Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway - the Oregon International Port

Coos Waterfront
Park and Walkway
Draft Concept Plan
January 2012
Coos Bay/North Bend, Oregon
The Big Idea
The Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway will create a sense
of place on the bayfront in downtown Coos Bay and North Bend,
Oregon, by providing recreational opportunities, improved access to the water and the opportunity to observe a working waterfront. The park and walkway concept will improve the quality of life for our community, promote a healthy lifestyle, contribute to a sustainable economy and attract outside visitors to
this beautiful place.
Purpose of the Plan
A concept plan has been developed for the Coos Waterfront
Park and Walkway to document the results of landowner and
public meetings, along with research and progress to date. The
plan further outlines next steps toward implementation of the
Park and Walkway concept.
The finalized plan will be used to move forward with fundraising and technical plans for the park and walkway according
to the priorities agreed upon in this document. In addition,
this document will be used to communicate the park and walkway concept to a broader community audience.
A mix of marine
industrial and
recreational
activities are
important to the
vitality of our
waterfront.
Photos
courtesy
of Port of
Coos Bay
and Nancy
Noble
Post
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History of the Coos Bay Waterfront
Almost all of the low, flat shoreland along the proposed walkway was artificially created by placement
of fill over the original tideflats and marshes.
Before filling began in the late 1800s, at high tide
the bay lapped at the foot of the adjacent bluffs
and hills. The lower land (such as that now occupied
by downtown Coos Bay) was brackish marsh. Tidal
flats supported shellfish, including native oysters,
and the marshes would have teemed with ducks and
fish.
Coos Indian villages were established nearby, with
known village sites along the shoreline near Highway
101 and included a large settlement toward the north
end near the McCullough Bridge.
Shoreline transformation began almost immediately with Euro-American settlement in the 1860s.
Asa Simpson‟s sawmill, established in 1858 in North
Bend, triggered construction of wharves and docks
so that milled lumber could be carried across the
tideflats to the deeper water required by oceangoing vessels. The Pershbaker Mill was then built in
Marshfield in 1867, followed by the
Porter sawmill in the 1880s, near what
is now The Mill Casino-Hotel.
Before lands were filled along the water in Coos Bay and
North Bend, boardwalks and piers were abundant.
The North Bend shoreline was lined
by wharves on piling well into the twentieth century. In Marshfield, however,
commercial and retail businesses were
built on pilings next to the wharf. Over
time, the entire area filled in to create
what is today modern Front Street.
A roadway on piling connected
Marshfield and North Bend; this area
was eventually filled to support modern-day Highway 101. Today, the origiPhotos courtesy of Coos Historical & Maritime Museum
nal silt, sand and mud, and evidence of
the clams, oysters, and other bay life that once lived there, is buried 15 feet and more beneath the artificial land surface.
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Early Waterfront Improvement Efforts
During the 1990s, the city of
Coos Bay took the first steps toward waterfront revitalization by
completing a boardwalk along the
bay. It includes a shelter, interpretive signage and retired tugboats.
This project was funded through a
state Land Conservation and Development Commission grant, local donations, and municipal bonds, and
was shepherded by a local group
called the Bay Area Development
Association.
In the early 2000s, a represenPhoto & graphic courtesy of the Flags & Flowers committee
tative from The Mill-Casino and a
local architect developed a plan and
proposal to beautify the waterfront called “Flags & Flowers”.
The idea was to make the major corridors in Coos Bay and
North Bend more aesthetically pleasing with a cohesive theme,
including hanging baskets, planters, benches and decorative
flags. While a walkway and park-like setting for the waterfront was part of the design for this project, access was not a
primary goal. Partners included representatives from both
cities, the Coquille Economic Development Corporation
(CEDCO), The World Newspaper, the Bay Area Chamber of
The Bay Area Development Association was
Commerce, the South Coast Development Council (SCDC) and
responsible for the Coos Bay Boardwalk, completed during the 1990s. The Flags & Flowers
other businesses. This committee has been disbanded in favor
Group developed a marketing campaign in the
of the current concept plan.
