Stepping up
Coast puts best foot forward with Travel Oregon trail funding
Newport Trail Stewards at work
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
A new wave of financial support is hitting the coast, aiming to help communities recover from COVID-related losses by re-attracting visitors. And the proposed projects will also improve life for residents.
The projects, which include outdoor experience enhancements in Tillamook, Lincoln City, Newport and Toledo, were among 400 applications received by Travel Oregon for the Competitive and Recovery Grant Program.
Competition for the funds was tight, with less than a quarter of applications being approved.
“These projects directly support Oregon’s tourism economy, from iconic Oregon attractions like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, to outdoor trail development, to retrofitting outdoor events to meet public health standards,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “Our goal is to support these businesses, events and attractions as they operate safely, restore vibrancy and create economic stability in communities across the state.”
One of the smallest Central Coast grants, of $1,430, will go to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum for trail improvements and signage replacement at Kilchis Point.
Located in Bay City, the Kilchis Point Reserve covers approximately 200 acres with two miles of trails and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
Declared a County Heritage Site in 2010, Kilchis Point has important historical relevance and is one of the largest permanent Native American villages on the coast.
The City of Toledo received $49,000 that will help to launch a three-phased project including an outdoor dining program, main street beautification and wayfinding signage. The city has been actively reviving the downtown and arts district with new events, Phantom Galleries and the robust First Weekend gallery tours.
The Newport Trail Stewards received an injection of $79,500 to support Phase I of the Big Creek Trail System project of building a series of multi-use and bike-specific trails, improving parking access, adding restrooms and installing and trail signage.
The NEWTS emphasize healthy outdoor activities and especially getting kids interested in mountain biking through free coaching projects. Laura Braxling, director of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, is a volunteer coach.
“I love it,” she said. “I can’t wait for the new season and having more trails to explore with the kids.”
Though most members are mountain bikers, the NEWTS are not only about creating trails for cyclists.
“We have a lot of user groups in mind for our plans,” said NEWTS board member Will Black. “Our phase-one goal at the reservoir is to build an easy one-mile loop for families. We are definitely planning to avoid conflicts by making separate trails for downhill biking that will be separate from the family friendly areas.”
The City of Lincoln City was awarded $11,430 for increased wayfinding and interpretive signage to increase visitor use and engagement on local trails.
“Thanks to the Travel Oregon grant we’re going to be able to meet our goals of completing the interpretive signage in all eight of our open spaces,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jeanne Sprague. “The wayfinding aspect will be actual arrows pointing the way, and we’ll also have maps and interpretive signage that will be decorated by local nature artist Nora Sherwood.”
As excited as she is to check this off her to-do list, Sprague is even more pumped up about even more recent funding for a project for kids.
Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Nature Explorer Pledge:
I pledge to keep the parks and open spaces neat and clean by leaving no trace. I pledge to protect the plants and animals. I will keep learning about these beautiful places and share my knowledge with others. I am proud to be a Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Nature Explorer.
“We were approved by the Oregon Community Foundation to create a local explorers program based on the National Park’s Junior Rangers,” she said. “Lincoln City Nature Explorers will provide access, learning and connection to our parks and open spaces.” To increase the impact and provide an equal opportunity experience, the self-guided Nature Explorer materials will be available free to the public and in both English and Spanish.
“Children and families can pick up or download custom adventure packets for our local trails that include hands-on materials to empower and engage youth,” Sprague said. “They complete nature activities, take a pledge and receive a prize!”
Lincoln City Nature Explorers will also enhance the RECKids Summer Adventure Camp.
“Camp activities include interpretive hikes, nature activity booklets, field trips, creative ‘place thinking’ projects, gardening, hiking etiquette and nature crafts.” Sprague said. “Our focus is on place-based learning, sensory engagement and outdoor exploration. With the creation of custom maps and trail packets, we can encourage kids’ relationships with nature in thoughtful and creative ways.”
For more information about Travel Oregon grants, go to industry.traveloregon.com.