Four Resign From CPRD’s Chehalem Heritage Trail Committee Over Mountain Biking Study

NEWBERG, Ore. — Public concerns about the potential for future mountain biking at Bob & Crystal Rilee Park persisted during the Chehalem Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors’ March meeting.

The CPRD Board of Directors met March 26 for its regularly scheduled board meeting to hear from the public about Bob & Crystal Rilee Park, receive an update about the park district’s insurance policy, learn about different surface options for CPRD parks, hear updates about ongoing projects, and more.

The meeting started with a short presentation from Grant Wong, who works with Chehalem Valley BMX, which operates out of the bike track at Ewing Young Park. Later in the meeting, board President Jim McMaster said he would like to invite Wong and Chehalem Valley BMX back for a full presentation.

Twelve public commenters appeared to express opinions about the board’s decision to proceed with the $10,000 study evaluating CPRD properties — including Bob & Crystal Rilee Park — or potential CPRD properties that would be suited to accommodate mountain biking activities. The hired consultant, C2 Consulting, will return with a recommendation of which CPRD properties have the highest potential to serve as mountain biking facilities.

No decision has been made about whether to add mountain biking facilities at Bob & Crystal Rilee Park at this time.

Four members of the Chehalem Heritage Trail Citizens Advisory Committee — Lauren Pfeiffer, Bob Freshman, John Rueter, and Danna Kemp — submitted letters of resignation from the committee, citing the decision to proceed with the inclusion of Bob & Crystal Rilee Park in the study of potential future mountain biking facilities.

The three remaining committee members — Om Sukheenai, Anna Danese, and Dennis Wiley — are awaiting instruction from the board on how to proceed with a reduced membership. The board moved the matter to the May agenda, as the April meeting will be focused on budgetary items.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included authorization for CPRD to participate in crosswalk improvements at the intersection of E. Fernwood Road and Brutscher Street, connecting the Chehalem Glenn golf course clubhouse to a parking lot, course access, and driving range. The board authorized $16,263 — 25% of the project cost — to install the crosswalk improvements, which will include flashing lights, enhanced signage, and extended sidewalks.

Directors Matt Smith and Jason Fields said they visited a former landfill site on Newberg’s south side, near Roger’s Landing. Fields said the land was offered to CPRD in the past for $1, with the idea that it could be developed into a riverfront park with paddleboat access, wildlife viewing, and trails.

Board members then heard from the district’s insurance provider, Brown & Brown, which provided updates on the district’s insurance policy.

CPRD’s park inspector provided an overview of playground surfaces. Most CPRD parks now have wood chip surfacing, which is the most affordable option but requires consistent maintenance and replacement. The district is exploring whether to replace wood chips at some parks with longer-life surfaces such as rubber tiles — like those at Memorial Park — or artificial turf, both of which have longer lifespans but are more expensive to install and replace if damaged. No action was taken.

During the superintendent’s report, Downing provided updates on Renne Field, the Ewing Young Bridge, Riverfront Reimagined, and Sander Estate, and shared information about the Newberg-Dundee School District’s proposed levy for the May 19 special election. Department heads followed with updates from their areas, including the resumption of work at the Jaquith Park pickleball courts, which had slowed due to rainy weather. The district is also still seeking noise mitigation solutions, a requirement from the City of Newberg.

The Chehalem Glenn Clubhouse project is also moving forward into the design phase, proceeding with the “mid” scheme after receiving community feedback. CPRD Parks & Facilities Supervisor Casey Creighton said the district is currently identifying potential restaurant partners to occupy the food and beverage space.

Public Information Officer Kat Ricker said the district launched a new website Monday, March 30. She also presented updated public comment guidelines in response to increased participation during public comment periods. The revised guidelines detail a three-minute comment period, require speakers to be recognized by the meeting chairperson, and specify that materials must be submitted at least two weeks in advance to be included in the board meeting packet.

See the full meeting on CPRD’s YouTube page.