2000s to beautify major corridors.
In February 2008, representatives from CEDCO and the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay decided to revisit the idea of improving the look of the waterfront,
but focused more on pedestrian access to the water. Our region‟s congressional representative, Peter
DeFazio, also expressed interest in the concept. A group was formed to research the idea of a walkway, which eventually became the Coos Waterfront Walkway Partnership. A 5-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) was developed and approved by the following partners: City of Coos Bay, City of
North Bend, Coquille Tribe, Coquille Economic Development Corporation, Southwest Oregon Regional
Airport District, Coos County, Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, Coos County Historical Society,
and the South Coast Economic Development Council.
At that time, the city of North Bend was working on a two-block concrete boardwalk along the waterfront between California and Washington Avenues. It was completed in 2010.
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In 2009, the Partnership received a grant for up to
two years of technical assistance from the Rivers,
Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, a National
Park Service grant. The Partnership has utilized technical assistance to gather landowner and general public
input on the Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway concept, and to develop a Concept Plan for the project.
Landowner Meetings
In October 2010, the group held three landowner
meetings to present the Coos Waterfront Park and
Walkway concept and gather feedback. Landowners
were invited via mail according to ownership adjacent
to the proposed route. Approximately 10 people atPhoto courtesy of Dan Miller
tended. A representative from Jones Stevedoring indiLandowner meetings and public meetings were held to
cated the walkway should preserve access to Harbor
gather input.
Avenue in North Bend. In addition, others in attendance
were concerned about ensuring safety along the waterfront, particularly at dusk. Landowners want to
make sure careful decisions are made regarding shelters and bathroom facilities, for reasons of public
safety.
Public Meetings
The group held three well-publicized meetings in March 2011 to gather feedback from the general
public. The first was held at Southwestern Oregon Community College over the lunch hour, and two
evening meetings followed at Blossom Gulch Elementary in Coos
Bay and at North Bend City Council Chambers. The meetings were
structured in an open house format, providing a map of the proposed route, photographs of the existing waterfront and examples from other communities, and a variety of opportunities for
feedback. More than 200 people attended these meetings.
At these three events, attendees were asked to write on sticky
notes, indicating what they would like to see as part of the park
and walkway, expressing their concerns, etc. In tallying the most
frequent comments, people were most interested in seeing vendors or gift shops, restaurants or food stands, and public art.
Participants were most concerned about safety. A full list of
comments is available as an appendix to this plan.
The Port of Coos Bay created the poster
below to generate interest in our March
2011 public meetings.
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In addition, 175 people responded to an on-line survey about the
Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway idea. Most respondents indicated they would use the walkway to walk or hike, as a way to get
more exercise. Almost 40% of those surveyed would prefer to
prohibit skateboarding along the route. 85% said they were
“excited” or “very excited” about the idea of a walkway. Full survey results are included as an appendix to this plan.
Vision, Goals and Objectives
Vision Statement
The Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway will strengthen our
sense of community by fostering active appreciation, pride and
respect for the region‟s natural resources, cultural heritage
and industrial waterfront. The walkway and park concept will
attract people to the water, will continue to revitalize the local economy and will cultivate a sense of place and community
that is genuine and unique.
Destinations along the waterfront will be connected by a
linear park and walkway, providing improved access to the water, an appreciation for industrial waterfront uses, and abundant opportunities for non-motorized recreation.
Guiding Principles of the
Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway
Residents use the Coos Bay Boardwalk to enjoy a
day on the water. The Partnership is working to
connect hubs of activity along the bayfront.
The following principles represent common ground for the future direction of the Coos Waterfront
Park and Walkway. They are intended to ensure the waterfront is recognized and enhanced as a community resource. These principles are referred to throughout the document, as the „umbrella‟ under which
more specific goals and objectives are to be applied.
