HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Plan 2040_Public Review Draft_03102025Parks, Recreation, &Natural Areas System Plan
PARKS PLAN 2040
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT | MARCH 2025
CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
Parks Plan 2040 ii
To be included with the Final Plan.
Letter From The Director
Parks Plan 2040 iii
To be included with the Final Plan.
Executive Summary
ivParks Plan 2040
The City of Lake Oswego is grateful to the City staff, elected officials, and community members who participated in this project over the last
18-months. In addition to those listed below, numerous individuals provided their time, insight, and expertise to help inform and shape Parks Plan
2040. A special thanks to:
Acknowledgments
CITY COUNCIL
Joe Buck, Mayor
Ali Afghan
Trudy Corrigan
Massene Mboup
Aaron Rapf
Rachel Verdick
John Wendland
PARKS, RECREATION, AND
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS
Edwin Becker
Jason Dorn
Sarah Ellison
Kara Gapon
Rebecca Greene
Patrick Gutierrez
Matthew McGinnis
Doug McKean
Jennifer Mozinski
Gregory Wolley
David Walters, Alternate
Tyson Hart, Alternate
Diya Deepu, Youth Member
Katherine Gregg, Youth Member
Zechariah Pressnell, Youth Member
COMMUNITY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Kara Orvieto Ashley
Teresa Bianco
Sarah Ellison
Patrick Gutierrez
Julie Haddad
Betty Holladay
Aaron Hollingshead
Denise Kroeger
Meg Matsushima
Matt McGinnis
James Meier
Heather Redetzke
Whitney Taylor
Steven Unger
Pat Walls
Kent Watson
CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
Ivan Anderholm, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Munro, Deputy Director of Parks &
Recreation
Jan Wirtz, Deputy Director of Recreation &
Adult Services
Kyra Haggart, Parks Plan 2040 Project
Manager/Park Analyst
Bruce Powers, Project Manager/Park Analyst
Maria Bigelow, Adult Community Center
Manager
Robin Krakauer, Communication &
Sponsorship Coordinator
Tony Garcia, Parks Superintendent
Brenda Falson, Administrative Support
Dave Arpin, Digital and Graphic Specialist
Evan Fransted, Senior Planner
Martha Bennett, City Manager
vParks Plan 2040
Acknowledgments
PEOPLE OF LAKE OSWEGO
We would also like to acknowledge
the participation of neighborhood and
homeowners' associations, community
organizations, community interest groups,
Lake Oswego businesses, the Lake Oswego
School District, and the many individual
community members that provided valuable
input in creating Parks Plan 2040.
CONSULTANT TEAM
MIG, Inc.
In association with:
Parks Plan 2040 vi
Table of Contents
01 Introduction............................................................1
02 Our City, Our Parks...............................................11
03 Community Voices................................................35
04 Park Access and Equity........................................53
05 Systemwide Recommendations.........................82
06 Transformative Projects.......................................117
07 Action Plan..............................................................149
Parks Plan 2040 vii
A. Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory....................................................................................A-1
B. Needs Assessment............................................................................................................................B-2
C. Community Outreach Summary..................................................................................................C-1
D. Capital Improvement Project List..............................................................................................D-1
E. Funding Strategies.............................................................................................................................E-1
F. Implementation Strategies..............................................................................................................F-1
G. Athletic Field Requirements Report...........................................................................................G-1
Appendices
1Parks Plan 2040
Introduction1
Parks Plan 2040 2
This chapter introduces Parks Plan 2040, the planning process, and document organization.
PLAN PURPOSE
The City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Department (Lake Oswego Parks
& Recreation) provides one of the highest quality parks and recreation systems
in the Portland metropolitan area and the state of Oregon, receiving national
accreditation for meeting rigorous standards for park and recreation agencies from
the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Lake
Oswego Parks & Recreation manages an extensive inventory of over 580 acres of
park and open space property and over 48 acres of recreation facilities, as well as
providing nearly 500 recreation programs and community events annually, with new
amenities and opportunities added each year.
In 2012, Lake Oswego's Parks Plan 2025 outlined a future vision for the park and
recreation system, laying the groundwork for many new parks, facilities, and
improvements across the city. With the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas System
Plan (Parks Plan 2040), the City is shaping the next 15+ years of managing, investing
in, and caring for its park and recreation system.
Through a comprehensive community engagement process, Parks Plan 2040
identifies a renewed vision for the future of parks and recreation in Lake Oswego,
along with a community-driven investment strategy to improve and activate existing
parks and natural areas and develop new parks and facilities. The vision and goals
included in Parks Plan 2040 are intended to achieve the community's priorities, while
providing Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation with the flexibility it needs to meet City
goals and priorities as they continue to evolve over the planning horizon.
Introduction
Specifically, Parks Plan 2040:
»Builds upon Parks Plan 2025 and aligns with current
City initiatives;
»Identifies systemwide needs and addresses park
equity and access;
»Recommends specific improvements to park and
recreation facilities and activities;
»Outlines a renewed vision and goals grounded in
community values and needs;
»Highlights actions to address priority initiatives; and
»Serves as a guide for future decision-making,
investments, projects, and programs.
Iron Mountain Park
3Parks Plan 2040
What makes a successful park and recreation system?
»A variety of spaces and recreation opportunities to cater to different ages, abilities, and interests.
»An equitable distribution of parks and recreation services throughout the community.
»Ensuring parks and programming are accessible and inclusive to all community members.
»Implementing consistent and effective maintenance practices to keep parks clean, safe, and well-maintained.
»Partnerships and collaboration with other organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups to enhance
parks and recreation services.
»Strategically programming sites and facilities throughout the year.
»Actively involving the community in the planning, design, programming, and maintenance of parks and recreation
facilities.
»Developing a stable funding model to support operations, maintenance, and future projects.
4Parks Plan 2040
PLAN ORGANIZATION
1
This chapter includes an overview of Parks Plan
2040, what has happened in the last 15 years
since Parks Plan 2025, and how Parks Plan
2040 fits in with other City plans.
Provides a (2025) snapshot of the Lake
Oswego community and outlines the current
City of Lake Oswego park and recreation
system, including key amenities, facilities,
programs and services, and maintenance and
asset management.
Outlines the community engagement process
and resulting themes and priorities. This
chapter also identifies the values, vision, and
goals that will guide investment over the next
15 years.
Summarizes evolving trends that affect
citywide needs for parks, facilities, programs
and services to accompany a technical park
access analysis.
Presents the transformative projects for specific
sites that build off community engagement
findings, staff input, and technical analyses.
Describes the recommendations for park and
facility enhancements and additions across the
system that will realize the vision and policy
framework identified in Chapter 3.
Describes the approach for implementation
of high-priority items in Parks Plan 2040,
including a short-term action plan, project
prioritization and phasing, potential funding
sources, and implementation strategies.
INTRODUCTION
2 OUR CITY, OUR PARKS TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECTS
ACTION PLAN
Appendices
Detailed background information is provided in the appendices which include:
»Appendix A Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory, provides a comprehensive listing of the parks, recreation facilities, and natural areas that are currently provided by the City.
»Appendix B Needs Assessment, summarizes community needs based on metrics, data, and analyses; identifies gaps in access to parks, recreation facilities, and activities; and recommends potential opportunities for future investment.
»Appendix C Community Outreach Summary, presents the results from the numerous community outreach and engagement opportunities.
»Appendix D Capital Improvement Project List, introduces the planning-level cost estimates associated with recommendations for existing parks and potential future park sites.
»Appendix E Funding Strategies, details potential funding sources and their advantages and limitations.
»Appendix F Implementation Strategies,presents the top strategies to advance the goals and priorities of Parks Plan 2040.
»Appendix G Athletic Field Requirements Report,assesses the capacity of City athletic fields and demands for use.
Parks Plan 2040 is organized into seven chapters with additional supportive documentation in
seven appendices.
3 COMMUNITY VOICES
4 PARK ACCESS AND EQUITY
5 SYSTEMWIDE
RECOMMENDATIONS
7
6
5Parks Plan 2040
PLANNING PROCESS
Parks Plan 2040 was developed through a
nearly 18-month planning process organized
over five phases that combined ongoing
community involvement with data-driven
technical analyses to identify community
needs and formulate implementation and
funding strategies.
As noted in Figure 1-1 on the next page, the
planning process included:
»Updating the City's park and facility
inventory and evaluating the existing
system;
»Updating the vision, goals, and objectives;
»Identifying community needs;
crafting systemwide and site-specific
recommendations; and
»Preparing Parks Plan 2040 for community
review, refinement, and adoption.
Parks Plan 2040 provides City staff and leaders
with the foundation for a community-driven
action plan that will support vibrant parks and
recreation experiences for years to come.
