Have you ever noticed that people on trails are happy people? They are places where we can escape for awhile, exercise, explore nature or just share a walk with a friend. I remember spending some of my happiest days riding my bike with my brother along trails in Central Oregon. I now have the good fortune of being the guy that gets to plan, design and build these places. A day at work hardly feels like work when you love what you do.
Michael Rose has been with Alta since 2004. Mike is a registered Landscape Architect in Oregon (#627), a LEED® Accredited Professional and has a background in transportation planning. He has experience with a broad range of planning, design and engineering projects including: parks, soft surface trails, rails with trails and regional trails. Mike also has strong project management skills and technical skills in data analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital visualization graphics and construction drawings.
Recent Projects
- Fernandez Ranch Public Access Plan, Contra Costa County, CA
Fernandez Ranch is a parcel of land owned by the Muir Heritage Land Trust being developed into a park with up to 10 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Parts of the site have breathtaking views overlooking the Northern San Francisco Bay. Mike worked closely with the trail steward from the Bay Area Ridge Trail to layout and map the first phase proposed of trails. Alignments were flagged in the field and recorded with a handheld GPS to be mapped and stationed for cost estimates. Mike managed the project and oversaw the production of the final drawings, specifications and cost estimates. - Stafford Basin Multi-Use Pathway, Lake Oswego, OR
The Stafford Basin Multi-Use Pathway is a recreation trail through the open spaces of rural Lake Oswego. This trail design makes use of boardwalks to cross existing wetlands and frames views of the agricultural landscape. Mike led the effort to complete design and construction drawings for this pathway as well as administration during construction of this project. Construction of this trail was completed in May 2006. - Chelatchie Prarie Rail-With-Trail Corridor Study, Vancouver, WA
The Tualatin High School Cross-Country Running Trail included site analysis, design development drawings, construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. Issues in designing the trail included developing a trail surface that was conducive to running while being resilient and low maintenance while providing adequate drainage so the trail can be used year-round. Mike led the development of the bid package for this project. Construction of the trail was completed in September 2005, in time for the Cross Country season. - Larson Creek Trail Feasibility Study, Medford, OR
In 2006, The City of Medford began a planning effort for the Larson Creek Greenway. This greenway had been shown on City maps and plans for many years, but had yet to be developed. Alta helped analyze the alignment options and determine the feasibility of constructing this trail. Mike documented the site and alignment options, and assembled a final document that included recommended alignments, cross sections, and cost estimates. The Plan was adopted in 2007. - Tualatin High School Cross Country Trail, Tualatin, OR
The Tualatin High School Cross-Country Running Trail included site analysis, design development drawings, construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. Issues in designing the trail included developing a trail surface that was conducive to running while being resilient and low maintenance while providing adequate drainage so the trail can be used year-round. Mike led the development of the bid package for this project. Construction of the trail was completed in September 2005, in time for the Cross Country season. - Ash Creek Trail Implementation, Independence, OR
The City of Independence contracted with Alta for the design phase of the Ash Creek Trail based on the recommendations of the Ash Creek Trail Master Plan. This facility will be a multi-use trail aligned along Ash Creek from the Willamette River to 16th Street. A future phase of this project will extend the trail westward into the City of Monmouth. The preliminary design for this trail included a paved path with lighting and other trail amenities such as benches and drinking fountains. - Clark County Equestrian Study, Clark County, NV
Clark County, Nevada is home to the City of Las Vegas and the greater Las Vegas Valley. Development is rapidly occurring in this area and is encroaching on Rural Neighborhood Preservation (RNP) areas. Mike worked with planners at Clark County and residents of these RNPs to demonstrate a need for equestrian trails and to develop a plan to preserve right of way for this use. The plan also included signage for wayfinding, proposed phasing alternatives and funding options.
Professional Organizations
- Association of Bicycle and Pedestrian Professionals
- American Society of Landscape Architects
