Commission outlines low-cost steps to open an 'Urban Trail' — kiosks, QR codes, painted markers and volunteer labor

Members of the Parks & Trails Commission discussed next steps to formally mark a St. Helens Urban Trail that links five parks and the historic riverfront, emphasizing low-cost, volunteer-driven measures to create an immediately walkable route.

Commissioner Jerry described the plan: install a kiosk with a map and QR code at the new park, paint a trail logo on sidewalks and asphalt, and place a small number of concrete logo pads at key locations. Jerry said volunteers and city staff had offered materials and labor — “we actually went and marked on the trail where there would be these concrete slabs Squares,” he said — and he asked staff to seek formal approval to proceed.

Commissioners discussed responsibilities and costs. Jerry and other volunteers offered to donate concrete and to make laser-cut logos for the pads; parks staff discussed providing paint and access to a road-marking machine but cautioned about equipment cost and cleanup. Commissioners agreed on a minimal initial rollout rather than the larger historic plan: use kiosks and a handful of markers to establish the route, then expand later.

Commission members also discussed practical issues: confirming whether segments are open to pedestrians (some sections are currently closed or under construction), coordinating with engineering and planning to ensure markings are accurate and safe, and confirming that any concrete pads or painted logos do not conflict with planned construction or public works work. Commissioners agreed that staff (Buck) and engineering should review the proposed locations and that volunteers would help with installation once approvals are in place.

No formal motion to fund or construct the trail was passed at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to review the minimal marker plan, confirm any needed permits or approvals and return with a recommended list of initial kiosk/marker locations.