Jordan Creek Park - Master Planning starting

Lehigh County Parks is starting to develop a master plan for Jordan Creek Park.  I was invited to participate as a mountain biker in the first general meeting last Monday that included reps from several different areas including Disc Golf, Forestry, County Parks, and Wildlands that was hosted by a local consulting company carrying out the process.The intent of the master plan development is to update the park and improve the facilities.  The county recognizes that Jordan is widely used by a large number of people but has not received any updates for many decades.  The primary focus is to consider infrastructure updates that support the main user groups within the context of the river, soil, slope and flood plain.  The types of improvements could be anything from rest rooms, to ball fields, soccer fields or pavilions and will be looking forward at least 10 yrs.  The consulting company will be drafting the plan over the next several months and hopes to submit a final version to the county by late 4th quarter.  Once accepted by the county, they will use the plan to file for DCNR grant money for the construction.  It's a long process and this is the first stepAs part of the planning process, they will be reaching out to as many user groups as possible to get input and feedback.  Naturally, not every request will make the final plan.  Some of the groups include mountain bikers, disc golfers. bird watchers, Wildlands, Forestry experts, EMS/Fire and ball clubs.  Following DCNR rules, they will be holding 6 public meetings for open comments, 6 focus group meetings and 6 personal 1-on-1 interviews.  The first public meeting is being considered for mid-September.  I will try to post up the dates and venues here but keep an eye on the Jordan Facebook page as well as announcements in The Morning Call.   The County is asking for detailed maps of the mtb trails.  If you have any or can provide a link for Strava/Trailforks/Maprika, please send them to me and I will forward them. the Golfers will be providing maps of their course.  From a biking perspective the following items might be of interest1) Trail signage to indicate not only the trail names but possible riding routes for beginners, intermediates, etc2) A beginner skills development area - a small loop in an open area that will help new riders 3-5yrs old and older get comfortable riding on non-paved surfaces.  Think "pump track" size.  The idea is to encourage people and kids to get on a bike and ride in a wooded setting to develop a healthy active lifestyle.3) Possibly an intermediate skills area to improved basic dirt skills - the idea is to get people comfortable on the dirt and hopefully they will explore other mtb parks4) An unpaved (possibly cinder) walking/stroller  loop around the perimeter of entire park. The idea being that if your "other" is playing baseball/soccer, you could stroller, run, walk or ride the perimeter.  Again, offering a non-traffic area for recreation5) Thinking big - a professional review of the terrain by a mountain bike trail building organization and designing and updating the trail network to make of the most of the terrain and available space.  (Oh - someone even suggested a 19th hole upgrade with solar powered kegerartor.  I think we could get the golfers onboard with that) Hopefully mtn bikers will be well represented at the open meetings but if you can't make them and have ideas, please pass them along.  Please post up to Facebook and spread the word...mtv