28 May 2015
Park officials get an earful
An unofficial trail at Honeyman State Park has been slated for closure for at least six years. But it wasn’t until last night that park officials reached out to hear from trail users who want it to remain open.
The trail was closed with no notice in February, prompting an outcry from users… mostly runners, who say the soft surface provides a good contrast to paved roads in the park.
Jaime English, a planner with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department conducted the listening session at Siuslaw Public Library. She wanted to hear about all of the trails at Honeyman, but most conversation centered on the so-called “social trail” that connects both sides of the park, crossing Highway 101 just north of the entrance.
Park managers say the crossing is unsafe. They want to close the trail completely. One speaker last night seemed to agree with managers, saying he had heard no solutions from trail supporters.
English said they will continue to take comment. Oregon Parks and Recreation has set up a special website for more input. A second meeting will likely be held some time in July.
Distrust of process expressed
One of the issues that arose during that Honeyman State Park trail meeting last night was that of trust. Runners and supporters of the so-called “social trail” say they don’t trust parks officials to listen and take into account their viewpoints. They claim the decision has already been made and officials are only opening the public process to appease them.
They point to the confusion, and what they called often conflicting explanations about why the trail was suddenly closed in February. When it was reopened in April, they say they were told they would be contacted personally about any upcoming meetings.
Notice of last night’s meeting was sent to local media outlets and only one attendee said he was personally contacted. The rest only heard of it yesterday morning.
Central Coast District Manager Claude Crocker admitted there may have been some poor communication. He stoically listened from the back of the room last night. Following the meeting, he seemed to only add to concerns of trail supporters by saying he still feels the trail is unsafe and should be closed. But, he added, it’s not his decision.
All of the comments, along with additional input from park and transportation managers, will be evaluated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Manager and deputy manager. They’re expected to do that later this summer.
Cable steps aside from Port Commission
For the second time this year a Port of Siuslaw Commissioner has resigned. Jay Cable abruptly stepped down from the Commission earlier this week citing a variety of reasons.
Some of those, he said, are personal. But “the bulk of the decision” was based on business. Cable operates the BridgePort Market near the boardwalk in Old Town Florence.
In his resignation letter Cable also expressed frustration with how the port is managed. He said as a commissioner he heard residents saying the Port should be operated as a business. But, according to Cable, the management remains – quote – “locked into the government mind-set” of raising fees… “with little if any regard to cost savings”.
Cable also said employee morale is at an “all-time low”. He expressed frustration about the lack of input by the Commission on port operations.
The remaining commissioners will be called on to appoint a replacement who will serve the remaining two years on Cable’s term.
School board to hear naming proposals at high school
A public meeting is planned for next week to hear from area residents about a proposal to name two features at Siuslaw High School in memory of former administrators.
Long time superintendent Glenn Butler passed away last year. The Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club wants the school to name the court in the main gymnasium in his memory.
Dick Whitmore was the principal from 1974 to 1993. He passed away three years ago. The Club also wants to honor his memory. They want to name the mall at the high school in his honor.
The School Board discussed both proposals earlier this month, but held off on making a decision until they heard from district residents. They’ll do that Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 PM at the high school.
