Gresham kicks off Wy’East Way Trail revamp with bike pop-up

In an effort to get more eyeballs on and love for a local trail, the city of Gresham is hosting a pop-up event.

The gathering will be from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Alta Civic Station Plaza, 1699 N.W. Civic Drive. The free, family-friendly event will have bikes to borrow and an obstacle course; chalk art on the trail; a short group walk/bike; cool treats; and a raffle to win a scooter and other prizes.

The event is hosted by the city and bike works by p:ear.

The pop-up is a way to bring more activity to the underutilized Wy’East Way Trail, a 2-mile paved trail that connects Rockwood to Downtown Gresham. Right now the city admits it’s a bit of a “blank slate.”

City staff is seeking input on how the trail can be improved. In addition to the pop-up, residents can also share ideas at Movies in the Park, Rockwood Block Party, and Rock the Block.

Some ideas include more art, lighting, bike stations, seating, better connections, educational installations, or interactive features.

The timeline is to have a plan in place by this fall/winter, and begin construction in the spring.

Wy’East Way Trail is part of a loop that connects both the Springwater Corridor and Gresham-Fairview Trails for a 6-mile route through the city. It first opened in 2015, after previously being known as the “MAX Path” due to its proximity to the Ruby Junction station and the Blue Line’s terminus in downtown Gresham. It’s initial build-out was through an $890,000 grant from Metro Regional Government.