By Scott Unger • Of the News-Register • 

Bumps ahead for Quarry Park?

Only current online subscribers may access this article and/or our N-R e-editions.

One-day subscriptions available for just $3.

For all subscription offers, click here.

Already a subscriber, please

Comments

Paula

I am a member of Friends of Quarry Park and would like to express my concern for the preservation of the park as an unmolested natural greenspace.
The park is currently home to many species of animals including deer, porcupine, racoon, possum, red and gray squirrels, coyote, snakes and frogs. The bird population includes Woodpeckers, at least 3 types of Hawks (including a mating pair), Owls (also includes a mating pair), a variety of songbirds. Even Eagles have been spotted recently. Migratory birds use the quarry pit pond as a stopover.
Human visitors currently enjoy strolling, jogging, picnics, passive bike riding, wildflower viewing, observation of wildlife, video and photography, connecting with other folks enjoying the park, church activities, and the very popular dog walking.
Plant life in the park is surprisingly diverse according to a Resource Conservatist who recently walked the park.
Needless to say, if this greenspace is developed it would be highly disruptive to the natural features of the park and animals who live there.
The concept map of the park build-out we were shown at a Public Info meeting held last October by Susan Muir and Lisa Lacy-Baker showed a number of features that are common to BMX-style, high speed bike facilities, to include:
Flow and Jump Tracks-Cycling that focuses on speed and agility, typically done on a BMX track or mountain biking course, and involves navigating tight turns, jumps and other obstacles.
Gravity Zone-A sport riding specially adapted bikes down steep slopes at high speed.
Pump Track-A continuous loop featuring berms, rollers and various obstacles.
Since the biking facilities take up most of the interior of the park, pedestrian traffic on the plan is limited to a path along the rim of the park which butts right up the resident's fences. Very invasive to neighbors surrounding the park since many have hog wire or chain link fences.
This rare and unique space should not be developed away!

CubFan

Paula...I completely agree. Leave this park be... It's beautiful and serene!

B

Not in the neighborhood, but I agree with Paula.

NJINILNCCAOR

A few trails, some picnic tables, maybe a gazebo, rest rooms, lots ans lots of green areas.

That’s all we need.

Not some fancy tribute to city leader egos.

Lulu

Listen to Paula.

Cindy

While I am not opposed to the idea of a bike track in McMinnville, Quarry Park is not the right location. The park, recognized for its natural beauty, has been preserved for generations, and once altered, it cannot be restored.

Quarry Park is open to the public and enjoyed daily by many who value its peaceful environment. It serves a diverse community—elderly residents enjoy the tranquility, children sled on its hills in winter, families picnic, people walk dogs, and others stargaze, observe wildlife, and admire the native plants and trees. Local church groups also use the park for activities. During the rainy months, naturally occurring ponds attract migratory birds such as ducks, geese, and herons. Under the city's plan, these ponds would be replaced by an asphalt pump track, permanently altering the park’s delicate balance and displacing wildlife. Here's an example of the type of track being considered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzLwmeg-xaw&t=217s.

Greenspaces like Quarry Park are vital for protecting ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and providing clean air and water. These areas offer habitats for wildlife and contribute to environmental health. Once lost, these spaces are difficult to restore.

There are existing biking facilities in the region that serve this purpose. Why sacrifice a peaceful park for a project that benefits a narrow segment of users? I'm not debating the nuances between BMX, pump track, or flow track—the result is the same: Quarry Park would be permanently altered, prioritizing biking over its current role as a natural space enjoyed by all.

I am not against all development. Thoughtful improvements like planting native plants, creating soft-surface trails, and adding interpretive signage would be welcome. However, a bike facility fundamentally changes the space and who it serves. Quarry Park is irreplaceable, and once developed, it cannot be restored.

Moe

I'm persuaded Paula - excellent comment.

Perhaps the park as it is can be thought of as an incubator, creating more wildlife for us to enjoy in, and flying above, McMinnville. Meanwhile, erring on the side of being good stewards of our land.

//

Regardless, the City is not in a good position if they attempt to extract tax money / fees to fund the proposed development. And of course, whether the prosed development goes through, or not, planning costs money too.

Moe

An excellent and persuasive comment by Cindy too.

Posted before I submitted my above comment.

hikerboy

I knew of this place but signs say no trespassing? Is it actually open to public use?

Jas

This property is an amazing natural resource in the middle of densely populated neighborhoods. It offers a wonderful opportunity for the city to positively impact livability by providing a respite area that one can quietly enjoy nature. A BMX style facility would have a negative impact on wildlife and the quiet appeal of the park. Visit McMinnville has the primary goal of increasing tourism and while this facility may do that, this location is not advisable with the only vehicle access being off of an already busy 2nd street at the crest of a hill that is already difficult to navigate for those who live in the neighborhood. If Visit McMinnville has grant money to build and maintain a facility like this they should purchase property more suitable and do so….neighborhood parks should be able to be used by those paying taxes and fees in the city, not by a select group or as a tourism ploy.

Jas

It should also be noted that while Visit McMinnville has their values listed on the website that includes to “operate transparently” they have not publicly disclosed ( at least that I can see) that Lisa Macy Bakers husband is a director at large of Yamhill County Cyclists and had previously been affiliated with WV cyclists who have been pushing this project for several years. Is this project really in the best interest of McMinnville or is it a pet project of a small group who found a funding source?

  • Most viewed
  • Most commented
Web Design and Web Development by Buildable