Engagement Snapshot
Throughout the process, the City gathered input from community members, residents, City
staff, and representatives from Boards, Commissions, and diverse interest groups in Lake
Oswego. These included:
»A tour of City parks and recreation facilities with the project team (City staff and
consultant team);
»Meetings with City Council, a Community Advisory Committee created to support Parks
Plan 2040, and the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board;
»Two multilingual community surveys yielding over 1,906 responses;
»An athletic field users survey;
»A community open house and four neighborhood workshops;
»10 small community group interviews,
»Pop-up activities at various city events; and
»Many more activities.
Community input from each of these engagement efforts helped to define values, needs,
and aspirations for the parks and recreation system and develop Parks Plan 2040.
6Parks Plan 2040
Figure 1-1: Planning Process
7Parks Plan 2040
PARKS PLAN 2025
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Parks Plan 2025 resulted in numerous park and
facility upgrades, as well as the construction of
57.8 acres of new developed parks funded by
the passage of a local bond measure in 2019,
totaling $56 million in improvements.
New Parks and Facilities
Since Parks Plan 2025, four new parks and
facilities have been developed:
»Quarry Bike Skills Park at East Waluga Park
(March 2019)
»Iron Mountain Park (February 2021)
»Woodmont Natural Park (February 2021)
»Rassekh Park Phase 1 and Skatepark (June
2024)
Major Improvements
Over the past 15 years, the City has continued
to invest in its existing parks and facilities.
Major improvements include:
»Trail improvements and bridge
replacement at Roehr Park (March 2019)
»Water Sport Center dock replacement
(February 2020)
»New accessible restrooms at George
Rogers Park and East Waluga Park (2021)
»Renovation of the Lake Oswego Swim Park
(March 2021)
»Renovation of the Adult Community Center
(March 2022)
»Renovation of the Indoor Tennis Center
(January 2023)
»Replacement of the George Rogers Park
lower picnic shelter (February 2024)
In-Progress Projects
There are also three major in-progress projects
underway in Lake Oswego, including:
»Lake Oswego Public Golf Course
Renovation, including the design and
construction of a new 9-hole Executive
Golf Course, renovation and extension of
the existing driving range, construction
of a new related golf course maintenance
facility, and renovation of the former
clubhouse building for additional
programming and community space
as part of future recreation center
programming (expected completion in
early spring 2025).
»Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics
Center, funded jointly by the City of Lake
Oswego and the Lake Oswego School
District, including a 12 lane competitive
pool, a 4,500 square foot recreational
pool with three additional lanes for lap
swimming, a significant weight and cardio
area, a 7,250 square foot gym that will
equip all types of activities and league
play, locker rooms, multi-purpose group
fitness rooms to hold education and
outreach programs, and host events, along
with a front desk for centralized check-in,
including golf, scheduling and office space
for staff (expected completion in early
spring 2025).
»Rassekh Park Phase 2 development,
including a large playground with a
climbing wall, climbing tower, swings,
spinners, tot play area, nature play area,
a picnic shelter, and more (expected
completion summer 2025).
Adult Community Center
8Parks Plan 2040
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER
PLANNING EFFORTS
Parks Plan 2040 builds on findings from several
previous plans, planning efforts, and studies.
Parks Plan 2025 (2012)
Adopted in 2012, Parks Plan 2025 provided
recommendations that served as the guiding
document for Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
over the past decade, providing direction and
strategies through the year 2025. Parks Plan
2040 builds on the successes of Parks Plan
2025, while integrating a renewed community
vision and goals along with strategic and
targeted recommendations for improvements
that align with broader City goals and
priorities.
Lake Oswego Comprehensive Plan
(amended 2016)
Lake Oswego's Comprehensive Plan defines
the City's land use plan and goals, policies,
and action measures that guide decision
making. Parks Plan 2040 responds to the
Comprehensive Plan's long-range goals to
align with the community's overarching values
and aspirations. Parks Plan 2040 serves as the
implementing document for the Parks and
Recreation element of the Comprehensive
Plan.
City Charter Chapter X – Park
Development Limitation (amended
2021)
This citizen-drafted charter amendment
was approved by voters in November 2021.
Chapter X of the City's Charter mandates that
the City preserves fifteen parks as designated
“nature preserves;” However, not all of the
properties that are classified and managed by
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation as natural
areas are designated as “nature preserves” in
Chapter X. Development in ”nature preserves”
is limited to certain types of access facilities
and amenities, including soft-surface trails,
benches and interpretive displays, picnic,
and sanitary facilities. Future community
discussions will be needed to further explore
the limitations imposed by Chapter X and how
it could impact implementation of Parks Plan
2040.
ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan
(2022)
To make Lake Oswego more accessible to
people with disabilities and a broader range
of users, the City adopted the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation
and Transition Plan (SETP) in 2022. The SETP
guides the City in making its buildings,
parks, programs, and public right-of-way
accessible to all. Parks Plan 2040 incorporates
many projects identified in the SETP into the
Prioritized Capital Improvement Project List
(Appendix D).
East Waluga Park
9Parks Plan 2040
Natural Areas Habitat Management
Plan (2022)
Lake Oswego's Natural Areas Habitat
Management Plan (NAHMP) provides a
framework for consistent management of the
City's natural areas consistent with the Lake
Oswego Sensitive Lands Code and Chapter
X of the City Charter. The NAHMP is focused
on protecting important habitat for plants
and animals and area-specific management
strategies that are tailored to existing habitat
conditions. Parks Plan 2040 integrates the
NAHMP's goals, objectives, and strategies to
ensure the City's natural areas and habitats are
restored, protected, and managed for years to
come.
State of the Urban Forest Report (2022)
Adopted in 2022, Lake Oswego's State of
the Urban Forest Report provides data on
the city's urban forest to inform urban forest
management practices, natural resource
conservation, and climate resilience strategies.
Parks Plan 2040 incorporates findings from the
Report as well as additional recommendations
for improving Lake Oswego's urban forest.
Public Art Master Plan (2025)
An update to Lake Oswego's Public Art Master
Plan (PAMP) was adopted in July 2024. The
PAMP includes recommendations and goals
to guide the Arts Council of Lake Oswego
(ACLO) over the next five years. It addresses
elements of City programs that impact Parks
& Recreation, such as the 1.5% Percent for Art
program and provides recommendations for
placing temporary and permanent art in parks,
at trailheads, and along trails.
Athletic Field Requirements Report
(2019 and 2025)
[PLACEHOLDER DESCRIPTION – WILL BE
ADDED ONCE REPORT IS COMPLETE]
Lily Bay Natural Area
Lamont Springs Natural Area
10Parks Plan 2040
Other Related Plans
In addition to the plans described in detail here, several additional systemwide, specific area,
and facility master plans were considered throughout the planning process.
»Waluga Park Revised Master Plan (1997)
»Canal Acres Master Plan (2001)
»George Rogers Park Master Plan (2002)
»Lake Oswego Trails and Pathways Master Plan (2003)
»Luscher Area Master Plan (2013)
»Lake Oswego Transportation System Plan (amended 2017)
»Iron Mountain Park Master Plan (2017)
»Luscher Area Agricultural Plan (2017)
»Woodmont Natural Park Master Plan (2017)
»DEI Task Force Recommendations Report (2020)
»Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (2020)
»Luscher Area Task Force Recommendations Report (2021)
»Lake Oswego Housing Capacity Analysis (2023)
Woodmont Natural Park
11Parks Plan 2040
Our City, Our Parks2
Parks Plan 2040 12
Lake Oswego residents enjoy a diverse park and recreation system, ranging from
convenient neighborhood parks and quiet natural areas, to nearly 500 free and payment-
based programs and events, to large regional parks that attract families and visitors from
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and outdoor recreation options for a range of ages, interests, and income levels. This
chapter presents an overview of Lake Oswego's setting and community, an updated park
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and maintenance and operations activities.
Our City, Our Parks
Figure 2-1: Regional Context
West Linn
Rivergrove
Tualatin
Tigard Portland
MilwaukieLAKE OSWEGO
Oswego Lake
Ĵ
River
SETTING AND CONTEXT
The City of Lake Oswego is located approximately
eight miles south of Portland in western Clackamas
County. According to Portland State University
Population Research Center estimates, Lake Oswego
has a current population of approximately 41,129 (July
1, 2024). The city is bounded by the City of Portland
and unincorporated Multnomah County to the north,
the City of Milwaukie and unincorporated Clackamas
County across the Willamette River to the east, West
Linn and unincorporated Clackamas County to the
south, and the cities of Tigard and Tualatin to the west
(Figure 2-1).
