Holman Wayside's Future Topic of Public Meeting

People who use the wayside for bicycling or jogging are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Holman Wayside bikepath. Photo courtesy: OPRD

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public meeting Tuesday night, to discuss future management of Holman Wayside.

The wayside is on Highway 22 four miles west of Salem, and provides a small parking lot, restroom and drinking water. A bicycle and jogging path passes through the area from West Salem and heads west toward Monmouth.

The public meeting will take place at the West Salem Roth's in the Santiam Room from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

The wayside was temporarily closed to vehicles earlier this summer due to persistent problems with crime and public indecency.

Park managers, working with the Polk County Sheriff's office, have tried changing the parking area, buildings, landscaping, and increasing enforcement, but met with limited success.

OPRD staff will use the meeting to talk about a series of options with the audience — ranging from keeping the wayside closed to motor vehicles (but open to bicyclists and pedestrians) to selling the property and other alternatives — and solicit their input.

Staff will write a final proposal after the meeting and present it to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for a final decision at a subsequent public meeting.

People who use the wayside for bicycling or jogging are encouraged to attend the meeting, or submit comments in other ways by October 5th:

In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation DepartmentATTN: Holman Wayside725 Summer St NESalem OR 97301

By email: holman.wayside@state.or.us

By phone: 503-986-0636 (leave a voice mail up to 1 minute long)

(Information from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Press Release)