The Big One! - Cable Park Public Meeting - Sept 12, 5PM

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1866 Posts XTreme Poster

^^^
Yep

MikeZ · Sat Sep 15, 12 8:57 pm

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1866 Posts XTreme Poster

Actually, you are not paying MHM to park there. Rather, it's a state SnoPark fee paid to OR/WA to offset plowing etc costs. Same as parking at Teacup, Timberline, and so on. I do think whomever sells the pass collects a very small percentage.

forrest · Sat Sep 15, 12 11:45 pm

guys, little attention is paid to these discussions. If you want to make this happen, get involved. At the very least, write letters and speak to your Port commissioners.

MikeZ · Sun Sep 16, 12 5:53 am

Ok, that's kind of what I was thinking. The wording of the post I quoted made it sound (to me at least) as if the plowed lots were being provided as a service by Meadows.

Josh_In_HR · Since 11 Jul 2012 11 Posts United States

If you're *truly* bored, here's some more entertaining reading, where cable park opponents resort to implying the cable park means we're going to be over-run by cocaine-snorting party animals.

http://www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25347&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60

Sella · Sun Sep 16, 12 11:38 am

It seems Hood does not shut down after Labor Day after all. Yesterday the Event Site was packed and I think I snagged the last available parking spot. Pole boarders, kiters, dogs, families out for a weekend drive all enjoying the great wind and vibes.........but not 1 person was utilizing the boat basin when I arrived or when I left. The cable park for this specific area makes so much sense to energize this underutilized eyesore and complete a really kick ass area to play and spend time with your family it's almost laughable IMO.

So...another email sent to the Port extolling the opportunity at hand and to push for SUP, Kayak and Cable coordinated efforts to join forces in keeping it cool. Forrest has always started every conversation with "if we work together we can create a better space for all users" and I have to give him huge props for sticking to this mantra after many beat downs because he's right.

forrest · Sun Sep 16, 12 12:37 pm

Sella, the boat basin is clearly under used, thanks for taking the time to point this out.

Here is a cable park I visited today, outside Grenoble, France. Grenoble, France is a glacier valley in the French Alps. This place is way, way more beautiful than the Gorge. Don't get me wrong, the Gorge is beautiful, but this place has it beat.

Notice you can barely see the cable at a distance.
Notice that in France, the cable definitely "belongs" in this scenic area.

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

I was in Orlando this week and drove by a cable park on the way to the airport. First time I had seen one.

It was unobtrusive; you had to look twice to see the towers and cables. I have been following this thread and I had the impression that a cable park was some big thing. After seeing one it left me wondering what is all the fuss about?

I doubt I would ever visit a cable park, not my thing, but if it leads someone to clean up the basin, make it more park like, give kids another sport to enjoy and not be so exclusive to shut down the basin to other uses then why not?? It is certainly not going to be an eye sore.

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

The Port is very interested in the economic return this development could bring the community. It's a big part of their decision to proceed.

Please ask every business you patronize in Hood River if they want to see increased toruism. If they answer yes, then ask them to please write a brief letter to the Port saying "they support the cable park proposal due to the positive economic impact it will bring for their business".

The Port acknowledges the reciept of the letter formally and it goes on record to help them with their decision.

Address the letter to:

Port of Hood River
100 E. Port Marina Drive
Hood River, OR
97031

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Just so you'all know. I wasn't able to attend the meeting. I had a family health issue that I could not ignore and had to go to Seattle... However, I did write the port. I am going to post what I wrote. AND... if you really want this thing to happen...then there needs to be a real study of users of Nichols usage for data...AND I have to ask...Why not use The Hook for the Cable Park? Seems to me that they want it all. But also...there needs to be some give and take. I say..make them choose Nichols or The Hook. Maybe I'm wrong. maybe I'm right...just trying to find solution and support The Cable Park.

Letter to the Port in Opposition to "Friends of Nichols":

Cable park Meeting, Sept 12
I am M. S. , a local & recreational user in The Columbia River Gorge. I’ve worked at Brian’s Windsurfing & Kite School off and on for 8 years. I’ve met hundreds of Tourists and can attest to the daily usage of Nichols Basin.

First of all, I would like to say I appreciate the fairness & unbiased attitude that was displayed by the Post Commissioners at the last meeting. That was refreshing.

I am going to address some concerns for the Cable Park Opposition and propose some solutions & ideas.

First of all, the children. There is a waterfront park that was built just for you. Use it.
The one-day count. The number of people using Nichols is exaggerated. I count about 5 or so a day primarily in the North end. A few Saturdays were busy.

Seniors & Physically Challenged Humans:
Ingress & Egress at the North end of Nichols is not going to be compromised. I would advocate for development of that “ramp” to make it better to be paid for by the Cable Park & Hotel. There is The Hook, which seems to be overlooked or forgotten about. I think the newcomers to the area have no idea The Hook exists and Nichols is the first place they see. I have directed many folks to the Hook since it is not well marked. You all keep talking about developing Nichols. Who is going to pay for it? Most people whine about paying for parking. I say develop The Hook. A very inexpensive way to mitigate the steepness is to grade out the burm at the Southwest end for gentle ingress & egress. Wells Island blocks the wind making it an ideal location. The Hook is safer to use, as there is a gentle catchers mitt on the East side and an easy walk back to starting point. Nichols has rocks, which damages your board or you get stuck over on the east side and it’s deep. The Hook is safer and more family friendly.

Demographic:
I am not included in the alleged demographic of Affluent Young men. However, I would use the cable park. I’ve used cable parks in Florida. Primarily because I wakeboard & it’s a great way to learn new things without the expense of a boat and fuel. I’d also like to point out that Mt. Hood is a training ground for World Class athletes and this cable park would only enhance our community and the vastness of recreation that is so unique & special. I would hate to think that a ski lift wouldn’t have been allowed because the demographic is affluent young males...and it is. But I see plenty of families & women skiing...don’t you? Look around your community. There are many aging athletes here.. To me this opposition to fun is a sad testament to our community that has basically thrived due to sports. What if windsurfers got this kind of pushback from the community in the 80’s? Seems like drawbridge mentality to me.

So, yes I’m a friend of recreational diversity and am in support of the Cable Park Project And I think you should all re-‐evaluate your stance and embrace this project.
Thank You.

forrest · Fri Sep 21, 12 6:54 am

Well said Mel. It's not to late for others to write a letter of support.

Pepi · Fri Sep 21, 12 9:34 am