David Fisher, former director of parks districts in Minneapolis and St. Louis, will lead a discussion on creating regional greenways systems at Metro's quarterly trails forum April 27. In Minneapolis, Fisher led what urban planner and author Alexander Garvin later called, "the best-financed, best-designed, best-maintained public open space in America." As executive director of St. Louis' parks district, Fisher helped guide $90 million in investment in parks, trails and open space throughout the St. Louis region.
Fisher will attend the quarterly trails forum as part of an extended trip to the Pacific Northwest that includes meetings with Metro, landscape architecture groups and The Intertwine.
Metro is excited to act as a co-sponsor for his visit.
"David Fisher is one of few people in the United States with experience creating the type of regional trails and greenways system people in our region value," Metro's regional trails coordinator Mel Huie said. "By following his model of working with local communities to link neighborhoods and schools to parks, employment and entertainment, we can make our homes healthier, more environmentally and economically-friendly, and increase livability across the region."
April's forum features displays and discussions about current and future trail projects, including updates on the Trolley Trail from Milwaukie to Gladstone, and the Gresham-Fairview trail from East Burnside to Springwater Corridor. It also includes more than 20 informational booths run by trails groups and increased networking opportunities.
Metro's quarterly trails forums convene park and trail providers, non-profit organizations, trail advocates, and local and regional governments, including Clark County, to share ideas and learn about current and upcoming trail projects, funding resources and opportunities. Metro has facilitated the forum since 1988. The meeting will take place from 1 to 3:15 p.m. in Metro Council Chambers and in room 370 at the Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR.
Because of construction near Metro Regional Center and concurrent meetings, visitors are encouraged to bike, walk or take public transportation to the forum.