Trails Advisory Committee (TRAC), September 16, 2026

The City of Ashland Trails Advisory Committee (TRAC) met on September 16, 2026. Members discussed future trail proposals, including a public suggestion to extend a bike-trail loop near the water treatment plant by relocating a gate; the speaker said the route would require little work and no construction, but the committee did not approve it. The committee discussed how to coordinate with trail groups and identify suitable city-owned areas. Its general direction was for parks staff to discuss potential locations, while a committee member said they would bring a broader Alice Ridge trail proposal to a future meeting. The committee also planned to revisit the Alice Ridge and fence-line proposals at its next meeting.

Members raised questions about when geotechnical assessments should be required for trail projects, noting that such work could add an estimated $8,000–$10,000 to a project and referring to roughly $60,000 in prior geotechnical work. Staff will research best practices for when assessments are appropriate. The meeting included no contract awards, bids, purchasing approvals, or new spending decisions; procurement activity was not identified. The prior meeting’s minutes were approved unanimously.