Hess Creek Preserve Reaches Major Construction Milestone With Pedestrian Bridge Installations (Photo) - 09/24/26
52-acre public nature preserve takes shape in Newberg as bridges, trails, habitat restoration and public access improvements move forward
NEWBERG, Ore. — Hess Creek Preserve has reached one of its most visible construction milestones yet with the installation of two pedestrian bridges at the future 52-acre public nature preserve, marking one of the most visible signs of progress yet in the property’s transformation.
The second bridge was installed this month, when crews used a crane to lift and place the structure over Hess Creek. Its installation followed the first bridge, which was placed on the west side of the preserve in August 2026, using excavators.
The two bridges will serve as key connection points within the preserve’s future trail network and represent a significant step toward opening the property to the public. Construction is underway throughout the site, including stream restoration, trail construction, bridge and public access improvements and native habitat improvements.
“Our family has dreamed of creating a place where people can connect with nature, learn about the environment and experience the beauty that makes Newberg special for many years,” said Loni Parrish, a member of the family behind the vision for Hess Creek Preserve. “Seeing these bridges in place makes that vision feel increasingly real. They’re more than pieces of infrastructure. They will help connect people to the trails, creek and natural areas that make this property so special.”
Led by the Austin and Parrish families, Hess Creek Preserve is a privately funded conservation and recreation initiative that will open more than 50 acres of restored habitat, trails and creek access to the public for the first time. The project combines ecological restoration, outdoor recreation and public art to create a destination that will serve residents and visitors for generations.
When complete, Hess Creek Preserve will feature:
- 52 acres of restored habitat, including oak savanna and riparian forest
- Nearly two miles of trails, including paved and soft-surface paths
- Three stream crossings and two pedestrian bridges
- More than 1,600 feet of restored creek channel
- Public art and educational features integrated throughout the site
- Public amenities, including parking and restrooms
In addition to creating new recreational opportunities, the preserve is designed to improve ecological health along Hess Creek through habitat restoration and water quality improvements.
Current restoration efforts include stream enhancement work, native vegetation establishment and habitat improvements for fish and wildlife. Project teams have also documented significant wildlife activity on the property through trail cameras, including deer, beavers, raccoons and other native species.
"One of the things that makes this project unique is that we're improving public access while restoring the natural systems that make this landscape so valuable," said Ken Austin, a member of the family behind the vision for Hess Creek Preserve. "Every element of the design, from the trails and bridges to the creek restoration work, has been planned to support both people and wildlife for decades to come."
The project will also remove two aging dams, restore natural stream function, improve fish passage and increase flood resilience within the watershed. Restoration efforts include reestablishing 10 acres of oak savanna and 36 acres of riparian forest, habitats that support a wide variety of native plants and wildlife.
The preserve's phased opening is anticipated to begin by the end of 2026, allowing newly established habitat and plantings time to mature before a formal grand opening celebration planned for spring 2027.
###
About Hess Creek Preserve
Hess Creek Preserve is a 52-acre conservation and recreation project in Newberg, Oregon, led by the Austin and Parrish families. The preserve combines habitat restoration, public access, environmental education and outdoor recreation to create a lasting community asset that supports both ecological health and public enjoyment.
