Project Connects Garibaldi Parks, Waterfront and Main Street

Today an unusual partnership was announced to create a trail in Garibaldi linking the waterfront, main street, two future parks and key public buildings such as the museum and elementary school. The trail will both promote recreation and spur economic development in the town. Joining together are 1000 Friends of Oregon, City of Garibaldi, Economic Development Council of Tillamook County (EDC), and Port of Garibaldi. To jumpstart the Project, 1000 Friends will provide professional assistance to guide outreach, planning, and design efforts. This assistance is made possible through the Oregon Coastal Futures Project, a joint effort of 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Oregon Downtown Development Association, and the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition.

"This project is a great opportunity for the community to reconnect itself to what makes this town unique," said Mayor Ev Brown. "We all know that Garibaldi has vast potential and a well-connected pedestrian trail would help show that to visitors."

In consultation with the City, EDC, and Port, 1000 Friends will assemble a team of private design and development professionals to recommend principles for how to involve adjacent property owners and the local community to develop the trail design, integrate the trail with park and economic development efforts, as well as illustrate potential design concepts. The Team will conduct work and solicit community feedback this fall, and in early winter provide a report with recommended next steps.

"We believe collaborating on this project will not only help Garibaldi achieve local goals," explains Bob Stacey, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, "but also provide a model for building stronger communities elsewhere on the coast and throughout Oregon."

For more information on the joint Garibaldi effort or the Oregon Coastal Futures Project, visit www.coastalfutures.org.

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