Metro continued its dominance at the 4th Annual Mayor's Challenge and Legislative Paddle race hosted by Tualatin Riverkeepers and Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen. Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder brought home the honorary paddle for his first place performance in the solo division of the annual race organized to raise awareness and encourage conservation of the Tualatin River's natural beauty. Previous winners Council President David Bragdon and Councilor Carl Hosticka placed third in the tandem division.
For the past four years, the Tualatin River Keepers have invited local elected officials to compete in the mile-long competition to promote their conservation efforts on the Tualatin River. This year's race aimed to promote the Tualatin River Water Trail, a concerted effort by the Riverkeepers to provide public launch points every five miles along the river. By increasing public access to the river, people will have greater opportunities to explore previously hidden parts of the scenic area. Tualatin Riverkeepers hopes to install public launch points at four locations along the river, including one in Metro's natural area off of Munger Lane.
"The Tualatin River is one of the most beautiful areas in our region. It's pretty amazing to be able to paddle on a river like this yet be in an urban setting. The close-by location of this river makes it even more important to make it accessible so that more people can enjoy its beauty and peacefulness," said Councilor Burkholder.
Other elected officials participating in this event were Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten, Mayor of Durham Gery Schirado, Mayor of Beaverton Dennis Doyle, Mayor of Hillsboro Jerry Willey, and in a show of cross-county cooperation, Clackamas County Chair Lynn Peterson teamed up with incoming Washington County Chair-elect Andy Duyck.