She’s been visiting the park for years, but her love for the forest has grown stronger with time.
A Connection to Nature
Lynne Dodson’s love for nature is deeply rooted in her childhood.
New trails and parking area proposed for McCormick Forest Park, sparking concerns and controversy among residents.
The Proposed Trail Network
The proposed trail network will consist of 4.5 miles of new trails, with 2.5 miles of those trails being multi-use. The remaining 2 miles will be single-use, meaning they will be closed to certain types of users. The trail network will also include a new parking area and a trailhead. The new trails will be built using sustainable materials and will be designed to minimize environmental impact. The trails will be constructed using a combination of natural and artificial materials, such as wood chips and gravel. The new parking area will be designed to accommodate a minimum of 50 vehicles.
Concerns and Controversy
Some residents have expressed concerns about the changes to the trail network. These concerns include:
Addressing Concerns
To address the concerns of residents, the PenMet Parks department has proposed several solutions:
Conclusion
The proposed trail network at McCormick Forest Park is a significant development that will provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education.
The project will be completed in 12 months. The project will be completed in phases, with the first phase starting in 2023 and the final phase completed in 2024.
Project Overview
The $550,000 project aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the area by enhancing the local park system. The project will focus on upgrading the existing park infrastructure, including the playground, sports fields, and walking trails.
The PROS Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the park’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next 10 years.
A Growing Demand for Trails
The demand for walking and hiking trails in McCormick Forest Park is evident in the survey results. With 87% of residents feeling that access to trails is important, it’s clear that the community values this aspect of the park.
Trails spark debate over impact on park’s natural environment and recreational opportunities.
The city council has stated that the trails will be limited to a small section of the park.
The Concerns of Residents
The proposed new trails have sparked a heated debate among residents. Some are concerned about the impact on the park’s natural environment and the potential disruption to the existing ecosystem. The city council has acknowledged these concerns and has stated that the trails will be designed to minimize the impact on the environment. The trails will be built using sustainable materials and will be designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. The city council has also stated that the trails will be built in a way that will not disturb the existing wildlife habitats. However, some residents are still concerned about the potential impact on the park’s natural beauty and the potential for erosion. They argue that the trails will disrupt the natural flow of the park’s waterways and alter the park’s landscape.*
The Benefits of the Trails
Despite the concerns, the proposed trails have also been touted as a major benefit for the community. The trails will provide a safe and accessible route for residents to enjoy the park’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
She’s also concerned about the new trails being too difficult for some riders.
The Concerns of a Local Resident
As the new trails in the Gig Harbor area continue to take shape, a local resident is expressing her concerns about the impact they may have on the community. While some may view the new trails as a welcome addition to the area, others, like our resident, are worried about the potential consequences.
Fears of Overcrowding
One of the main concerns of our resident is the fear of overcrowding. She worries that the new trails will attract large groups of mountain bikers, which could lead to congestion on the trails and a decrease in the overall quality of the riding experience. This concern is not unfounded, as many mountain biking trails in the area are already popular with riders, and the addition of new trails could exacerbate the issue. Some of the concerns about overcrowding include: + Increased noise and disruption to the environment + Difficulty in navigating the trails due to large groups of riders + Potential for accidents and injuries
Difficulty for Some Riders
Another concern of our resident is that the new trails may be too difficult for some riders.
The park already has a mix of hiking and biking trails, but the addition of mountain bike trails would provide a unique experience for trail users. The proposed project would also include the construction of a new parking lot and the renovation of the existing parking lot to accommodate the increased demand for parking.
The Proposed Project
The proposed project aims to enhance the recreational experience for trail users at McCormick Forest Park.
Mountain Bike Trails Bring Economic, Environmental, and Health Benefits to the Park and Surrounding Community.
However, they have collaborated on several projects in the past.
The Proposal
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance presented a proposal to PenMet Parks in February 2023. The proposal aimed to create a network of mountain bike trails within the park. The proposal included several key components:
The proposal was well-received by the park board, and the two organizations have been working together to develop the plan.
The Benefits
The proposed mountain bike trails would bring numerous benefits to the park and the surrounding community. Some of the benefits include:
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is a non-profit organization that aims to promote mountain biking in the Bellingham area. The proposed trail would be a 12-mile loop that would connect the existing trails in the area to the new trail, creating a more cohesive and connected network of trails.
The Proposed Trail Concept
The proposed trail concept, as shared by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, would feature a 12-mile loop that would connect the existing trails in the area to the new trail. The loop would provide a more cohesive and connected network of trails, allowing riders to explore the area without having to navigate through multiple separate trails.
The project is expected to be completed in 2024.
The Proposed Project: A Comprehensive Review
The proposed project, which has been in the development stage for several years, aims to improve the existing trail system in the PenMar region. The project’s primary objective is to enhance the overall riding experience for mountain bikers, while also promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth in the area.
Key Features of the Project
Community Engagement and Involvement
The PenMar region is known for its strong sense of community, and the proposed project is no exception. The project team has been working closely with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure that the project meets the needs and expectations of the community.
