(Salem, Oregon)— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.
OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.
The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.
Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:
- May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
- May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.
Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may
