Rooster Rock State Park Public Meeting I

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is producing a site development plan for Rooster Rock State Park.

The purpose of these proposed developments will be improving the park entrance and facilities, while creating a riverfront scenic promenade. This proposed trail will provide park visitors with a dedicated walking path along the Columbia River and will be an exciting new universal access recreation option for the Gorge. Current park activities will continue to be offered at the park, while proposed improvements aim to increase opportunities for interpretation and ranger-led educational programs, highlighting the natural and cultural history of the Gorge.

These improvements were identified and prioritized in the 2015 OPRD Columbia River Gorge Management Units Plan (available at www.gorgeparksplan.com, pages 154-57) and this site planning effort reflects the need for a focused site plan as a next step in moving forward with these improvements, as well as identifying potential funding for development.

On March 18th, 2015 OPRD, will be hosting a public meeting to review design options for these developments at Rooster Rock State Park. This meeting will be held at the Corbett Fire Hall in Corbett, OR from 6:00-8:00 PM. Mike Parker, our GAT chair (gat@aanr-nw.org) will be at this meeting representing our needs.

The issues that Mike is most concerned about are from the section about Rooster Rock: Needs, Constraints and Opportunities
Extremes in park attendance: Low use in shoulder seasons and weekdays; high parking numbers on summer weekends.
Expansive paving; however, all parking spaces are eeded at peak times.
The main beach is no longer functional as a swimming area.
The boat ramp functions seasonally and is extremely expensive to constantly dredge.
The riverfront area of the park has no connected walking path or water access.
The entrance feels like you are arriving at a parking lot, not a park.
Need for additional universal access recreation options.
Limited draw for families, shoulder season hikers, school groups, or visitors from the views and falls loop on HWY 30.
Desire for children’s play areas, dog off-leash areas, more docks, and more group picnic shelter facilities.

An additional meeting will be held later this spring to review a preferred option.

Details concerning the Rooster Rock State Park Site Development Plan Public Meeting I:
Wednesday, March 18
6:00-8:00pm
Corbett Fire House
Multnomah County Rural Fire Protection District #14
36930 E. Historic Columbia River Highway
Corbett, Or 97019

Please visit www.gorgeparksplan.com and join the mailing list to stay updated on the process, or contact Ben Hedstrom at (503) 986-0745 or ben.hedstrom@orgeon.gov with any questions.

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