The waterfront is the natural, recreational, economic and cultural backbone and framework for the
community. Special attention will be required to sustain and enhance its value for future generations.
Management is a shared responsibility between a number of
partners, including government entities, nonprofit organizations, the private sector and community groups. The capacity to coordinate and engage all of these groups constructively as management partners is an important part of this
plan.
Social and natural functions and values of the waterfront
will need to be balanced and integrated. It should be managed to sustain a variety of uses, including commercial activity, recreation, community events and education.
A single and comprehensive development review process
should be developed to accommodate and respond to multiple
use goals for projects in or adjacent to the waterfront to
help ensure activities and projects are consistent with the
Goals and Objectives described in this Master Plan.
The role of the Coos Waterfront Walkway Partnership (the
planning team) is to balance interests and integrate activities for overall community benefit. It will not dictate or
Photos courtesy of Port of Coos Bay
regulate actions, but rather will derive its authority from
the participation, collaboration and common vision of its members.
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Our Project Objectives
Recreation
Wildlife, Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat
Public Safety
Public Relations, Information and Cooperation
Maintenance
Community Cohesion
Signage, Interpretation and Education
Photos courtesy of Nancy Noble Post and Port of Coos Bay
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Recreation Objectives
Create a scenic walkway that is inviting, fun and engaging for all users.
Provide for safe and dependable boating, kayaking and fishing opportunities, in appropriate locations and consistent with public health standards.
Promote healthy/active lifestyles.
Maintain, enhance and expand the
walkway to provide connected, accessible and safe recreational opportunities.
Provide a safe, aesthetically pleasing, multi-use corridor for nonmotorized recreation.
Minimize conflicts between diverse
users of the waterfront. Consider
the impact on the working waterfront of any proposed recreational
developments to assure commercial
activity is not disrupted.
Provide for a wide range of nonFishing enthusiasts line the downtown waterfront during salmon season, sitting
motorized activities such as walk- on the rocky bank. Infrastructure changes could improve their experience.
ing, bicycling and bird watching.
Showcase the working waterfront.
Create a non-motorized route connecting North
Bend and Coos Bay to facilitate a strong pedestrian and cyclist connection between the cities.
Bring greater enrichment to those who live,
work and seek recreation in the Coos Bay/
North Bend area.
Generate increased activity along the waterfront, a reason for people to stop and get out
of their cars.
Provide opportunities for visual and physical access to the water.
Foster sociability and interaction; bring people
Photos courtesy of Port of Coos Bay
A canoe takes off from a local boat landing. Many particitogether.
Create an environment that invites group and indi- pants in our public meetings talked about improving access
to the bay by increasing the number of boat access points,
vidual use. Encourage large and small-scale activities to provide life and variety along the walkway.
Consider opportunities for public art. Specifically identified public spaces can present opportunities to create and display public art. Art can be a celebration of place. It may also invite newcomers and those who are not familiar with the landscape to take time to notice the waterfront and all
it offers to our community.
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Wildlife, Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat Objectives
Where possible, use native plant species that provide useful habitat or visual interest in
landscaping.
Landscaping design and maintenance should be in coordination with plantings on private locations along the route and to accommodate the variety of activities along the route.
Plantings along the shoreline should be low-growing native species consistent with the riparian character of the location, furthering the desire for open view of the water.
All plantings should be designed and maintained to promote a sense of security for visitors.
Preserve and enhance
water quality for public health and wildlife
protection.
Community members want access to
nature as part of their recreational
experience in relation to water.
Photos courtesy of
Port of Coos Bay
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Public Safety Objectives
Waterfront park and walkway segments should connect hubs of activity.
Design a park and walkway that maximizes safety and accessibility
for non-motorized users.
Assess, evaluate and recommend a range of security options to improve perception and realization of public safety on the walkway at all
times.
Address issues related to enforcement of existing laws, need for
collaboration between multiple agencies and public/user education.
Meet or exceed ADA standards.
Ensure water access in approved and appropriate locations.
