By Sydney Syverson
UP students, especially those living on the east side of campus, may already be aware of the Waud Bluff Trail without even knowing it. It's the dirt trail located behind Kenna Hall that leads down to Swan Island.
Portland Parks and Recreation is in the midst of planning the remodel of this trail.
Junior Clare Dodson lived in Kenna Hall her freshman year, and would often walk the trail with friends.
"I love that trail. It's a great way to escape to nature without having to go too far, and after it's remodeled it will be even better," Dodson said.
According to a mailing sent out by Portland Park and Recreation, the Waud Bluff Trail is a short connector that provides access from North Willamette Boulevard near UP to North Basin Avenue on Swan Island.
This project will upgrade the existing path and provide a bridge over the railroad tracks.
Even though Swan Island's bikeways, sidewalks and trails are not yet completed, this upgraded trail will make it much safer to walk or bike to Swan Island businesses, the Willamette Greenway Trail and McArthur Riverfront Park.
On Nov. 18, there was an informational meeting and open house at UP to discuss the new trail.
Turnout was modest, but those who came were passionate about the cause.
Members of the community walked around the open house looking at conceptual maps and casting their votes for things such as railing designs.
The new Waud Bluff Trail will not only provide a connection to the North Willamette Greenway ,but it will also be a safer option than is available to the community now.
According to Jim Kuffner, assistant vice president of Human Resources and Administrative Services, UP has worked with several agencies involved with developing the new trail, which has been called the Kenna trail on campus throughout the years.
"Part of the lower end of the trail crosses onto UP owned property," Kuffner said. "So our interest has been both as a landowner and nearby business whose students and staff have used the old trail in the past."
Kuffner is the liaison between UP and the University Park Neighborhood Association. He attends all of UPNA's regular meetings, where they discuss ongoing concerns.
Although the trail is funded by the Oregon Transportation Enhancement Program, the University community has voiced some apprehension.
"UP does have some concerns over safety, parking and other impacts on the neighborhood," Kuffner said. "We have worked closely with UPNA to express these concerns to the City and other agencies who will decide on the final trail and trailhead design and access."
One of Kuffner's and UPNA's biggest fears is that an improved access and marking for the Waud Bluff Trail will only increase the amount of cars in an area that is already lacking adequate parking.
A representative for Portland Parks and Recreation said at the open house there are no plans to improve or expand parking for those wishing to use this trail.
Junior Shona Voelckers lives on North Harvard and understands how difficult it can be to find parking on the street.
"It seems like this trail may create even less parking for those living in the area," Voelckers said.
Ultimately though, pedestrian safety seems to be Kuffner's and UPNA's most urgent concern about the new trail.
"There have already been several close calls with people darting across Willamette to access or exit the existing trail," Kuffner said.
Kuffner and UPNA suggest that a crosswalk be installed at the access.
The remodel of the Waud Bluff Trail may bring more cars, pedestrians, bicyclists and the like to North Willamette Boulevard in the future.
"Sightlines are limited for vehicles heading east on Willamette Boulevard near the Kenna exit from campus," Kuffner said. "And more pedestrians only increases the chance of an injury, accident or worse."
