Construction is expected to begin in late summer, specifically August or September 2026, for the Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park Capital Improvement Program. The project will involve trail improvements and the protection of historic walls, resulting in a park closure lasting approximately three to four months.
Public Lands has selected a contractor and is currently in the contracting phase. While the construction start date is anticipated for August or September, the city will provide specific dates and details regarding park closures once contracting is finalized.
The improvements are guided by a 2023 City Council rescope. Key tasks include reducing trail slope near the entrances at Bonneville Drive and 900 South, replacing failing crib walls to improve both upper and lower trail sections, and raising trail grades where necessary to protect historic stone retaining walls.
The project also aims to stabilize exposed wall foundations with soil nails and cover foundations where feasible to prevent erosion adjacent to properties. The scope includes repairing and protecting historic crib walls to increase stability for both the walls and the trails.
In addition to the primary capital improvement projects, separate park maintenance work will occur during the construction period. This maintenance includes selective tree removal for wildfire fuels reduction, removing trees that are damaging historic walls, and restoration plantings to combat invasive weeds along historic walls.
Other scheduled maintenance tasks include improvements to the park strip at the 900 South entrance, involving signage and fence removal, an updated signage audit, and selective riverbank erosion restoration. Repairs to the historic staircase foundation were previously completed in June.
The project follows a history of community engagement and engineering studies. Following geotechnical and structural engineering reports, Public Lands proposed 12 projects to address goals of preserving historic WPA masonry walls, bridges, and stairways while improving trail accessibility.
The city will work with the State Historic Preservation Office and other stakeholders during the detailed design process, which began in Spring 2025.