Reduce user conflicts through a combination of physical improvements, education and enforcement, improved design and construction,
uniform and consistent signage, and clear and publicized user etiquette.
Develop design for specific users and high volume areas. Construct
walkway pullouts to minimize user conflicts at points of interest.
Determine multi-agency strategy to address management and liability issues related to user safety.
Integrate public safety issues in all relevant communications.
Incorporate safety design features that consider mixed use,
line-of-sight, lighting, highway crossings, railings, fences and
other safety features. Consider emergency vehicles when
designing width of walkway.
Volunteer Objectives
Celebrate the waterfront as the region‟s key natural, recreational and cultural backbone by encouraging community
events, programs and gatherings there. Connect people to
the waterfront through meaningful volunteer service and
activities that develop a stewardship ethic.
Seek to develop diverse volunteer opportunities – e.g.
longer-term commitments for restoration activities, as well
as on-time clean-up/maintenance events, through a variety
of public and private groups.
Encourage groups to adopt portions of the walkway.
Sponsor at least two major events focused on the waterfront
each year. Support events that educate and engage the public.
Community Cohesion Objectives
Encourage redevelopment of currently blighted areas near
the downtown waterfronts.
Accommodate a broad range of activities throughout the year,
from major civic gatherings to individual recreation or reflection
opportunities.
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Photos courtesy of Port of Coos Bay
The tall ship visits are a major attraction
for residents and visitors alike, drawing
attention to our waterfront areas and connecting us to our maritime heritage.
The displays created by Coos
Historical & Maritime Center
Executive Director Anne
Donnelly were used during
public meetings to help
generate ideas
Photo courtesy of Dan Miller
Public Relations, Information and Cooperation Objectives
Provide quality information and communication to the public about opportunities and developments
on the waterfront to engage the community in achieving the plan‟s vision and goals.
Help the public to understand their potential impacts as stewards and users.
Promote the walkway as an economic asset to the region (e.g., increased tourism, sustainable and
non-consumptive, increased property values, attracts businesses and employers to the region).
Market development of the walkway as an investment in the future.
Promote the health benefits of the walkway.
Promote the transportation benefits of the walkway (multi-modal, alternative to motorized transportation, reduction of energy consumption, etc.).
Promote the walkway as a local and regional recreation amenity and destination.
Identify and pursue possible media opportunities for increased project visibility.
Continue to periodically prepare and broadly distribute public information and update materials.
Develop a consistent design approach/style for signage and promotional materials.
Develop an information clearing house on activities for interested community members and walkway
users.
Develop a website for the project as an information resource, considering social media as well.
Through better and more regular communication, promote regional cooperation and collaboration on
vision, projects, funding, events and resolution of difficult issues. Define a set of regional issues
on which regular sharing of information and plans between regional jurisdictions should occur, including: education, maintenance, safety, neighborhood outreach, events and economic development.
Identify governmental jurisdictions and related nonprofit, civic and environmental interests that
should participate in regional discussions.
Share information and lessons learned on a regional basis and learn from the experiences and initiatives undertaken elsewhere.
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Maintenance Objectives
Ensure that intergovernmental cooperation and shared vision
for the waterfront adequately addresses maintenance responsibilities.
Develop a public/private “Walkway Management Partnership” to
coordinate various stakeholder interests in the daily management and operation of the trail.
Encourage groups to adopt a portion of the walkway.
Encourage and assist the formation and operation of a voluntary “Friends of the Walkway” organization to allow citizens a
voice in trail management and operations.
Support and maintenance involves many partnerships, coordinated management and citizen involvement.
Design the walkway with long-lasting, natural materials that are
compatible with the environment and require minimal maintenance.
Signage, Interpretation and
Education Objectives
Developing a plan for maintaining our
parks and walkways is essential to our
success.
