This action will authorize the acceptance of $266,498.10 from the Oregon Community Paths program by the Oregon Department of Transportation to build the Belt Park Greenway Trail from SW 7^th St to the Buttercreek Apartments at the end of W Juniper Ave.

Supported by the City’s Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Plan, the Belt Park Greenway Trail proposes to develop an urban off-road (separated) multimodal trail.  Located in the heart of Hermiston, the proposed trail will provide a critical transportation link between a disadvantaged community and essential employment, health, government and school services.

The proposed Belt Park Greenway Trail will meander adjacent to a Belt Creek which flows year-round from Westpark Elementary on the east starting point.  The trail section will terminate at Buttercreek Apartments where it connects to an existing pedestrian walkway and other trail sections. 

Adjacent to the project are dense multi-residential housing including Regency Retirement Home, Desert Sage Apartments, Buttercreek Apartments, and a variety of low-income housing.  Demographically this community is home to disadvantaged and mobility challenged residents that will benefit from the trail.  The trail will meander along Belt Creek adding to the enhanced aesthetics and wildlife view while using the trail.  At 2,822 linear feet, the trail will be mostly shaded by a mature tree canopy and offering rest areas with benches, doggy waste bags, and garbage cans maintained by the City.   

The proposed trail fills a gap in the existing trail system between Highland Avenue and SW 7th Street and solves many significant safety concerns.  The existing corridor has many hazards, mixed traffic, poor sight distance, lacks sidewalks, street crossings, and safety warnings.  Many corridor users walk in the streets causing ongoing safety concerns. The proposed multimodal trail will be 8’ wide asphalt to accommodate walking, jogging, and non-motorized trail uses.  The proposed trail will be an asphalt surface meeting ADA standards and improved safety for bicycles and all trail users. 

Property ownership includes the City’s Belt Park and two private property owners.  The City has secured two recreation easements from Sunshine Apartments and Avamere Retirement.  Both land owners support this trail project and their residents will benefit significantly from the improvement.  The City will develop and maintain the trail as a critical link within its existing multimodal trail system. 

Goal 4: Invest in transportation infrastructure to improve mobility and support growth.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $297,000. The City has been awarded  up to $266,498 for the project by the Oregon Community Paths program through the Oregon Department of Transportation. The City will be responsible for the remainder (up to $30,502) as match. This program is a 90/10 match.

1.  Approve Resolution 2203

2.  Reject Resolution 2203

3.  Request amendments

Approve Resolution 2203

Motion to approve Resolution 2203