Unimproved ROW

Hi Nicole,

This is a bit of a follow-up e-mail in that some of us met with Director Oliver today at Happy Valley Park (thank you Nicole!) and also due to a prior inquiry on the subject matter, a few months ago, to Laine and Peter. 

Not everyone is likely aware of future (2026) design and infrastructure investments slated for HV Park. 

I would like for staff to please look into including opening the unimproved Wilson Avenue ROW for contiguous trail connectivity from 30th Street into the Park. 

While there already are other connections from 30th, they are not optimal: They are unmarked from the street (there’s no sidewalk there anyways) and they are at dead ends of residential streets. 

A dedicated bike ped route, closest to the main trail for all of Happy Valley (Connelly Creek NA), seems more attractive, beneficial and logical. (City IQ map, below)

There are restoration and habitat benefits that would come from opening this ROW as well: Analiese could confirm that the illegal structures, random fencing, the tree fort, and the basketball hoop bolted to the tree directly over Connelly Creek are sub-standard and not part of either the City’s or Happy Valley Neighborhood Association’s stewardship plans or guidance. 

This route was not assessed for connectivity via the ROW inventory, or it ranked as unworthy of consideration. (Photo from Bike/Ped assessment below)

Given the upcoming Park remodel and the obvious habitat improvements that could accompany opening this route, I would like some staff review of the Wilson ROW to help us understand either why it is not being utilized for public benefit or what enforcement measures could get it under control — less invasive species, more trees, better creek protection, etc.

Thank you, in advance,

Alex McLean,

— HVNA

I forgot to mention that someone is also using the creek on this ROW as a yard waste and lawn clipping dump.  

I’m pretty sure that isn’t what any of us want for the fish or our neighborhood, right?