The Willamette River, Tualatin River, and Oswego Lake,
along with views of Mount Hood, are defining natural
features of the city, with Oswego Lake located at the
center of the city and the Willamette River acting as a
natural border to the east. The Willamette River is an
integral part of the City's park system with seven parks
and recreation facilities bordering it, while Oswego Lake
provides the backdrop for the City's two urban plazas
and hosts the Lake Oswego Swim Park. The Tualatin
River runs parallel to the southeastern corner of the city
and includes largely undeveloped natural areas such as
Canal Acres Natural Area and River Run Park.
13Parks Plan 2040
Prior to European settlement, Lake Oswego
was home to the Clackamas Indigenous People
who lived, traded, and navigated the land
and surrounding waters. Many of the original
indigenous inhabitants died from disease
brought by European settlers and French
fur trappers. Those that remained ceded
their territory to the Federal Government in
1855 and were moved to the Grand Ronde
Reservation in nearby Yamhill County.
The City of Lake Oswego was founded in 1847
and became Oregon's first iron ore town. In
the late nineteenth century, numerous canals
were built, expanding the lake and creating
connections to the Tualatin River. Following
national trends for outdoor recreation in the
early 1920s, the city was branded as a lake
resort prompting future development around
the entirety of Oswego Lake.
Oswego Furnace c. 1908. Courtesy of the Lake Oswego Public Library Local History Collection 2289
Waluga Park c. 1964. Courtesy of the Lake Oswego Public
Library Beth Ryan Collection 5287
14Parks Plan 2040
CURRENT LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
Today, Lake Oswego is primarily a residential
community, with homes that date back to
the late 19th century. Areas of commercial
and light industrial development are located
at the west and east ends of the city with
small neighborhood commercial districts
dispersed throughout. These areas include the
downtown at the eastern end of Oswego Lake,
west of the Willamette River and Highway 43;
the Lake Grove area which is adjacent to the
I-5 corridor; and commercial corridors along
Kruse Way and Boones Ferry Road. A variety
of topographic features, natural features, and
other factors impact the future development of
park and recreation facilities in Lake Oswego,
including the following:
»There is a limited supply of remaining
buildable land both for new development
and for parks within the existing city limits.
A buildable lands inventory conducted by
the City in 2023 revealed that of the 7,339
acres of land located inside Lake Oswego's
city limits, only 189 acres—or 0.025%—
remains available for future development.
Luscher Farm
Forest Highlands Neighborhood
»Steep slopes, stream corridors, Oswego
Lake, and other natural features provide
barriers to access to parks for pedestrians
and bicyclists throughout the city.
»In some cases, major transportation
facilities create a barrier to accessing park
and recreation facilities (e.g., Interstate
5 and portions of Highway 43). In other
cases, arterial roads tend to enhance
access to facilities, particularly where they
traverse areas with topography constraints
or where they have been designed to
improve pedestrian and bicycle access and
connectivity (e.g., portions of Highway
43, Boones Ferry Road, Iron Mountain
Boulevard, and others).
»Although the majority of the City's parks
and recreation facilities are within city
limits and the Urban Growth Boundary
(UGB), a large portion of the Luscher
area is located outside of the UGB within
unincorporated Clackamas County, and
future improvement of park amenities
on these properties is regulated by the
County.
»Today, there are limited buildable lands
available within the UGB to meet future
housing needs and development (Lake
Oswego Housing Needs Analysis, 2023).
These same conditions lead to a limited
supply of sites for new neighborhood
or community parks within the city. As a
result, creative approaches to acquiring
additional park land will need to be
considered when thinking about how the
City will meet the park and recreation
needs of future residents who may live in
new areas of Lake Oswego.
Parks Plan 2040 15
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS
Demographic conditions and trends of a community play a major role in planning
for parks and recreation. Notably, Lake Oswego is Clackamas County's largest city
and one of the most affluent communities in the Portland metropolitan region and
state. In the coming years, Lake Oswego is expected to experience slowed population
growth in conjunction with a growing population of older adults. Projected
population growth rates in Lake Oswego are expected to be slower than for other
cities in the region on average. The needs of different demographic groups will need
to be intentionally explored and considered as the city continues to grow and evolve
over the next 15 years.1
1Data in this section is sourced from the Lake Oswego Housing Needs Assessment which primarily used
2021 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.
Demographics by the Numbers
41,550 live in the City of Lake Oswego
21% of Lake Oswego’s population is over 65 years old
31% of Lake Oswego’s households have children
$123,000 Median Household Income (higher than Clackamas
County average ($85,500) and the state average ($70,000))
SOURCE: Portland State University Population Research Center, Lake Oswego Housing Needs
Analysis Report, US Census
Luscher Farm
16Parks Plan 2040
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Population Growth
Since 2000, Lake Oswego has experienced
modest growth, growing by about 18% in
23 years, or a little less than 1% per year.
This 23-year growth rate is lower than the
county and state averages of 26% and 25%
respectively during this same period (Figure
2-2). Other cities in the county such as West
Linn and Oregon City grew by 23% and 46%
respectively, while Portland's population grew
by an estimated 19% during this period.
Future population estimates show a relatively
modest increase in population over the next
20 years (Figure 2-2). The future population of
Lake Oswego is expected to increase by only
1.4 % during this period, with an additional
583 residents by 2045. This modest growth
rate could be due to the small quantity of
buildable land remaining in Lake Oswego, as
well as other demographic trends in the city
and region.
Compared to state and national averages, Lake
Oswego has a similar share of households
with children (Figure 2-4 on the next page).
However, at 21%, the share of population over
65 is higher than the state and national figures.
41,550 Residents in 2023
18% Population Increase, 2000-2023
583 New Residents 2023-2045
1.4% Population Increase, 2023-2045
SOURCE: Portland State University Population Research
Center, Lake Oswego Housing Needs Analysis Report
Figure 2-2: Forecast of Population
Growth, Lake Oswego UGB 2000 to 2045
Age Diversity
A vibrant and equitable park and recreation
system offers opportunities for all age groups,
such as spaces to learn and play for young
children, safe places for teens, activities for
older adults, spaces to bring people together
regardless of age or background. Overall, Lake
Oswego has an older population than the
county, with a similar share of children. These
trends are expected to continue in the coming
years. Figure 2-3 demonstrates Lake Oswego's
aging population over the past 20 years. This
is in keeping with the national trend caused by
the aging Baby Boom generation, falling birth
rates, and more people choosing to live alone.
Figure 2-3: Age Cohort Trends, 2000-2021
SOURCE: Lake Oswego Housing Needs Analysis
Report, US Census
17Parks Plan 2040
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Like different age groups, consideration
of unique cultural, ethnic, and language
characteristics is essential to fostering a vibrant
park and recreation system that meets diverse
community needs. Although the city is still less
larger yards) compared to homeowners who
may have their own private green spaces.
Approximately 50% of renters in the city
pay 30% or more of their household income
on rent. In addition, these households have
limited resources for other activities, making
activities that require fees or other costs of
participation potentially cost-prohibitive to
them.
racially diverse than the state or region, Figure
2-5 shows that Lake Oswego's community
grew more diverse between 2010 and 2020,
with the population's white (non-Hispanic)
share falling from 90% to 80%.
Income and Affordability
Income and affordability are key determinants
influencing park use and participation in
recreation programs, among other factors.
Access to affordable or free park and
recreation services for different types of
activities are important to reduce barriers and
to encourage equitable access to park and
recreation opportunities.
Lake Oswego is one of the most affluent
communities in the Portland metropolitan area
and in Oregon. In 2023, median household
income was estimated to be nearly 40% higher
than the County median, and 75% higher than
the statewide median. Conversely, Census data
shows that people who rent their homes in
Lake Oswego have disproportionately lower
income relative to homeowners. As is common
throughout the Portland region and nationally,
many renters, particularly those in apartments
or other smaller homes, typically have less
direct access to private open space (such as
Figure 2-4: Share of Households with
Children/Population Over 65 Years
SOURCE: Lake Oswego Housing Needs analysis
Report, US Census
SOURCE: Lake Oswego Housing Needs Analysis
Report, US Census
Figure 2-5: Racial and Ethnic Breakdown
and Trends, 2010-2020
SOURCE: Lake Oswego Housing Needs Analysis
Report, US Census
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
White
Black or African American
American and Alaska Native
Asian
Hawaiian and Pacic Islander
Some Other Race
Two or More Races
Hispanic or Latino (any race)
89%
80%
1%
1%
6%
8%
1%
1%
3%
9%
4%
5%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
White
Black or African American
American and Alaska Native
Asian
Hawaiian and Pacic Islander
Some Other Race
Two or More Races
Hispanic or Latino (any race)
89%%
80%
1%
1%
6%
8%
1%
1%
3%
9%
4%
5%
Lake Oswego (2010)
Lake Oswego (2020)
Lake Oswego (2010)
Lake Oswego (2020)
18Parks Plan 2040
People Living With A Disability
Parks and recreation opportunities are
accessible when they offer many different
options for enjoyment and participation,
regardless of ability or disability. According
to Census data, an estimated 8% of the
population of Lake Oswego, or 3,140 people,
report having some form of a disability. This is
lower than the county and statewide average
rates of 12% and 14% respectively. Older
residents are more likely to report a disability,
including nearly 20% of those over 65 years.
