‘The Community is Wild About Trails’: Takeaways from the CPRD Public Survey

NEWBERG, Ore. — The results are in from the 2025 community input survey conducted by the Chehalem Park and Recreation District, which will help guide where the district invests future resources.

The survey found the highest levels of respondent familiarity with the Chehalem Cultural Center, hiking trails, playgrounds, and the Aquatic and Fitness Center.

A total of 829 people responded to the survey, which was open from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31. The survey was designed to gather community input to help CPRD better understand what residents value about local parks and recreation opportunities, which facilities are used most, and where the district should invest resources to create future opportunities.

Respondents rated hiking trails, natural and wildlife areas, and the Aquatic and Fitness Center as the most important amenities. They also expressed a desire to maintain affordability, expand the diversity of programming, improve playgrounds, and add more public swimming pool time. Respondents also expressed support the Newberg Old Fashioned Festival fireworks show, which traditionally partially takes place on CPRD’s Renne Field. The field was originally scheduled for resurfacing in 2025, and is now scheduled for resurfacing in 2026, adding artificial grass that will not allow for fireworks.

Lower levels of importance were assigned to more specialized facilities, including the BMX track, equestrian trails, golf, and disc golf facilities. Respondents placed the highest importance on youth sports and market-related programs, with somewhat lower importance placed on daycare services, community school, and adult sports.

CPRD Superintendent Clay Downing said that, beyond the report’s main findings, he had several personal takeaways.

“Playgrounds are true unsung heroes in our parks and public spaces,” Downing said. “They are widely used by children and the adults who accompany them, free of charge, and have long lifespans. However, they are also very expensive to replace. These unsung heroes need to be prioritized, which can be challenging.”

Downing said respondents across a variety of demographics showed strong interest in trails.

“The community is wild about trails,” Downing said. “Additionally, the results highlighted the importance of trails in out-of-town natural areas as well as within neighborhoods to strike a balance between solitude and daily use.”

Ewing Young Park also emerged as a point of interest, drawing attention for a potential bridge project and other upgrades discussed through public meetings and open houses.

“A key project that has likely flown under the radar, but was requested by many groups, is a bathroom at Ewing Young Park,” Downing said. “Multiple user groups — BMX riders, dog park visitors, skateboarders, disc golfers, and trail users — shared interest in this improvement. Seeing such a diversity of requests for a specific amenity shows a clear opportunity for a park improvement that would be well received by the public.”

The survey’s open-ended comment section reflected significant frustration among mountain bikers regarding the loss of trail access and the lack of a timely replacement within CPRD’s service area.

Mountain biking access was removed from Bob and Crystal Rilee Park last year in favor of equestrian and hiker safety. Cyclists are permitted at Ewing Young Park’s BMX Track.

By contrast, comments from equestrian users reflected high satisfaction with trail access, often paired with appreciation for reduced user conflict and improved safety.

“We know we have strategic planning priorities, and as we work through them, we’re always asking how the things that matter most to the public can rise to the top,” Downing said. “I’m hoping that a multi-site assessment for future biking sites can be completed sometime in the next few months.”