling.  

Is PP&R building mountain bike trails on the golf course or park?

No, PP&R is not building trails specifically designed for mountain bikes on either the golf course or park. The design team is investigating opportunities where off-road cycling could be incorporated in a safe and effective way as recommended by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s Off-road Cycling Master Plan.

We enjoy watching and photographing wildlife in the park and golf course. Will the trails disrupt or disturb wildlife habitat?

PP&R understands that many birds and mammals including hawks, owls, coyotes, and their prey call Rose City Golf Course and Park home. We are making efforts to gather information from neighbors and local experts so we can best design a trail system that protects and enhances habitat. The project design team will use principles set forth in both the Metro Green Trails guidebook and PP&R’s Trail Design Guidelines to create ecologically and user-friendly trails.  

How will community feedback be gathered and contribute to this project?

PP&R will engage the community at the "Involve" level, seeking advice and input throughout the project. Specific strategies, tactics and tools used for engagement will be informed by PP&R public involvement policy and the City of Portland’s Public Involvement Toolkit.

Feedback will be gathered through community meetings, stakeholder discussions, smaller focus groups, online surveys, door-to-door outreach, and targeted engagement with underserved communities. The community's expertise, values, and preferences will be incorporated into the project design, with public input summarized and shared at key design phases to demonstrate how it influenced the final outcome. The engagement process will focus on inclusion and equity, ensuring that feedback from communities who are underserved and have not benefited equitably from investments, who include- people of color, Indigenous people, people with low incomes, people with varying abilities, and other groups.  

How will PP&R incorporate community feedback into the trail design?

PP&R will prioritize community feedback based on safety, accessibility, environmental impact, budget feasibility, and equity, with a focus on the needs of underserved communities. Final design decisions will be aligned with policy, funding, and technical constraints, alongside community preferences.

The final designs will be reviewed by PP&R leadership, a Technical Advisory Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the Metro Local Share Review Committee. At each design phase, PP&R will summarize how public input has influenced the final design, ensuring transparency and accountability.

How will the trail(s) be maintained?

The project team is working with PP&R staff to establish a maintenance plan that will include a budget and staff time allocations to ensure the trail(s) and amenities are properly and safely maintained.

Will the trail system attract crime and homelessness?

PP&R strives to create welcoming, beautiful spaces that enhance and encourage safe behavior through proper environmental design. The Rose City Recreation Trail design team has been instructed to incorporate relevant elements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). 

CPTED uses design principles such as natural surveillance and activity support (activization) to reinforce positive behavior within a space.

I am seeing problems on the trail now, what can I do?

Any illegal, irresponsible, or disruptive behavior on the trails can be reported to Portland Park Rangers at (503) 823-1637, Portland Police non-emergency at (503) 823-333, or 911 for emergencies. 

Where do I find more information? 

For all project information and updates, visit the project webpage Rose City Recreation Trail Project. 

Add your email address to our newsletter mailing list to ensure that you are included on an email alert every time PP&R provides a project update.

Add your email to the Rose City Recreational Trail Project contact list

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