When developing an interpretive program, it is important to carefully select a few primary themes and keep to them. Some programs
try to do too much and end up diluting messages and missing opportunities. Following are some themes we might develop for an interpretive and educational program for the Coos Waterfront Park and
Walkway:
Human History and Culture
Maritime, Shipbuilding, Fishing, Working Waterfront
Improving access to the water helps us
understand our community’s identity
and our heritage..
Photos courtesy of Port of Coos Bay
Logging, Mills, Lumbermen
Current Land Use (Industry, Recreation, Economic Activity)
Well-placed, thoughtfully worded interpretive signs help people
better understand a place. Whether you‟ve lived here for 50 years,
are new to the community, or are just traveling through, the waterfront provides many opportunities to educate. People who are knowledgeable about a place are more likely to feel pride. Developing an
understanding of how plants, animals and people are interdependent
parts of the same system, influenced by geology, climate, water and
heritage, will help shape environmental values. This place is something special and worth celebrating.
The Coos Waterfront affords uncommon opportunities to share a
wealth of historic and natural resource information with visitors and locals alike.
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Other educational objectives
Educate people about the region‟s natural, historic and cultural resources.
Highlight the historical importance of
the waterfront to the community.
Plan and develop interpretive opportunities on the natural environment and on
the human history of the region.
Utilize a variety of methods and techniques to deliver educational and interpretive information (signs, brochures,
website, guided walks, etc.).
Art can be entertaining and is capable of
Photo courtesy of Coos Historical & Maritime Museum
inspiring a range of emotions, but can also Students in Coos County travel to the waterfront learn about the
be a useful tool for environmental educa- influence of the waterways in the development of their economy.
tion. Research suggests that people may
be more inclined to read interpretive signs and to spend more time in the vicinity of those signs
when sculpture is present.
Expand hands-on learning and other youth programs in concert with local schools.
Develop adult and family-targeted education programs.
Target seniors for learning opportunities and use as mentors/teachers.
Develop signage to support regional connections, guide and teach users about the natural and cultural history and uses of the waterfront, and describe the challenges faced today.
Create destinations along the waterfront that attract visitors and incorporate environmental
and historical interpretation and education into the waterfront experience.
Provide a variety of ways for visitors to learn about the waterfront and its considerable history.
Develop educational and interpretive elements regarding the environmental importance of the
bay, including fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat.
Incorporate interpretive elements into the designs for built and existing elements along the
walkway (walls, light standards, etc.).
Develop a system of informational and directional signs to guide visitors along the
walkway and to other adjacent attractions.
Establish consistent trail design and identification standards. The purpose of interpretation
is to enhance a person‟s experience of the site
and to introduce its stories. To be most effective, signs and exhibits should be unified, uncluttered, vandalism-resistant and compatible with
the site.
Photo courtesy of Port of Coos Bay
Residents and visitors want to see an authentic waterfront.
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Development Priorities
Prioritize development of route sections based upon funding sources,
status of current development,
neighboring development adjacency,
and public interest.
Develop conceptual drawings and cost
estimates for high-priority route
sections.
Apply for funding sources, request
donations, organize volunteers for
high-priority route sections as appropriate.
Priority of projects
(listed from north to south)
1. Property Location: Washington
Avenue to Newmark Street in
North Bend
Property Owner: Coquille Tribe
Length: approx. 3/4 mile
Priority: High
Comments:
This property has a single owner who is supportive of the project, and completion of this section will connect the recently completed North Bend Boardwalk
to The Mill Casino-Hotel boardwalk.
2. Property Location: Newmark Avenue in North Bend to Ivy Avenue in Coos Bay
Property Owner: Various
Length: approx. 1 mile
Priority: Low
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Comments:
Industrial uses such as the Oregon Chip Terminal, and military uses such as the
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Citrus dock are interesting to view, but regulations
such as the Maritime Transportation Security Act preclude access. Walkway
traffic can be rerouted to North 6th Street and Bayshore Drive as appropriate.
3. Property Location: Ivy Avenue to Greenwood Avenue in Coos Bay
Property Owner: Private
Length: approx .2 miles
Priority: Low
Comments:
Future plans are uncertain.
