Metro grant helps Happy Valley move forward on new riverside trails and park
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – The City of Happy Valley got a big boost in its work toward creating trails and a park along the Clackamas River, thanks to $1.15 million dollars in funding from Metro.
The grant, which Metro Council approved on January 23, reimburses Happy Valley for property purchased for the Carver Riverfront Trails project. The property is the planned site of future riverside trails and a community park.
The funding comes from the Local Share portion of Metro’s 2019 voter-approved parks and nature bond. It constitutes the full amount of Local Share funding designated for Happy Valley.
Metro has continuously focused on opportunities to preserve natural space for the benefits of water quality, habitat, and human enjoyment,” said Jon Blasher, Metro parks and nature director. “The example set by Happy Valley in this grant exemplifies a coordinated commitment to a vision of the future with a heathy environment and great spaces for people.”
The City of Happy Valley acquired the property after the local community urged the city to find ways to provide park and transportation improvements to the area. Neighbors requested public playgrounds, walking paths, and riverfront access, as well as safe bicycle and pedestrian connections among neighboring communities.
“Residents of Happy Valley love our parks, trails, and nature areas,” said Mayor Tom Ellis. “We consistently hear of a desire for more access to the outdoors and Happy Valley residents shared their interest in having more amenities along the Clackamas River. Ahead of this grant being available, the City of Happy Valley coordinated with the Metro team and worked with a willing property owner to secure 20 acres along the Clackamas River. We are grateful that Metro recognized our proactive efforts and reimbursed the city for this purchase once the grant dollars became available.”
About the Carver Riverfront Trails Project
The planned riverfront site will provide public access to the northern Clackamas River along the scenic riverside. The plans for the 20-acre site include a future community park with public playgrounds, picnic spaces and restrooms. The area will also have paved off-street bicycle and pedestrian paths that will meet and extend regional trails, all built with resiliency and accessibility in mind.
About Local Share
Local Share is a critical part of Metro’s efforts to expand access to nature for everyone in greater Portland. A program of the voter-approved 2019 parks and nature bond, it allocates $92 million to 27 park providers in the region for projects in their communities. Local Share has supported parks and nature projects across greater Portland since the first greenspaces bond was passed by voters in 1995. The funds go to local projects that are important to their neighborhoods and communities and complement the regional focus of Metro’s own projects. Funding is allocated on a per capita basis.
About Happy Valley
Since its incorporation as a city in 1965, Happy Valley has grown from a rural area to a thriving suburb with over 28,000 residents. Sitting at the junction between the Portland Metro Area and the Mt. Hood wilderness, Happy Valley boasts world-class parks and trails, incredible community events that bring neighbors together and a thriving business community. The City of Happy Valley continuously works to preserve and enhance the safety, livability and character of the community.
About Metro Parks and Nature
Metro Parks and Nature protect clean water, restores fish and wildlife habitat, and creates opportunities for people to enjoy nature close to home. Its unique park system – one with nature at its heart – comprises more than 18,000 acres of parks, trails and natural areas across every community in the region. The system stretches from Chehalem Ridge on the west to the Sandy River Gorge on the east, and from Blue Lake and Smith and Bybee Wetlands on the north to Graham Oaks on the south. Learn more at www.oregonmetro.gov/parks.