ShareTrails are synonymous with Central Oregon. The region is widely recognized as a recreation destination, with more than 900 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails alone, in addition to hundreds of miles of hiking trails and other recreation areas across its parks, national forests and wilderness areas.
But as REALTORS® know all too well, location is key, and not every community in the region has the same level of access to outdoor recreation and amenities.
So, when COAR caught wind of a planned trail project focused on accessibility on the east side of the city of Madras—a rural community in Central Oregon with a population of 7,700—it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get involved and lend some support to the effort.
About the Project
The Madras East Hills Trails network is a 10-mile trail system that was born out of a collaboration between the city of Madras and the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)—a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer organization that works in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other land managers to build and maintain trails throughout Central Oregon.
The city of Madras demonstrated a strong commitment to the project, donating the land and including it in its 25-year comprehensive and design plans. Likewise, COTA committed staff, volunteer time, and resources to both developing and maintaining the trails.
But ultimately, it was a true community effort, with local foundations and private citizens donating both time and money to the effort.
Trails Accessible to All
The project’s focus on accessibility was what caught the attention of COAR. Not only is the trail network conveniently located for most Madras residents, the East Hills Trails are also truly multi-user and designed for everyone. The trail system is unique in that it consists of two separate trail loops—one for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, and e-bikes, and one for horseback riders.
The fact that e-bikes (which can help people with limited mobility get on trails by making biking more accessible) are permitted on the trails is a distinguishing feature, as many natural surface and/or mountain bike trails in Oregon prohibit e-bikes.
REALTORS® Get Involved
COAR was able to help support the project at the East Hills Trails with the help of an NAR Placemaking Level Two Grant,. These funds were used to purchase materials, tools, and signage that was installed in and around the trail network.
In July 2019, local REALTORS® also contributed some “sweat equity” to the project during a REALTOR® Work Day. COAR members joined COTA volunteers in digging sections of trail, building berms, installing signs, and performing other tasks around the trail network.
A Valuable Local Amenity and Community Draw
Today, the East Hills Trails Network is a popular recreation destination for community members and visitors alike. The beautiful landscape surrounding the trails and its features have caught the attention of mountain bikers across Oregon and beyond who travel to Madras to ride the trails and support the local economy.
Who knows—some of those visitors may even buy homes in Madras someday.
The project has also kick-started an ongoing relationship between COAR and COTA, with both organizations currently working on plans for additional trails and Placemaking Grants in the region.