Newberg resident urges commissioners to advance Yamhillis Westsider Trail as a public-safety measure

Melody McMaster addressed the board during public comment Nov. 6 to urge commissioners to support the Yamhillis Westsider Trail as a public-safety and recreation investment.

McMaster recounted that her friend Diane Davis was struck while training on North Valley Road in 1991 and said a continuous local trail could prevent similar tragedies. She told commissioners that many residents cannot travel outside the county to train and that a 12.48-mile former railroad corridor belongs to taxpayers and could be converted to a safe trail. McMaster asked Commissioners Starrett, Johnston and King to help move the project forward and cited safety, recreation and local economic benefits.

Quote: "If a safe trail system had existed, Diane's life might have been saved," McMaster said.

The board did not take formal action during public comment on the trail request; commissioners discussed scheduling and community concerns later in the meeting.