It is also important to note that there are
likely more people with a disability in Lake
Oswego than is reflected in this data due to a
lack of reporting by younger populations and
limitations of Census data.
Disability is a spectrum that can impact mobility, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
Mobility
Conditions affecting a person's ability to move, stand, sit, walk, bend or reach. People with
mobility disabilities may use adaptive equipment such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or
prosthetic limbs. Others may have limited cardiovascular stamina, tremors, or loss of fine
motor control.
Recreation priorities for people with mobility disabilities may include features such
as smooth, wide walking paths, frequent and varied seating, and ground-level play
environments for children.
Sensory
Conditions affecting a person's ability to receive, process, and understand information from
the environment through the senses, such as full or partial loss of vision and/or hearing.
Sensory processing disorders also fall under this category, as they impact the way the brain
interprets sensory information.
Features that accommodate people with sensory disabilities may include wide walkways
for visitors communicating in ASL, tactile signage and wayfinding systems, and quiet
spaces to retreat to.
Cognitive
Conditions affecting a person's comprehension, reasoning, memory, impulse control, and/
or emotional regulation. Outdoor recreation and access to nature has been shown to have
significant positive impacts on mental health and well-being of people with cognitive
disabilities and may have a rehabilitative effect when combined with guided recreational
therapy programs.
SOURCE: MIG
George Rogers Park
Parks Plan 2040 19
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
OVERVIEW OF THE SYSTEM
Lake Oswego's park and recreation system includes the City's parks, recreation
facilities, infrastructure, and other resources that are managed, maintained and
programmed for public use. This system includes natural areas that provide some
level of public access via trails or pathways, as well as undeveloped open space areas
that are managed primarily for their natural resource values. The system also includes
the recreation programs and activities offered at parks and facilities such as the
farmers' market, movies in the park, swim park, concerts, and sports.
Parks
Lake Oswego residents have access to a variety of recreation spaces. Lake Oswego
Parks & Recreation owns and manages over 630 acres of land in its dedicated
park system, including 80 different parks, recreation facilities, natural areas, and
undeveloped open spaces. Of this land, 132 acres are developed, providing places
to play and gather, and 289 acres are natural areas for community members to
experience nature or benefit from the presence of wildlife and vegetation in these
areas, and 34 are undeveloped open spaces that provide visual greenspace and
create buffers between uses. The following pages summarize the existing system's
inventory. Appendix A provides a detailed inventory of Lake Oswego's current park
and recreation system. Figure 2-6 on the next page shows the distribution of parks
across Lake Oswego, including their classification.
Foothills Park
636 acres of land in Lake Oswego's park system
65 parks and recreation facilities (not including natural areas)
471 recreation amenities
47 natural areas and undeveloped open spaces
20Parks Plan 2040
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Adult
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FIGURE 2-6:
Existing Park and
Recreation System
Sources: City of Lake Oswego and Metro
RLIS Database, 2023.
Date: February 2025.
Schools
Trails and Pathways
Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation
Regional Park
Community Park
Neighborhood Park
Pocket Park
Natural Area
Trail Corridor
Undeveloped Open Space
Urban Plaza
Recreational Facility
Water Bodies
Non-City Recreation Areas
Base Map Features
City Boundary
Metro Urban Growth Boundary
00.510.25 Miles
21Parks Plan 2040
Park Classifications
Lake Oswego classifies park and recreation
facilities by type to evaluate standards
for service, identify compatible recreation
opportunities, and guide strategic investments
for a varied park and recreation system.
The City classifies parks and facilities based
on physical attributes such as its size,
geographic location, and natural features. The
classification system also provides guidance
related to what types of amenities should be
provided, what types of recreation activities
may be compatible, how the park or facility
should function, and who are its primary users.
Parks Plan 2025 classified Lake Oswego's parks
both according to their size and function
(scale) as well as their level of development
(character) to form a matrix park classification
system. Parks Plan 2040 uses an updated
classification system to better integrate
planning and reporting information, and
to better align with regional or national
benchmarking.
Woodmont Natural Park
The project team reviewed park classification
systems used by other communities
throughout the region and state, and identified
state and national best practices regarding
classifications, benchmarking, and level
of service standards to develop a revised
classification system that includes nine park
and facility classifications. These classifications
are summarized on the following pages.
Parks Plan 2040 22
Recreation Facilities
6 SITES / 48.03 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Adult Community Center, Indoor Tennis Center
Recreation Facilities are staffed facilities that are owned and operated by Lake
Oswego Parks & Recreation. They serve the entire community by providing year-
round recreation activities, services, and programs.
Regional Parks are large in size and provide a wide variety of amenities such
as sports fields, community gardens, community gathering spaces, significant
cultural or historic resources, significant natural features, water access, and/or
scenic views. Their unique cultural and natural features often attract families and
visitors from across the city and metropolitan area.
Community Parks are generally large enough to support organized recreation
activities, and often have sports facilities as their central focus. They are intended
to meet a variety of recreation needs, including active and passive opportunities,
and may include both developed and natural area components. Community parks
are designed to serve families and visitors from throughout the community by
providing amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
Regional Parks
2 PARKS / 136.22 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: George Rogers Park, Luscher Farm Park
Community Parks
7 PARKS / 84.08 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Westlake Park, East Waluga Park
Adult Community Center
George Rogers Park
Westlake Park
Parks Plan 2040 23
Neighborhood Parks
7 PARKS / 28.17 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Rossman Park, Westridge Park
Generally smaller in size than community parks, Neighborhood Parks provide basic
amenities such as play equipment, benches, walking paths, and open space for non-
organized recreation activities. Neighborhood parks are designed primarily for use by
local neighborhood residents, and visitor amenities such as parking may be limited.
Pocket Parks are small sites that serve the immediate neighborhood with limited basic
recreation amenities. Pocket parks are designed primarily for use by nearby neighbors
within walking or rolling distance. They typically do not provide visitor amenities such
as parking or restrooms.
Urban Plazas are located in higher density commercial or mixed-use areas. They are
typically smaller in size and are often hardscaped. They provide a place for community
members to gather, and also provide space for community events.
Pocket Parks
6 PARKS / 6.60 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Greentree Park, Hide-A-Way Park
Urban Plazas
2 PLAZAS / 2.47 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Millennium Plaza, Sundeleaf Plaza
Rossman Park
Greentree Park
Millennium Plaza
Parks Plan 2040 24
Greenways
3 GREENWAYS / 7.46 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Willamette River Greenway, Stafford Basin Regional Trail
Greenways are linear parks or corridors developed with trails or shared-use paths. They
provide an opportunity for passive recreation and access to nature, and support non-
motorized transportation connectivity. They may also provide a green buffer for nearby
neighborhoods.
Natural Areas are lands managed in a natural state that provide some level of public
access via trails or pathways. Recreation in natural areas usually involves passive, low-
impact activities, such as walking, biking, and watching wildlife. Natural areas may also
include small portions of land that are developed with trailhead amenities such as
restrooms, parking, and picnic areas.
Undeveloped Open Space properties are owned and/or maintained by Lake
Oswego Parks & Recreation, but do not currently provide public access, facilities, or
amenities for recreation purposes. Rather, these open spaces provide natural resource
conservation, habitat connectivity, visual buffers, flood control, and preservation
of urban canopy. Some undeveloped open space properties may be suitable for
development to serve a future recreational need, while others include protected natural
features that preclude development.
Natural Areas
14 NATURAL AREAS / 288.94 ACRES TOTAL
Examples: Woodmont Natural Park, Bryant Woods Nature Park
Undeveloped Open Space
32 SITES / 33.79 ACRES TOTAL
Willamette River Greenway
Woodmont Natural Park
Lily Bay Natural Area
25Parks Plan 2040
Recreation Facilities
The City of Lake Oswego's park and recreation
system supports a variety of recreation
amenities and facilities supporting play
and gathering, specialized uses, sports/
athletics, connections with nature, and trail
opportunities. Parks include seating areas,
picnic shelters, and restrooms supporting park
functionality and user comfort. A complete
inventory of existing recreation facilities is
found in Appendix A.
