Minto-Brown Island Park Master Plan Public Meeting #1 November 18, 2014 City of Salem, Parks & Transportation Services Division, i i Public Works
Welcome... and thanks for participating in the master planning process for Minto Brown Park City Staff Keith Keever, Park Superintendent John Kleeman, Park Supervisor - District 1 Patricia Farrell, Natural Resource Specialist Toni Whitler, Administrative Analyst Consultant ESA Vigil-Agrimis Tracy Johnson, Landscape Architect Maureen Raad, Landscape Architect
Surveys We will be conducting several online surveys throughout the park planning process. Keep checking the Minto Brown Park website for more information.
What the Master Plan IS An opportunity to participate p in shaping the future of this park A visioning plan to guide the future of Minto-Brown Island Park An opportunity to consider new and old issues such as farming, natural area restoration, wildlife enhancement, access, and trail improvements An opportunity to weigh in on opportunities with the new bridge and trail
What the Master Plan IS NOT A development plan. Minto Brown Park is a natural area. You won t see ball fields, buildings, or other active uses A forum for debating management issues A forum for debating maintenance issues
Terms Used Minto, Minto Brown, Minto Brown Park, Minto- Brown Island Park - all the same meaning Natural Area, Nature Park Conservation Area Conservation Easement Active vs passive recreation New 307 acre property, Boise property Avoid term Develop
Minto-Brown Island Park Characteristics 1,205 acre Natural Area Serves the entire City of Salem and the surrounding region. Natural Areas are intended to conserve natural resources and may provide for passive recreation Walking/ Jogging Biking Wildlife viewing i
Why Update the Master Plan? The prior master plan was completed in 1985, and updated in 1995 19 years ago! Park uses have changed since the last master plan The park has expanded A new bridge and trail connection are planned New / Different features may be more useful for today s community Community desires may have changed since the last plan
Changes Since Prior Plan Land Acquisitions: Filbert Orchard along Homestead Road & 307 acre Boise Cascade property p Trail system improvements Parking lot expansion: Lots 2 and 4 added, Lot 3 expanded Agricultural use no longer occurring Addition of a dog Park
History of the Pedestrian Bridge 1975 Bridge concept in Riverfront Downtown URA plan 1978 and 1985 - Bridge concept in park master plans 2008 - Bridge design study completed 2012 Bridge and trail master plan completed 2012-2014 Design, permitting and fundraising for bridge and trail 2013 Boise Cascade property acquisition 2015 Construction will commence
Schematic Illustrations
Minto Island Conservation Area (Former Boise-Cascade Property)
Minto Island Conservation Area In 2013 the City of Salem took ownership of the 307 acre property formerly owned by Boise Cascade Funding by Bonneville Power Administration Mitigation for loss of wildlife habitat because of construction, inundation, and operation of Willamette River Basin Flood Control Projects. Conservation & Management Plan under development
What is a Natural Area? The primary purpose p is to preserve nature and wildlife habitat. Passive recreational uses are allowed if they do not conflict with natural area protection Minto-Brown is unique: It has a history of uses and human manipulation less common to natural areas It is very large, and can accommodate a variety of uses while still preserving nature and wildlife habitat.
Amenities Allowed in Natural Areas There are no standard amenities for a natural area Optional amenities (if determined appropriate): Trails Site Furnishings Picnic area and/or picnic shelter Playground Parking Restrooms Boat Launch Interpretive elements Amphitheater stage Disc golf Exercise course
Amenities Not Allowed in Natural Areas Not appropriate p or conflicting amenities: Dog Park Community Garden BMX / Mountain Bike Trail Sports Fields (Softball, Baseball, Soccer) Sport Courts Skate Park Splash Fountain Organized Sporting Events Arboretum Community or Recreation Center
Summary of Past Master Plans Former Allowed Uses Farming Future Development Goals 1985 Environmental Education Center Equestrian Center Botanical Garden Additional parking lots 1995 Community Garden Oxbow slough flushing
Public Input
Goals & Objectives Maintain and enhance the natural character of the park Improvements should minimize impacts Limit access to environmentally sensitive areas Explore ways to alleviate user conflicts on trails as use increases Improve habitat and wildlife diversity Improve access to river and sloughs Minimize the impacts of cars on the park and its users.
Survey Responses Our first survey concluded with the question: What important issues would you like to see addressed during the master planning process?
Responses to Consider Natural area preservation and habitat restoration Safety Invasive species removal plan More trails Less trails Separate trail uses to reduce conflicts Reduce trail use conflicts Need for bicycle commuter route through the park to downtown Widen the paved trails Interpretive signage Design paths so they can be used year round Like open field areas don t fill up park with trees Connect paths regionally Independence, Monmouth, Dallas, Turner, Keizer More drinking fountains Dogs drive away wildlife limit their access
Responses to Consider (cont.) Pave parking lots 2 & 3 Bring back farming Add restrooms Improve the dog park Fence dog park, separate small dogs No ball fields Additional picnic shelters Poor access to Minto by bike and walk. Improve River Road bike route Bridge across slough opening near river Bring back farming to improve migratory bird refuge areas Cyclocross Course Mountain Bike trails Protect nesting bird species including ground nesting species Non-motorized boat access to river Inclusive playground
Management Issues How to address homeless problem Dogs off leash Dog etiquette in the dog park Homeless camps Provide printed maps
Maintenance Issues More maintenance Less maintenance Maintain the dog park better Install warning signs at blind curves on trails Paint a stripe down the center of paved trails to separate traffic
Some fun responses I want to bike ride the new bridge before I die Get the bridge done sooner Love the new maps
Survey & Comment Form
Follow our progress Future Meetings at Pringle Community Hall, 6:30 p.m. January 20, 2015 March 3, 2015 March 31, 2015 Pringle Community Hall is located at 606 Church Street SE, parking is available. For more information please visit the project website at: For more information please visit the project website at: http://www.cityofsalem.net/residents/parks/parktour/ Pages/MintoBrownIslandMasterPlan.aspx
Contact Us mintobrowninput@cityofsalem.com City of Salem Park Operations 1460 20 th Street SE, Bldg 14 Salem, Oregon 97302 503.588.6336