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4. Property Location:
Greenwood Avenue to
Fir Avenue in Coos Bay
Property Owner: Coos
County Historical
Society
Length: approx. 700
feet
Priority: High
Comments:
This property also has a
single owner who is supportive of the project,
and will continue the
walk currently available
from the Coos Bay
Boardwalk north along
historic Front Street.
5. Property Location: Front Street in Coos Bay from Fir Avenue to Commercial Avenue
Property Owner: City of Coos Bay
Length: approx. 1/2 mile
Priority: Medium
Comments:
Front Street in Coos Bay connects the new Coos Historical & Maritime Center to the
Coos Bay Boardwalk to the south (starting at Commercial Avenue). This section does
not require additional improvements for transportation, but may benefit from signage
or other changes to direct recreational users and visually connect Front Street to the
other sections of park and walkway.
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Funding Options
As is true with any large-scale project, a combination of funding sources will be required, and implementation will likely occur in phases. Sources may include state and federal grants, local match, individual gifts, in-kind contributions and volunteer labor. To solicit individual gifts, for example, waterfront
furnishings (specified built features including landscaping, fixtures or furnishings) can be designated as
memorials and purchased by those wishing to commemorate individuals or events. A process for establishing contribution levels and identification standards would be required.
Planned identification and prioritization of sections of the park and walkway route will ensure budgets reflect real conditions and current circumstances. Funding sources may be tailored to the specific
parameters of each walkway section (e.g. landowner, proximity to water, proximity to Highway 101).
Federal Grant Opportunities:
SAFETEA-LU Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities (Federal Highway Administration)
Resource Conservation and Development Program (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Land and Water Conservation Fund (L&WCF) managed by the National Park Service
State Grant Opportunities:
Transportation and Growth Management Program (Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development)
Recreation Trails Program (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department)
Local Government Grants Program (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department – Oregon State
Lottery Funds)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program (Oregon Department of Transportation)
Long-Term Possibilities
As part of the research for this concept plan, a number of excellent projects were suggested or
found to be in progress. While these are beyond the plan‟s scope, the
community may wish to pursue these ideas separately.
Many people who participated in our requests for public input liked
the idea of a trolley car on the downtown rails along the waterfront. The expressed benefit would be greater access to the water for those who have trouble walking long distances, an additional waterfront amenity, and an option to walking during inclement weather.
Some also suggested the idea of a water taxi service connecting
the park and walkway to other locations in our communities, such
as Eastside.
The Port of Coos Bay has been researching the possibility of a bikAstoria’s trolley car has improved
access to waterfront amenities.
ing trail along the rail line to Coquille, which would add significantly
to the current recreational opportunities available in Coos County.
As this concept progresses, it may be helpful to look for additional partners to provide new perspective or specific implementation expertise.
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Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway Core Committee
Greg Aldridge, Coquille Economic Development Corporation
Anne Donnelly, Coos Historical & Maritime Center
John Griffith, former Coos County Commissioner
Jennifer Groth, Coos Bay City Council
Elise Hamner, Oregon International Port of Coos Bay
Loretta Kuehn, Coquille Economic Development Corporation
Sandy Messerle, South Coast Development Council
Coos Waterfront Park and Walkway Advisory Committee
Rodger Craddock, City of Coos Bay
Patrick Erm, Artworks Unlimited
Katherine Hoppe, Coos Bay-North Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jim Hossley, City of Coos Bay
Brett Kenney, Coquille Indian Tribe
Caddy McKeown, Port of Coos Bay
Stuart Mitchell, Civil Engineer/Land Surveyor
Nancy Post, Community Volunteer
Steve Schneiderman, Marshfield Bargain House
Patty Scott, Southwestern Oregon Community College
Crystal Shoji, Shoji Planning LLC, Mayor of Coos Bay
Mike Smith, Coos Regional Trails Partnership
Elizabeth Spona, Community Volunteer
David Voss, City of North Bend
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