Lake Oswego's park and recreation system also
provides numerous major recreation facilities,
including:
»Adult Community Center: This recently
renovated 12,974 square foot multi-
purpose facility located at the northeastern
edge of the City supports recreation,
education, and social services programs
for adults and seniors (ages 50+) in Lake
Oswego.
»Indoor Tennis Center: This recently
renovated 28,288 square foot indoor tennis
facility includes four courts, restrooms,
staff offices, a lunch and meeting room,
and an upstairs viewing area.
»Luscher Farm: Luscher Farm includes a
variety of facilities to encourage recreation
and support agricultural programming
relating to local food and organic plant
production. The site includes a historic
farmhouse and barn, community garden
plots, trails, demonstration gardens,
Community Supported Agriculture fields,
a children's garden, and the Friends of
Rogerson Clematis Collection garden.
»Public Golf Course: The Lake Oswego
Public Golf Course was previously an 18-
Hole, par-3 course, with a 17-stall driving
range, and a 4,650 square foot clubhouse
with pro-shop and cafe. Currently, the Golf
Course is being redesigned to include a
new 9-hole Executive Golf Course, renovate
the existing driving range, and construct
a new related golf course maintenance
facility. The course is expected to re-open
in early spring 2025.
»Water Sports Center: The Charlie S. Brown
Water Sports Center, located in Roehr
Park, is owned by the City of Lake Oswego,
and operated via a partnership with Lake
Oswego Community Rowing, a private,
non-profit organization. The 2,636 square
foot facility was designed specifically to
store rowing shells and to operate as a
public rowing facility.
»Lake Oswego Swim Park: The Lake
Oswego Swim Park, located off Ridgeway
Road, provides Oswego Lake swimming
opportunities for Lake Oswego residents
with proof of residency from July 1st
to August 31st each summer. The park
features certified lifeguards, diving
platforms, inner tubes, lounge chairs, picnic
tables, various water toys, and a limited
number of US Coast Guard-approved life
jackets.
»Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic
Center: Expected to be complete by early
2025, the facility will provide a 12 lane
competitive pool, a 4,500 square foot
recreational pool with three additional
lanes for lap swimming, a significant
weight and cardio area, a 7,250 square
foot gym that will equip all types of
activities and league play, locker rooms,
multi-purpose group fitness rooms to
hold education and outreach programs,
and host events, along with a front desk
for centralized check-in, including golf,
scheduling and office space for staff.
26Parks Plan 2040
8 Baseball/Softball Fields
2 Basketball Courts
7 Soccer Fields
9 Tennis Courts
1 Bike Skills Park
5 Dog Parks
9 Picnic Shelters
17 Play Areas
1 Fitness Spot
1 Performance Amphitheater
Permanent Restrooms at 16 sites
Water Access at 16 sites
Off-street Parking at 16 sites
Figure 2-7: Recreation Amenity Inventory
Roehr Park
George Rogers ParkQuarry Bike Skills Park, East Waluga Park
Fitness Spot, West Waluga Park
Parks Plan 2040 27
Willamette River Greenway
Trails
Lake Oswego provides approximately 28 miles of trails and pathways in parks and
natural areas, including approximately nine-miles of hard-surface trails. Trails and
pathways within parks and natural areas are typically maintained and managed by
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation primarily for recreational use. Trails and pathways
adjacent to roadways (e.g., multi-use paths) and other trail corridors in the city
outside of parks are primarily managed by the City's Engineering Department as
transportation facilities.
One of Lake Oswego's most notable trail corridors is the Willamette River Greenway,
a trail system through the greater Metro area that follows the east and west banks
of the Willamette River from Champoeg State Park to the river's confluence with
the Columbia in North Portland. Major built segments include trails at West Linn's
Willamette Park and Mary S. Young State Park, Lake Oswego's George Rogers Park
and Foothills Park, and Portland's Willamette Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park
and Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade. Lake Oswego's portion of the Willamette River
Greenway runs approximately 2-miles, connecting Foothills Park to Roehr Park
and from George Rogers Park to Old River Road and Mary S. Young Park in West
Linn. Plans are underway to extend Lake Oswego's portion of the Willamette River
Greenway to create a new trail connection between George Rogers Park and Foothills
Park via a wide multi-use asphalt pathway. The new connection would also create a
nearly 2.25-mile continuous trail along the Willamette River through city limits.
The Stafford Basin Regional Trail is another significant multimodal trail corridor, which
connects Lake Oswego and West Linn along Stafford and Rosemont Roads between
South Shore Boulevard in Lake Oswego and Tanner Creek Park in West Linn. Along its
route it provides access to numerous City parks and facilities, including the LORAC,
Rassekh Park, Hazelia Field, and Luscher Farm. Sections of the trail, known as the
Hazelia Agri-Cultural Trail, also provide historical and cultural interpretive signage.Stafford Basin Regional Trail
28Parks Plan 2040
Other Parks and Open Spaces
In addition to the City's extensive park
and recreation system, the Lake Oswego
community has access to a variety of other
recreation resources in the region.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Bordering the northwest corner of the city,
Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a 658-acre
state park featuring a nature center, 8-miles
of hiking trails, 3.5-miles of horse trails, and
3-mile bicycle path that parallels Terwilliger
Boulevard on the east edge of the park, from
Boones Ferry Road to State Street (Oregon
Highway 43) in Lake Oswego. The park also
hosts numerous educational programs and
guided hikes throughout the year. Tryon Creek
is Oregon's only state park within a major met-
ropolitan area.
Lake Oswego School District Facilities
Many public schools in Lake Oswego provide
indoor and outdoor recreational facilities
including athletic fields and courts as well as
playgrounds. The City does not currently have
a formal partnership or joint use agreement
with the Lake Oswego School District for
athletic field or court use.
However, the City and School District
are jointly funding the Lake Oswego
Recreation and Aquatics Center, and the two
organizations coordinate informally in regards
to scheduling facilities. In addition, an update
to the City's Athletic Fields Requirements Study
conducted as part of this process addressed
the combined inventory of City and District
playing fields in terms of comparing supply
and demand for fields.
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Teen Lounge
Private Facilities
Private facilities, campuses, and homeowners'
associations (HOAs) in Lake Oswego also help
meet the recreation needs of Lake Oswego
community members. Examples include:
»Open spaces, trails, parks, and recreation
centers owned and operated by
Homeowners Associations, such as the
Mountain Park HOA Clubhouse
»Mary's Woods Retirement Community at
the former Marylhurst University campus
»Portland Community College Sylvania
Campus directly to the northwest of the
city
»Oswego Lake Country Club located off
Country Club Road in northeast Lake
Oswego
»Lake Oswego Hunt Club, located to the
west of Iron Mountain Park
»Christ Church Episcopal Parish (CCP), home
of the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
Teen Lounge
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
29Parks Plan 2040
Environmental Resources and Climate
Resilience
Parks and natural areas provide a host of
ecosystem benefits beyond supporting
opportunities for recreation. These critical
functions include the provision of fresh air and
water, regulation of climate and stormwater,
and the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
The Lake Oswego community values natural
resources such as water quality, scenic vistas,
urban tree canopy, and native wildlife habitat.
:LOGÀUH5LVN
Wildfires occur in Oregon each year
threatening life, public health, and property.
Some areas within Lake Oswego are at risk
of wildfire due to the mix of undeveloped
natural areas and urban development (known
as the Wildland Urban Interface). These areas
may be less suited for certain types of park
development because of the risks associated
with potential wildfire activity.
Urban Tree Canopy
Tree canopies produce stormwater
management and pollution reduction benefits,
provide shade, alleviate the urban heat island
effect, and have proven benefits to human
health and well-being. Rising temperatures
associated with climate change are anticipated
to drive an even greater need for ecological
cooling features in the coming decades. Lake
Oswego has made protecting, preserving, and
enhancing its tree canopy a priority.
Habitat Connectivity
Lake Oswego's natural areas along the
Willamette and Tualatin Rivers are connected
to source habitats in the Cascades and
Coast Mountains, and natural areas in south
Lake Oswego such as Luscher Farm, Stevens
Meadow, Sunnyslope, and Cooks Butte
connect to larger habitat areas along the
Pecan Creek and Tualatin River corridors. Most
parks and natural areas in Lake Oswego—
even partially developed neighborhood and
community parks that include some amount of
undeveloped natural area—serve as important
links in larger regional habitat clusters.
River Run Park
30Parks Plan 2040
Programs and Services
Lake Oswego offers a variety of year-round
activities for people of all ages including
art, music, sports, fitness & wellness, teen
programs, and community-wide events. Table
2-1 summarizes the programs offered by the
City sorted by age and season. In 2024, the
City offered over 500 programs and served
over 243,000 participants of all ages.
