CRESCENT PARK GREENWAY VISION

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1 CRESCENT PARK GREENWAY VISION

2 City of Hillsboro Trails Master Plan CRESCENT PARK GREENWAY Members of the Hillsboro community came together to determine the following vision and goals for the Crescent Park Greenway (CPG). While it may take many years to implement, the intent of the Crescent Park Greenway is to provide a continuous green loop around the City with a multitude of recreation and ecosystem functions. This vision is thoughtfully created now in order to spur enthusiasm and provide guidance for its implementation as opportunities arise. Vision Crescent Park Greenway is a significant community resource. It couples access to recreation, neighborhoods, employment, and services, in balance with nature, elevating the quality of our daily lives. The Crescent shall complete a greenway loop around the City contributing to a vibrant Hillsboro. Goals The following primary goals shall guide decision making with respect to the Crescent Park Greenway. According to City leaders and community members, the CPG shall strive for the following: The CPG shall be a resource and destination for the community. 2

3 Crescent Park Greenway Alta Planning + Design ZION CHURCH SCOTCH CHURCH SUSBAUER MEEK HELVETIA R1d GLENCOE R1c JACKSON SCHOOL R1b SHUTE-SUNSET EVERGREEN R1a CORNELIUS PASS-SUNSET SUNSET WEST UNION SPRINGVILLE LAIDLAW KAISER HORNECKER R1e R5 R5 CORY DENNIS C2 1ST OAK L1 C1 5TH C4 C3 10TH L1 MAIN L2 BROOKWOOD C12 C13 C10 R3 SHUTE 231ST R? CORNELIUS PASS CORNELL ALOCLEK 206TH STUCKI AMBERGLEN R? R4a BASELINE 185TH 185TH-SUNSET WALKER 158TH BETHANY R1f C5 L2 R6 WITCH HAZEL R4b MERLO JENKINS TONGUE JOHNSON SCHOOL HILLSBORO R1g I Miles SIMPSON BURKHALTER C6 ROOD BRIDGE Crescent Park Greenway follows three of the City s waterways creating a loop around the City. C7 RIVER C7 C9 ROSEDALE C8 TUALATIN VALLEY R4c 209TH 198TH FARMINGTON 170TH BANY DAVIS MURRAY ALLEN We envision the CPG as a signature feature of the overall park and trail system. The trail design and experience shall respond to the setting unique to each segment whether open and expansive or intimate and meandering. The CPG shall meet multiple objectives» Recreation - opportunities to appreciate nature» Natural area restoration and enhancement» Stormwater management» Shall be an asset for future development Stakeholders predominantly appreciate the Crescent Park Greenway as a recreational asset, a destination trail that provides opportunities to connect with nature. They view it foremost as a recreational asset or destination trail. It should be a place where people go with the intention of visiting and spending time, over serving as a transportation corridor. The Greenway shall meander along with Waibel, McKay, and Dairy Creek, as well as the Tualatin River connecting each end of the Rock Creek Trail to create a continuous loop around the City. Accordingly, it shall offer a natural contrast to the urban experiences available within Hillsboro. The Greenway will change character in response to the specific context at hand with some areas providing an organic and wild experience, while others exhibit a more manicured appearance. The recreational characteristics of the CPG will respond to its setting and are expected to vary based on the unique characteristics of each segment: Waibel Creek, McKay Creek, and the Tualatin River. The 3

4 City of Hillsboro Trails Master Plan resulting diversity of unique trail settings will enrich the overall trail experience. It naturally shall provide a variety of experiences meeting the multitude of recreational needs of its users. Opportunities for access and connections include: existing parks such as Dairy Creek Park, Gordon Faber Recreation Complex and Rood Bridge Park, as well as future parks or trailheads appropriately sited along the route. Ideally, the CPG will offer both a paved trail experience as well as natural surface options to provide a wide range of experiences. The loop should be composed of a main spine augmented by spur trails, as well as viewpoints, boardwalks, and overlooks that appear in celebration of special places such as created wetlands and ponds. The CPG shall be comfortable and inviting for all. User safety and comfort is important and should be provided via trail improvements including: safe roadway crossings, drinking fountains, wayfinding signage and mile markers, rest rooms, benches or seating and trash receptacles. As North Hillsboro develops, the ecosystem functions of Waibel Creek will expand to include the management of stormwater and restored vegetative corridor. Waibel 4

5 Crescent Park Greenway Alta Planning + Design Creek shall be restored to a natural form including a gentle bank slope, functioning vegetative corridor with native plants, and meandering alignment capable of serving stormwater management functions. The enhancement and restoration of the Waibel Creek corridor offers unique opportunities for meeting multiple objectives if carefully and cooperatively planned. Floodplain areas designed to accommodate stormwater are also valuable to wildlife, and provide a scenic setting for the trail. Some areas that detain flood waters during the wet season could serve other functions, including recreation, during drier times. It is imperative that opportunities to bring this vision to fruition are captured as they present themselves. Development should work in tandem with the goals of this vision so that the multitude of benefits is realized in full. Hillsboro should continue to work with potential partners to help realize this vision. The northern reach of the Crescent Park Greenway generally follows Waibel Creek. The area south of US-26 is within the Urban Growth Boundary, and the development of several large parcels is already in process. In this area, Waibel Creek is currently a 5

6 City of Hillsboro Trails Master Plan narrow ditch with little wildlife or stormwater management function. As parcels in the area are developed, the amount of surface run-off and stormwater management will grow. Adhering to the vision of the Crescent Park Greenway, trail development along Waibel Creek should serve multiple functions. It should provide recreational opportunities including opportunities for the passive enjoyment of nature. Waibel Creek should be restored to provide habitat, stormwater treatment and retention. Crescent Park Greenway is envisioned as a respectful neighbor and amenity for area businesses and employees. 6