Imagine enjoying a bike and walking trail that begins at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, follows Cedar Creek through Sherwood and extends to the Grahams Oak Nature area along the Willamette River in Wilsonville. Trail planners also envision additional trail spurs that will connect the commuter rail Westside Express Service (WES) stations in Wilsonville and Tualatin with neighborhoods, town centers, and regional open space destinations. County and city planners from these jurisdictions are collaborating with Metro and consultants from CH2M Hill and Alta Planning to make the vision of a regionally, significant non-motorized trail through our area a reality.

Planning efforts began in earnest with a feasibility study that determined several alternative routes for the Tonquin Trail to follow. The cities of Wilsonville, Sherwood, and Tualatin along with Washington County and Clackamas County are beginning the Master Planning process that will further develop and finalize the best route for the trail to follow.

One of Sherwood’s segments will directly connect some of our region’s most prominent natural features within our local neighborhood community. The recently completed Cedar Creek Feasibility Study (September 2009) provides an outline for this portion of the trail. Primarily a vegetated corridor and wetland area, this segment will begin at Stella Olsen Park and follow near the Cedar Creek bed itself. Plans also include a bicycle and pedestrian access way across 99W that will provide a safe passage for the user and help link Sherwood together.

The Master Planning process began this fall with the final plan completed in 2011. Many opportunities exist for public input and comment along the way including mailers, open houses and online information and surveys. Check this website regularly for updates and provide you with important milestones and dates.

For more information, please contact Michelle Miller, Associate Planner, (503) 625-4242 or via email: millerm@ci.sherwood.or.us.