October 18, 2000
CGWA Members & Friends:
Many of you were wanting more details on the projected plans for the Mosier Waterfront. CGWA Board Members Gay Jervey, who has been representing the City of Mosier in the Recreation Coalition, and Wilton Hart, Rock Creek windsurfing site liaison, have prepared this summary for you.
The project consists of work to improve all of the Mosier waterfront area within the City's urban boundary, from Rock Creek east to Mosier Creek. The area can be subdivided into two parts:
- Rock Creek Windsurfing Launch
- City Lake, Trails, and swimming beaches on the Columbia River
Between the I-84 off ramp and Mosier Creek is a small lake. This lake needs to be dredged and a trail built around it. The trail will go under the railroad bridge at Mosier Creek using a suspended walkway and under the I84 bridge. It will then go back west along the River to a swimming beach and then on to Rock Creek. The trail goes back under I-84, through the sailing area parking lot and back under the offramp railroad bridge to the lake.
The sailing area will have its entrance fixed and the parking lot will be improved. A set of restrooms will be added and other amenities. Rock Creek will become much more like a park than a flood ravaged area. The parking lot should hold about as many cars as it does now. The creek will be protected and restored according to Salmon guidelines.
As part of a partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation and the Historic Highway, interpretive signage and kiosks will be located at key viewing sites on the beaches, trails and lakes. Most of the facilities will be somewhat primitive and low maintenance. The land on and near the project is owned by ODOT, OPRD, City of Mosier and Union Pacific. About two years of meetings went into establishing agreements and contracts with all of these entities that allow this project to happen.
When completed, the Mosier Waterfront will offer a variety of venues for Columbia River access and water recreation with low environmental impact and considerable habitat improvement. The facility will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
If you would like to become involved or learn more about the project details, please contact Columbia Gorge Recreation Coalition members: - Gay Jervey, mtjgmj@gorge.net - Diane Barkhimer at the CGWA office, cgwa@gorge.net
We will be receiving $500,000 for Phase 1 of Mosier Waterfront, and we are seeking an additional $100,000 in matching contributions. If you would like to contribute to either or both of the two parts of this project, the City of Mosier has separate bank accounts for donations to the Rock Creek part of the project or the City Lake and beach segment. Or you can make a donation earmarked for the project to CGWA.
for the Columbia Gorge Recreation Coalition,
Diane Barkhimer, Executive Director,
Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association
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