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Neighbors and visitors urge preserving Quarry Park as natural area; some oppose BMX proposal
Summary
Multiple public commenters and a local group urged the city to designate Quarry (Corey) Park as permanent green/nature space and opposed a proposal to install a BMX/dirt‑bike facility, citing habitat, donor restrictions and neighborhood impacts.
Several members of the public used the council public‑comment period to press the city to preserve Quarry Park (also referenced in testimony as Corey Park) as a natural area and oppose a proposed BMX/dirt‑bike development.
Residents and neighborhood advocates described Quarry Park as a long‑standing city property valued for its trees, wildlife habitat and quiet access to nature. They said the park has been cared for by surrounding neighbors for decades, that planting and stewardship have been part of its history, and that converting the area to a high‑speed dirt track would destroy unique natural features and mature trees.
Speakers who identified themselves as Friends of Quarry Park and other neighbors pointed to past gifts and improvements — including tree plantings and a donor named Ralph Grama — and asked that the city honor the park’s present function as a green space rather than permit a facility they said would serve a narrower recreational interest. They said a BMX facility would create more noise, generate erosion on a rocky substrate and require changes that would not be compatible with the park’s ecology.
Those opposing development asked that the city consider alternative sites for a bike facility and to use existing lodging‑tax funds and grants for non‑destructive improvements (accessible trails, low‑impact mountain biking routes elsewhere, ADA access improvements). Multiple commenters volunteered neighborhood assistance for volunteer maintenance and clean‑up and said the park is already well used for walking and passive recreation.
Other speakers at the same public comment session supported expanded recreation investment in McMinnville generally — including a new combined rec center and pool — but many of those supporters separated the citywide capital question from the Quarry Park discussion and urged the council to preserve Quarry Park specifically.
What the city said it will do: the council did not take a vote on Quarry Park at the session. Parks staff were asked to follow up with the Friends of Quarry Park and to record the organization’s petition and written materials (filed with the record). Staff noted that Visit McMinnville has discussed potential improvements funded by lodging‑tax and grants and that any formal plan would require additional review and environmental considerations.
