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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2018)
8 • The Southwest Portland Post FEATURES January 2018 Off-Road Cycling Plan may lead to future developments at Gabriel Park By Jack Rubinger The Southwest Portland Post Gabriel Park in Multnomah is one of the 16 Portland parks that are “fi- nalists” for one of the new bike parks being planned by the Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation, as part of its Off-Road Cycling Master Plan. Portland has taken a piecemeal ap- proach to addressing the need for off- road cycling facilities across the City. The Plan establishes the role of the city and its public spaces in meeting off-road cycling needs and provides a comprehensive framework for suc- cessfully meeting community needs. The Plan defines off-road cycling and develops a baseline understand- ing of who does, or would like to, ride off-road in the city now and in the future. According to city planners, people of all ages participate in off-road cy- cling. In Oregon, total adult participa- tion is split roughly evenly between people 18-29 years old, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 or older. While limited local data is available for youth participation, the National Outdoor Recreation survey indicates that road, mountain, and BMX biking rank as the most popular outdoor activity for young between ages of 6 and 17. In 2017, city planners conducted virtual open houses, which featured an on-line map soliciting input on candidate sites, held seven public open houses, held in various loca- tions across the city and led multiple one-on-one listening sessions with cyclists. Bike parks, such as pump tracks, jump parks, and skill trails, are dedi- cated places for people of all riding abilities to practice their riding skills and have fun. They can be built on a portion of a property, or around the perimeter. For this master plan, bike parks were only being considered for developed parks, not in natural areas. Northwest Trail Alliance believes that Gabriel Park could be a good place for off-road cycling use as outlined by the plan. Many alliance members live in the neighborhood and would love to see this park in- corporate features where they could ride with their families. “Nothing gets built in this city without a plan. It’s great to see the re- sources and the effort to getting such a high profile plan in place. However, lots of plans sit on shelves and do very little. We’d like to see the public Gateway Green bike park in East Portland. (Photos by Bike Portland) and political support to dedicate some money to get trails on the ground and some mountain bike parks built,” said Alex Criss from Rose City Bicycles. Off-road cycling and mountain bik- ing have been growing in popularity since the 1970s. Many factors have led to this popu- larity. The ability to access and experi- ence nature, spend time with friends and family while riding and having a low impact on the environment are some of the leading reasons. The State of Oregon has identified off-road cycling as more popular in Oregon than skateboarding, tennis or golf. “The Off-road Cycling Master Plan recommends a medium-sized bike park at Gabriel Park. That’s great. We’re all for building jumps, pump tracks, and easy trails to help create fun and safe access for riding bikes on dirt,” said Criss. POST A-Z BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY 503-244-6933 Hans J Manseth – Certified Financial Planner™ 503.227.4817 / hans@hjamfinancial.com Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. HJAM Financial Services, LLC and all other entities and individuals are independent of Equity Services, Inc. Hans J Manseth, CFP® is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc. One National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05604 (800)344-7437 TC93339(0117)3 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HANDYMAN Add color 20 years in Multnomah Village! to your “Call Kenny!” Kenneth S. Morse business card ad! CCB License #195820 Call Don today at 503-244-6933 503-939-5452 morseks@aol.com Excellent SW Portland references Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 503-246-2564 www.mvdentalcare.com 7717SW34thAvenue•Portland,OR97219 (MultnomahVillage•SWCapitolHighway&34thAve.) Your Business Card Here Just $69 per month for a year! The IDEA Today … The SIGN Tomorrow! •SIGNS •BANNERS •GRAPHICS •MAGNETICS •LETTERING •LOGOS&MORE 503.244.0980 9220 SW Barbur Blvd. #111 - Portland - OR - 97219 Contact Don at 503-244-6933 www.SWPortlandPost.com Deadline for February is Jan. 20