Across the country, many recreation providers
have struggled with providing opportunities
for teens. Lake Oswego excels in this area,
offering a wide variety of options for youth in
grades 6-12 across its program service areas.
In 2022, the Teen Lounge, located inside of the
CCP (one of the City's satellite offices/program
locations) saw over 4,000 visitors. As of the end
of 2024, the Teen Lounge has served 107,113
participants over its lifetime. Additionally, teens
brought in over 4,000 volunteer hours between
the Teen Service Corps, the Jr. Camp Counselor
program, and the Youth Action Council (YAC ).
Program Area
Age Season
Yo
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Cultural Enrichment ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Fitness ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Health & Wellness ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Sports (including Tennis & Golf)ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Community and Special Events ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Luscher Farms Organic Education ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Adults 50+ Life Long Learning ɩɩɩɩɩ
Human Services ɩ ɩɩɩɩɩɩ
Table 2-1: City Programs and Activities
Teen Service Corps Skyhawks Youth Soccer
31Parks Plan 2040
weekly Farmer's Market (held May-October)
which had over 138,000 visitors in 2024 and
is considered one of the top markets in the
region. In 2024 the First Sunday Market in Lake
Grove expanded to 3,500 attendees, attracting
residents from the Lake Grove area of town.
Residents can also enjoy summer concerts,
fun runs, and annual staples such as the Star
Spangled Celebration, Cultural Xchange,
Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific
Islander (AANHPI) Celebration, and the holiday
tree lighting, Juneteenth, Pride, and Martin
Luther King Jr. Day events. Lake Oswego Parks
& Recreation partners with the Chamber of
Commerce and the Library to host community
and cultural events.
The City regularly tracks and reviews
participant feedback gathered through
user surveys sent to participants enrolled
in programs and activities each season.
Historically, participants have given the City
high marks for the quality of programs. During
the Summer 2024 period, 92% of respondents
indicated that participation in their respective
activities met their expectations. Over 68%
of respondents indicated that they were
“very satisfied” with the value received for
Cultural Xchange Festival
The City of Lake Oswego also offers a
multitude of programs, services, and
community events through the Adult
Community Center (ACC) and its various parks
and outdoor spaces. At the ACC residents can
engage in social activities like the Congregate
Lunch program, Bridge, Conversational
Spanish, and day and overnight trips. They
can also attend programs designed to
provide resources and services for overall
well-being like Meals on Wheels, the Living
Well Talk Series, and info sessions that focus
on relationships, mental health, fitness, and
financial planning. In 2022, the ACC offered
over 200 programs and served over 20,000
participants in addition to hundreds of other
social services provided at the site. In 2024
ACC services provided 1,250 round-trip rides
to and from the center, providing access
to lunches and activities for transportation
disadvantaged seniors.
The City also provides residents with a variety
of community events and activities within
parks and outdoor spaces. In 2024, the City
offered more than 60 events and had over
1,400 volunteer hours donated towards
them. One of the most popular events is the
the activities they participated in and 90% of
respondents said that they would recommend
their respective activities to a friend or family
member.
32Parks Plan 2040
Maintenance and Operations
The Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
Department is responsible for the
management and maintenance of the City's
developed parks and facilities, natural
areas, and open spaces. In addition to park
spaces, the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
maintenance staff care for the system's major
facilities, including the Indoor Tennis Center,
the Adult Community Center, Charlie S. Brown
Water Sports Center, the Lake Oswego Swim
Park, the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course, the
Luscher Farm properties, and the LORAC.
Maintenance
The City provides maintenance based on
several factors including how the property
is used, what amenities are available,
terrain, proximity to neighborhoods and
other public spaces, whether any significant
natural resources are present (creeks,
drainages, native vegetation, etc.), and any
applicable city, county, state, and federal
requirements. Maintenance levels also vary
according to season and facility or amenity
requirements. Synthetic and natural athletic
field management, care, and maintenance
are guided by established industry standards.
Athletic field maintenance tasks vary
depending on the site, season, and level of use
but generally include aeration, fertilization,
irrigation management, over-seeding, top
dressing, field grooming, and sweeping.
Management of natural areas are guided by
the Natural Areas Habitat Management Plan
(NAHMP), which provides a framework for
consistent management of natural areas in
compliance with the Sensitive Lands Code
and City Charter Chapter X. Natural area
management includes general strategies as
well as habitat- and park-specific strategies
such as targeted removal of invasive species;
using successional planting of natives to
increase vegetation diversity and habitat
resiliency; and working to reduce wildfire
hazards as described in Section 4.1.5 of the
NAHMP.
Beyond regular department maintenance,
the City operates an active park stewardship
program to help maintain and protect the
system's parks and natural areas. Regular
stewardship and habitat restoration work
parties are held year-round, allowing
community members to spend time in nature
and contribute to the ongoing maintenance
of the system. A variety of community
organizations and individuals participate in
these activities including Friends of Parks
groups, local high school Green Teams, and
others.
Park Stewardship Program
Parks Plan 2040 33
2UJDQL]DWLRQDO6WUXFWXUHDQG6WDଊQJ
As of 2023, the City of Lake Oswego is one of 217 nationally accredited Parks &
Recreation Departments in the country through the Commission for Accreditation
of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) program. Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
is led by the Parks & Recreation Director and two Deputy Directors (one responsible
for Recreation Services and Administration and the other for Parks, Golf, and Natural
Areas Management, and Sports). These Director level positions are supported by
the Adult Community Center Manager, Sports Manager, Parks Superintendent, a
Communications and Sponsorship Coordinator, two Park Analysts/Project Managers,
and a host of other team members, including recreation specialists, utility workers,
park rangers, special events staff, administrative support, and crew leaders. With
the opening of the LORAC in early 2025 Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation will add
an additional nine (9) full-time benefited positions and 13.9 part-time positions for
a total of 77.12 full-time equivalents (FTEs). New LORAC positions will be overseen
by the Deputy Director of Recreation and will include the LORAC Superintendent,
Aquatics Supervisor, and recreation specialists for fitness and aquatics.
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation also works with hundreds of volunteers who
support activities such as community events, farmer' markets, Adult Community
Center programs, Indoor Tennis Center programs, and Friends of Parks groups, as
well as the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board participants.
In 2024, 488 volunteers dedicated 28,804 hours to supporting park maintenance,
recreation activities, and human services for Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation.
34Parks Plan 2040
Funding
The City of Lake Oswego relies on the
following mix of funding sources, primarily the
General Fund along with several dedicated
non-General Fund sources. Chapter 7 of this
Plan describes other potential funding sources
that the City could consider implementing in
the future to augment these existing revenue
streams.
»The City's General Fund supplies both
capital and operations funding for Lake
Oswego Parks & Recreation, and is used
for staffing, programming, maintenance,
and the operations of new projects like
the LORAC and Rassekh Park. While a
consistent source of funding for Lake
Oswego Parks & Recreation, it competes
with other City departments and needed
services.
»The General Obligation Bond passed in
2019 allowed the City to issue up to $30
million in bonds to renovate, replace, or
develop park and recreation facilities or to
acquire new park or open space land. This
measure has been successful in funding
the renovation of major facilities like the
Adult Community Center and Indoor
Tennis Center as well as contributing to the
construction of the LORAC and Rassekh
Park.
»A Demolition Tax on the demolition of
residential units in Lake Oswego helps
fund the parks maintenance budget, with
a significant portion of parks maintenance
revenue coming from this tax.
»Lake Oswego uses System Development
Charges (SDCs), fees paid by new
development to recover a portion of
the cost of infrastructure and capital
parks projects needed to serve new
development. Park SDCs contributed
to the construction of the LORAC and
construction of the Rassekh Skatepark.
»User fees paid by people who use the
City's facilities and programs are important
in recovering a portion of the direct costs
associated with providing these activities.
35Parks Plan 2040
Community Voices3
Parks Plan 2040 36
Community
Voices
Thousands of residents, interested persons,
community organizations, and city and
community leaders shared their insights into
the needs, preferences, and priorities for Lake
Oswego's parks and recreation system. This
chapter summarizes the engagement approach,
opportunities for participation, and major themes
that emerged during the planning process. This
FKDSWHUDOVRLGHQWLÀHVDYLVLRQDQGVHWRIVHYHQ
JRDOVWKDWUHÁHFWFRPPXQLW\HQJDJHPHQWDQGZLOO
JXLGHWKHV\VWHPZLGHLQYHVWPHQWDQGSULRULWLHV
LGHQWLÀHGLQ3DUNV3ODQ
Parks Plan 2040 Principles of Engagement
Parks Plan 2040 is founded on an engagement strategy that applied six principles to
ensure authentic, diverse, and accessible opportunities for broad community participation
throughout the planning process.
