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40 °F 5 Day Forecast Tuesday, December 9, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 29, 2003 More recreation trails in store for Rogue River area By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — Plans are in the works to create at least three new nature and biking trails in western Jackson County. A citizen committee is working with Rogue River city staff to design a trails complex intended to bring recreation options to residents and visitors alike, and possibly provide a northern segment for the Bear Creek Greenway. "We’re looking at different trails for different purposes," said City Administrator Mark Reagles. The first trail under consideration would be a nature trail starting at the new Depot Street Bridge, running into Valley of the Rogue State Park. It would provide up to two miles of walking trail along the Rogue River. Features would include river overlooks with benches and signage for flora and fauna. Short spurs would provide access to the river. Built on a compressed gravel surface, the trail would be designed with easy grades to accommodate families with strollers as well as people who have trouble getting around. Advertisement The committee hopes the trail might encourage some of the 25,000 annual campers at Valley of the Rogue State Park to walk or cycle into town. "We want the economic benefit of a linear park along the river," said committee member Kathleen Heritage. Another trails project under consideration is a State Highway 99 shoulder-widening from Miller Gulch Road to Grants Pass. Updating and widening shoulders would provide a safety zone for pedestrians and bicyclists, Maxwell said. "Walking or biking along this stretch of highway is perilous. Autos and trucks are swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid pedestrians and bicyclists," Maxwell said. One trail is intended to connect to the Bear Creek Greenway by heading from Rogue River through Gold Hill to Central Point. The committee’s vision includes one or more dedicated paths running from Rogue River and connecting with Gold Hill’s trails complex. The bicycle paths would have an asphalt surface and would act as a transportation alternative. Possible routes for the bicycle paths include North River Road and/or Highway 99 from Rogue River to Gold Hill, eventually connecting with the Bear Creek Greenway. Committee members say the new nature trail in the Valley of the Rogue State Park could eventually connect with an existing bicycle path through the campground. The trail could potentially exit onto the bicycle trail along North River Road, creating a six-mile loop that starts and ends in Rogue River. Committee members hope the result will be a functional trail system among the area’s most attractive routes thanks to a mostly waterside setting. The committee will be looking at many sources of funding to make the projects happen. A grant application has already been submitted to the National Park Service for assistance in the planning stage, which will consider all aspects of trail planning including location, design, funding, safety issues and economics. Another potential source of funding might be the federal Transportation Enhancement Assistance Act, which Gold Hill used in building the paved portion of their trails system Karen Smith, Special Project Manager for Jackson County Parks and Planning Services said at a meeting in Rogue River on Tuesday that said the anticipated $3.5 million dollars from state and federal funding for completion of the bear Creek Greenway is already allocated. "We decided to concentrate on going from Ashland to Central Point," said Smith. "That links five communities." Committee member Lenny Friedman said the original plan for the greenway could have included Rogue River and other areas. "Southern Oregon has always been forgotten statewide. Rogue River has been forgotten countywide," said Friedman, a former Ashland resident who now lives outside Rogue River. "We are a part of this county and I’d like to see more attention paid to us." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times