Connect > Jordan Woods visitors get closer to nature with new, ADA-accessible trail
Jordan Woods visitors get closer to nature with new, ADA-accessible trail
March 11, 2013
A new Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District trail connecting Jackie Husen Park and the Jordan Woods Natural Area (formerly Jordan Park) near Cedar Mill is now open to the public.
The new Jordan Trail is eight feet wide and made of asphalt to ensure ADA accessibility. It replaces unpaved and unmaintained trails. By design, the trail protects significant trees and limits encroachment into sensitive creek and wetland areas, which in turn benefits wildlife.
Jordan Woods Natural Area will host a Nature Day on April 28. Come learn about your local park from THPRD Park Rangers and education staff.
In addition to the quarter-mile community trail, THPRD created an overlook, two pedestrian bridges, a boardwalk, three trail access points, and secondary soft-surface trails as part of the project, which took nearly one year to build.
“Our goal was to create a neighborhood recreation area that complements the natural resources in the area,” explained Hal Bergsma, THPRD director of Planning. “We wanted a community trail that is compatible with the natural resources, links people to those resources, and is accessible for everyone. We believe we have succeeded on all those points. This is a beautiful addition to the trails system in the Cedar Mill area.”
The trail starts at Jackie Husen Park (10955 NW Reeves Street, which includes a parking area) and heads north to an overlook that allows users a view of Cedar Mill Creek and the 22-acre Jordan Woods Natural Area.
The natural area consists of steep, wooded slopes with native bigleaf maples, red cedar and alders. Cedar Mill Creek and Kitchen Creek wind through the lowest elevations and are accompanied by wetlands in some areas.
Improvements also include a soft-surface trail that follows a pathway downslope, across Cedar Mill Creek, and back upslope to another trailhead at Lost Park Drive. Pedestrian bridges and a boardwalk minimize user impacts on the sensitive surroundings.
The project was funded by THPRD’s 2008 voter-approved bond measure. Construction started in the spring of 2012. Contractors removed temporary safety barriers and opened the trail to the public on March 8.
ABOUT THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 220,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.
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Contact:
Bob Wayt
Director – Communications
503/614-1218 (direct)
503/686-5134 (cell)
Date: March 11, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Click here for official release (PDF).