Bear Creek Greenway

Al Densmore has been hard at work for the Bear Creek Greenway for nearly four decades.

In 1973, a young state representative, by the name of Al Densmore offered up a bill creating the Bear Creek Greenway. That legislation enabled Jackson County to move ahead with planning and land acquisition for almost a 30-mile long trail from Emigrant Creek in Ashland, to a location near Eagle Point, where Bear Creek flows into the Rogue River. In 1986 the private nonprofit Greenway Foundation was established to promote the trail and to receive donations.

Al Densmore has worked tirelessly on the Bear Creek Greenway project. Al believes that this legacy will be a vital step toward bringing our communities together today and into the future.

On Sunday, September 13, 2010 a milestone was achieved when Al Densmore was able to finally cut the ribbon, with the grand opening of the new $2 million pedestrian bridge over East Barnett Road. The purpose of the bridge is to allow safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists over the very busy Barnett Road intersection. In addition, this link provides the final step in connecting the 21 mile Bear Creek Greenway path between Ashland and Central Point. The bridge over Barnett was partially funded by nearly $1 million in federal stimulus funds. An additional $100,000 came from the Bear Creek Greenway Foundation and federal money that is intended to improve air quality. The bridge has been a vision of Al's and other greenway organizers since the project first started in 1973.

Future plans for a Rogue River Greenway, which will link the Bear Creek Greenway in Central Point and continue to Grants Pass are in the planning stages. The Rogue River Greenway Foundation was incorporated in 2004, and the first paved mile was achieved in August of 2007.

Patience and Persistence is more than a campaign slogan for Al Densmore. It's how Al operates each and every day. It's how Al achieves his goals. The Bear Creek Greenway is another shining example of how Al Densmore's philosophy is hard at work for the members of our community. If we believe it, we can achieve it.