»Identify barriers to participation. Cultivate an understanding of existing or
potential barriers to the full participation of all community members.
»Leverage local networks and existing community engagement
efforts. Build on the variety and depth of existing community involvement initiatives
within Lake Oswego to engage the public effectively and efficiently in the development
of Parks Plan 2040. Tap into existing community-based networks and groups to connect
with a wider range of community members.
»Ensure an accessible planning process. The community involvement
process will be accessible, understandable, and welcoming to all who wish to
participate.
»Collaborate and inform decision-making. Collect useful and relevant
public input that reflects local knowledge and values and informs decision-making
related to the Parks Plan 2040 process.
»Build long-term capacity for civic engagement around park
design, development, and programming. Continue to build and reinforce
the support network for those engaged through the planning process to stay involved
and share not only needs and issues, but also priorities and strategies necessary for a
thriving and inclusive park system.
»Ensure accountability. Provide summaries, updates, and useful information to
report back to the community and decision makers about how their input was used to
shape Parks Plan 2040 and adjust as needed.
Parks Plan 2040 37
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Phase 1. Understanding Existing Conditions
After the project kickoff in July 2023, the City launched the first phase of community
outreach that included interviews with key city and community leaders, focus groups
with representatives from community organizations and special interest groups, a
statistically valid survey followed by a community-wide survey, pop-up outreach at
community events, an in-person community open house, and meetings with advisory
committees and boards. The timing of this outreach effort aligned with the quantitative
and qualitative analysis conducted as part of the Parks Plan 2040 needs assessment
to form a comprehensive understanding of issues, opportunities, and focus areas for
potential enhancements to Lake Oswego's park and recreation system.
The City launched a second round of outreach activities during the summer of 2024,
including hosting four neighborhood workshops at four parks in four different
geographic areas of the city. These events allowed interested community members
to review emerging engagement themes and park access and equity mapping and
provide their input on potential investments and projects both across the park
system and at individual locations in their neighborhoods. The City used results from
these neighborhood workshops to inform and refine systemwide and site-specific
recommendations.
Phase 2. Identifying Community Needs
Project Kick-Off Site Tour
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
Parks Plan 2040 38
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Phase 3. Refining Policies and Priorities
In the fall of 2024, the City launched a second online community survey focused on
identifying priorities for categories and locations of capital improvement projects, and
held additional meetings with advisory boards and committees to help identify priority
projects and strategies to guide implementation of Parks Plan 2040's recommendations.
In early spring of 2025, the City launched the final phase of the outreach process to
incorporate community feedback into the draft Parks Plan 2040 document. Outreach
consisted of an online public review period for the public to provide written feedback,
a joint review meeting with the Community Advisory Committee and PRNRAB, and
multiple refinement meetings with City staff and City Council.
Phase 4. Reviewing the Draft Plan
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
39Parks Plan 2040
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
The Parks Plan 2040 planning process provided
numerous opportunities for community
members to provide valuable insight to
shape the future of the Lake Oswego parks
and recreation system. Engagement efforts
encouraged participation from a broad
range of community members, residents,
City staff, and representatives from Boards,
Commissions, and diverse interest groups.
These activities highlighted key themes and
priorities that influenced the development
of Parks Plan 2040. Appendix C provides
a complete summary of the engagement
activities and outcomes.
Focus Group Interviews
The project team conducted small group
meetings with a variety of individuals and
community groups who represent specific
neighborhoods, interests, and perspectives to
focus on specific topics related to parks and
recreation. The team met with 10 groups over
the course of approximately three months
between October 2023 and January 2024, and
also met with representatives from the Lake
Oswego School District to discuss existing
operations and potential opportunities for
increased coordination.
Pop-Up Events
The City hosted a series of fun, informal pop-
up events at the Lake Oswego Farmers' Market,
Lake Grove Farmers' Market, cultural events,
neighborhood association meetings, and other
events at different locations across the city.
Participants were encouraged to place stickers
on different types of park improvements,
programs, or events they would like to see
more of in Lake Oswego.
Fall 2023 Community Open House
A citywide open house on November 14,
2023, provided a family-friendly open house
Lake Grove Farmers' Market Booth
for attendees where they could spend time
reviewing and commenting on project
information and talking with the project team.
The purpose of the event was to provide an
opportunity for Lake Oswego residents to learn
more about the planning process, provide
their input on the draft vision and goals, and
identify any gaps or opportunities in the park
and recreation system.
Statistically Valid Survey
In the fall of 2023 project team member DHM
Research (DHM) conducted a statistically
valid survey of 403 Lake Oswego residents
to assess resident priorities for parks and
recreation activities. Respondents were
contacted randomly from a list of registered
voters through a text-to-online process,
supplemented by phone calls with a live
interviewer. In gathering responses, DHM
employed a variety of quality control measures,
including questionnaire pre-testing and
validation, and established quotas by gender,
age, educational attainment, race and ethnicity,
and area of the city to ensure that they
reached a representative sample of the city's
population.
40Parks Plan 2040
Communitywide Online Survey
Following the statistically valid survey, Lake
Oswego Parks and Recreation opened the
survey to all community members. The City
shared the online survey link though various
communication channels to ensure the widest
reach possible. An additional 780 residents
and community members completed the
communitywide online survey.
City Council Briefings
The project team met with the Lake Oswego
City Council at key points throughout the
process to report on outreach and technical
findings, provide updates on the planning
process, and to ensure the process was headed
in the right direction.
Community Advisory Committee
and Parks, Recreation, and Natural
Resources Advisory Board
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation convened
a Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
composed of community members and other
City advisory board representatives to help
guide the process, while the City's existing
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources
Advisory Board (PRNRAB) served as the
technical advisory committee. The project
team met with both the CAC and PRNRAB
a total of eight times at key points in the
process. Each meeting included a presentation
and facilitated discussion in response to
the materials presented, and with questions
related to findings and recommendations
related to system conditions, goals and
objectives, park and recreation needs, system-
wide and site-specific recommendations,
project priorities, implementation strategies,
and funding opportunities.
Summer 2024 Neighborhood
Workshops
In May through June 2024, the project team
conducted four neighborhood workshops at
the following park locations in Lake Oswego.
»May 31, 2024 | Pilkington Park
»June 7, 2024 | Westlake Park
»June 21, 2024 | Hazelia Field
»June 28, 2024 | Foothills Park
The purpose of the workshops was to provide
an opportunity for community members
to learn more about Parks Plan 2040 and
provide feedback on priority projects and
improvements in their neighborhoods to
help shape the systemwide and site-specific
recommendations. The four workshop
locations were selected to reach a broad range
of community members and to develop a
deeper understanding of needs specific to
different areas of Lake Oswego.
Communitywide Online Prioritization
Survey
In the final stages of the planning process,
the City launched a second community survey
to help prioritize potential park, facility, and
natural area projects for implementation over
the next 15 years. The survey was available
online in English, Spanish, and Mandarin from
October 15 through November 10, 2024, and
received a total of 723 responses.
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
41Parks Plan 2040
COMMUNITY OUTREACH KEY
THEMES
Across all engagement efforts, participants
placed a high value of satisfaction on Lake
Oswego's existing park and recreation system.
While it is apparent that community members
value the park and recreation system, a variety
of different ideas and needs were shared for
the future. The following key themes emerged
as top priorities to address in Parks Plan 2040:
»Trail connectivity
»Reinvestment in and maintenance of
existing parks and facilities
»Information sharing
»Accessibility improvements
»Additional athletic facilities
»Healthy parks and climate resilience
»Year-round recreation opportunities
»Access to nature
»Unique and accessible play opportunities
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
Figure 3-1: Statistically Valid Survey Satisfaction Results
Parks Plan 2040 42
Trail Connectivity
The popularity of and desire for more trails and pathways that increase connectivity
to and within parks was echoed across all outreach efforts. Approximately 73% of
statistically valid survey respondents rated paths and trails that connect to parks
as a high priority, and 66% of respondents listed improved bicycle and pedestrian
paths generally as a high priority. Frequent park users noted that walking to their
favorite parks often felt unsafe due to the lack of pedestrian connectivity. Outreach
respondents throughout the planning process noted that expanding safe and
accessible trail connectivity within and between City parks, neighborhoods, and other
community destinations was a top priority.
“More biking trails
around the city and
connecting key
corridors.”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
“Bike trails & walking trails
outside of parks—with con-
nectivity to parks—should be
prioritized. There are lots of
well used dangerous routes for
walkers & bikers.”
