Sometimes thinking outside of the box can make all the difference. City of Medford officials disparaged for years building a pedestrian bridge over Barnett Road, partially due to its intrusion into the City’s dog park property, which they might like to sell someday. Their concerns prompted Jenna Stanke, Jackson County Greenway Coordinator, to suggest building the bridge’s ramp at a 90 degree angle, avoiding the dog park almost all together. City officials endorsed her idea of building the bridge with a 90 degree bend for the ramp on the north side of Barnett January 8, 2008.

Bear Creek Greenway Foundation members and others have pressed for the overcrossing bridge for at least two years. Lee Mills advised the Council January 8^th that the underpass proposal presented safety concerns. Research shows that crime increases in tunnels and other light-restricted areas. Indeed, Portland< style=""> In addition, amid floods, the underpass floor would lie below the high water line, endangering bikers, pedestrians and marine life impacted by the compromised asphalt surface.

Councilman Al Densmore, a past Greenway Foundation Board member, stated that the bridge would be a signature project that states, “The Greenway is complete.” Now we need to raise the 1.5 million dollars to finish the project. The Greenway connects five communities, and we envision connecting with the Rogue River Greenway trail in the near future. With fuel and sundry energy and economic concerns, the Greenway presents an environmentally neutral route, mode of transportation, and place for recreation.

Support the Build the Bridge project. Donate to the Greenway. 100% of your donations will go directly to building the bridge over Barnett Road. Mail your donations to Bear Creek Greenway Foundation, P.O. Box 4561,Medford, OR 97501, and Federal tax ID: 93-0907054.