Newsletter – February 2013
The draft park concepts are almost ready for review
In 1969, Multnomah County began purchasing land around Tryon Creek that had been used for logging since 1850 in hopes of securing the area for a park. The Friends of Tryon Creek was established soon after partnering with Oregon State Parks and the two adjacent counties to coordinate the 645 acre park we have today. Tryon Creek operates as a State Natural Area within a densely populated urban community, and is one of the most popular recreation attractions in the Portland and Lake Oswego area, with miles of volunteer cleared trails.
In order to maintain continued success for Tryon Creek, there is a need to update its Comprehensive Plan to best care for the park’s natural, scenic and cultural resources. The department has been in the planning process with three rounds of public meetings so far that include an advisory committee, the Friends of Tryon Creek, and the general public. From these meetings, values and goals have been developed that call for restoration of the landscape, improve trail system and consider updating the Nature Center area for a variety of visitor experiences. Trail realignments were proposed to provide for continued access around the park in harmony with present natural processes. Visitor experience needs are also be considered that fit current activities and consider new approaches including environmental education programs, a natural play area, and better picnicking facilities.
The draft park concepts will be shared at this next round of public meetings. Anyone can review the draft plan concepts at the OPRD website or at the locations listed in this newsletter.
Meetings scheduled to discuss the draft plan
Advisory Committee Meeting, Feb 27, 1 – 4 p.m.
Nature Center, Tryon Creek State Park, Portland
Community Public Meeting, Feb 27, 5 – 7 p.m.
Nature Center, Tryon Creek State Park, Portland
The purpose of the meetings is to provide an overview of the plan concepts to help interested parties conduct an informed review during the written comment period that will extend until late March, and to hear any comments that meeting participants want to make at the meetings. Members of the public may attend the afternoon advisory committee meeting, however, only comments from the advisory committee will be taken at this meeting. The evening meetings are the general public’s opportunity to comment.
What Will Happen After These Meetings?
Interested parties may submit written comments on the draft plan up until March 26. In late May, OPRD staff will hold a further round of meetings to discuss the draft plan and receive public comment. The input received during the comment period will enable staff to prepare a draft plan for presenting to the State Parks Commission. In Late July, staff will present the draft plan to the State Parks Commission, together with any recommended changes, and hear their comments. All of these steps will occur before OPRD begins a more formal process that will lead to the eventual adoption of the comprehensive plan by OPRD and local approval.
Where Can I Review The Concepts?
On or about February 26, 2013, the draft concepts plan will be available for review at the following locations:
OPRD web site http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/masterplans_draft.shtml
OPRD offices – Salem OPRD headquarters office in Salem (see address below), or
OPRD Park – Portland Nature Center, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland
If you need your own copy of the draft plan concepts, you may request a copy by contacting OPRD. See the contact information below.
What Is a State Park Comprehensive Plan?
A state park comprehensive plan guides the development and use of park facilities and the protection and management of important natural, cultural and scenic resources within the park boundaries. The plan is a written and illustrated reference that describes the planning purpose and process, existing park facilities, expected future recreation demand, the suitability of the land for resource protection or recreational development, issues related to public use and management, the values, goals and strategies for future uses and management in the parks, and guidelines for the park resources. The useful life of a park comprehensive plan is generally no longer than 15 years before it needs to be updated.
Questions or Comments?
Please direct questions or comments to Mark Davison, Planning Manager:
Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
725 Summer Street NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301-0792
(Tel) 503.986.0744
(Fax) 503.986.0792 mark.davison@state.or.us
The final drafts of the Tryon Creek State Natural Area and Wapato State Greenway Comprehensive plans are ready for public review and comment. These plans have been shaped by community members and park stakeholders over the past year. They are now ready for a final review.
Tryon & McIver State Park Plans 