—Communitywide Online
Prioritization Survey Respondent
River Run Park
Parks Plan 2040 43
Reinvest and Maintain Existing Parks and Facilities
Across all outreach efforts community members highlighted the importance of
prioritizing reinvestment in and ongoing maintenance of Lake Oswego's existing
parks and recreation facilities, along with sustainable funding mechanisms to
do so. Online survey respondents listed reinvestment projects as a top priority
across all types of park and recreation sites. Several types of improvements were
consistently noted across outreach efforts: improving dog parks, making accessibility
improvements, adding pickleball facilities, renovating existing playgrounds with more
inclusive and unique play opportunities, and providing additional support amenities
such as restrooms, seating and gathering areas, and shade elements.
Information Sharing
While outreach highlighted the popularity of parks and programs, engagement
efforts detected the need for improved information sharing about Lake Oswego's
parks, natural areas, trails, available programs and events, and accessibility features.
Participants noted that the City's website is not always user-friendly, and some
community members shared how they would like to see program and event
information on social media platforms, or a mobile app. Youth participants also noted
how they and their peers like going to City events like movies in the park and the
Farmers' Market but do not always know about events beforehand. Communication
that is clear, easy to understand, and available in multiple formats and across various
platforms will help facilitate equitable access to parks, events, and programs.
“The priority should be on maintaining
what we already have and providing
ADA compliance.”
—Communitywide Online
Prioritization Survey Respondent
Farmer's Market at Millennium Plaza
Parks Plan 2040 44
Accessibility Improvements
Nearly all outreach efforts noted accessibility improvements to Lake Oswego's
parks, facilities, and events as a general community need. Aside from physical
improvements to remove barriers and implement universal design practices, some
participants felt that the biggest obstacle is lacking information (e.g., information
about accessible parking, restrooms, benches along trails, trail surfacing, etc.). Focus
group participants also noted needed accessibility improvements to trails and trail
signage to give people with disabilities enough information about what they might
encounter on a trail (e.g., steep grades, lack of benches or shade, narrow paths).
Community members recommended adding accessible parking, play opportunities,
and seating and gathering areas. In addition, outreach participants noted the
importance of reaching community members who speak languages other than
English.
Additional Athletic Facilities
Sports fields and courts are popular in Lake Oswego. Many outreach participants
stated their desire for more field space in combination with improvements to
existing fields such as updating scheduling mechanisms, adding lighting to expand
playability, and converting grass fields to artificial turf. Adding additional turf
fields that allow year-round playability also was a top request by write-in survey
respondents and youth engagement participants. Outreach participants noted that
soccer fields are particularly sought after, and supply is limited. In addition to sports
fields, adding indoor and outdoor pickleball facilities was a top priority across all
outreach efforts. Other requested athletic facilities included sand volleyball courts,
obstacle courses and climbing elements, and additional indoor recreation facilities
and programs.
“Make certain all parks are accessible
to wheelchairs.”
—Communitywide Online
Prioritization Survey Respondent
“LO is in need of more designated
PXOWLVSRUWÀHOGDUHDVZLWKWXUIWR
support year-round activities.”
—Communitywide Online
Prioritization Survey Respondent
Hazelia Field and Luscher Farm
Parks Plan 2040 45
Healthy Parks and Climate Resilience
Many participants voiced that they would like to see increased sustainability and
climate resilience in parks, system infrastructure, and operations practices. Specific
requests include invasive species management, habitat restoration, wildlife corridor
preservation, proactive approaches to pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer, and
increasing partnerships and grant funding efforts for natural resource protection
projects.
Year-Round Recreation Opportunities
Many engagement participants highlighted a desire for more year-round recreation
opportunities. This could be achieved through additional turf fields to prevent
drainage problems, lighting to expand use and playability, covered areas to protect
recreation activities from weather, and indoor spaces that provide different programs
and activities during the winter months. Many engagement participants also voiced
the need for more indoor and/or covered pickleball courts.
Access to Nature
A recurring theme across outreach efforts was community appreciation for the City’s
natural areas. Many participants identified a desire for more opportunities to connect
with nature (e.g. access to water and nature-based play opportunities) and highlighted
keeping the natural feel of many areas in the city as a top priority. While developing
new park features was important to many, community members also prioritized
preserving and enhancing the City's natural areas, as well as views of surrounding
rivers and mountains and Oswego Lake. Communitywide online prioritization survey
respondents listed nature related projects as a top priority across all sites.
“Sustainability and environmental pro-
tection should be top priorities.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
“It is important to maintain the wild
portions of Lake Oswego parks.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
Sunnyslope Open Space
46Parks Plan 2040
Access to Important Natural Areas and Features
Luscher Farm: Preserving and improving the unique agricultural history and natural environment at Luscher Farm was frequently voiced
as a top priority by outreach participants. Highlighting the site's agricultural heritage, expanding organic and sustainable gardening and
farming programs, and implementing the recommendations included in the 2013 Luscher Area Master Plan (LAMP) were recommended
throughout the planning process. Many participants also voiced a desire to preserve the natural character of the site and prioritize passive
recreational opportunities rather than adding additional active recreation opportunities such as sport fields and courts.
The LAMP, which was adopted by the Lake Oswego City Council in 2013, currently includes a recommendation to build two multi-sport
athletic fields and basketball courts east of Hazelia Field. However, the area is still outside city limits in unincorporated Clackamas County,
and implementation of these recommendations would first require the City to annex the Luscher Area properties into city limits.
Other LAMP recommendations, such as an improved driveway and parking lot, trail improvements, trailhead amenities, neighborhood park
amenities, additional community garden plots, and picnic facilities, may be able to be implemented prior to annexation by the City. Lake
Oswego Parks & Recreation staff have been coordinating with Clackamas County to move forward with implementation of some of the more
passive and agricultural recommendations in the near- to mid-term, prior to annexation.
Public Water Bodies: Expanding access to public bodies of water such as the Tualatin and Willamette Rivers was a common theme
across community engagement efforts. There was particular interest in additional opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and accessible
water access points such as kayak and boat launches.
6LJQLÀFDQW9LHZV Providing access to public park land that offers significant views of natural features such as views of Mount Hood,
the Willamette River, or the rolling hills of the Stafford Basin emerged as a desire during community engagement. Some park properties
already offer these types of views, but improvements such as interpretive signage or seating areas could be added to enhance them. In other
cases, new park land would need to be acquired.
Parks Plan 2040 47
Natural Areas and Chapter X of the City's Charter
This citizen-drafted charter amendment was approved by voters in November 2021.
Chapter X of the City's Charter mandates that the City preserves fifteen parks as
designated “nature preserves.” Nature preserve is defined as “natural area parks or
open spaces owned by the City of Lake Oswego that are managed or maintained to
retain their natural condition and prevent habitat deterioration.” However, not all of
the properties that are classified and managed by Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
as natural areas are designated as “nature preserves” in Chapter X.
As a designated nature preserve, development is limited to amenities such as soft-
surface trails, benches and interpretive displays, and picnic and sanitary facilities.
Construction of athletic facilities, telecommunication facilities, and parking lots,
roads, or trails for motorized vehicles are prohibited, and language around using
hard surfaces such as asphalt to build more accessible types of trails states that the
City shall “refrain” from using these materials. The cutting of trees is also heavily
limited and no above ground structure that would impair or be inconsistent with the
natural conditions of the nature preserve is allowed. All existing facilities, structures,
and parking lots, roads or trails for motorized trails constructed prior to November
2021 are allowed to be maintained as long as the facility does not impair the natural
environment.
The aim of Chapter X is to preserve the city's natural areas and the many ecological
benefits they provide through restrictions on certain types of development.
New projects identified at these designated nature preserves may require legal
interpretation, and in some cases approval from voters, before they can be advanced.
Designated Nature Preserves
»Bryant Woods Nature Park
»Canal Acres
»Cornell Natural Area
»Cooks Butte Park
»Glenmorrie Greenway
»Hallinan Woods
»Iron Mountain Park
»Kerr Open Space
»Lamont Springs Natural Area
»River Run
»Southshore Natural Area
»Springbrook Park
»Stevens Meadow
»West Waluga Park
»Woodmont Natural Park
Parks Plan 2040 48
Unique and Accessible Play Opportunities
Many community members across outreach efforts voiced a need for more unique
and accessible play opportunities across Lake Oswego. Approximately 44% of
statistically valid survey respondents think playground equipment should be a high
priority for Lake Oswego. Beyond more traditional play opportunities, outreach
participants also shared a desire for a great variety of play opportunities such as
nature-based play, water play, obstacle courses and climbing elements to be a top
priority. Numerous outreach participants also expressed interest in incorporating
more nature play opportunities into the City's natural areas to facilitate greater
connections with nature. In addition to a greater variety of play opportunities, it is
a top priority to ensure play opportunities are accessible to all ages and abilities.
Numerous focus group and advisory group participants expressed interest in the
creation of a fully inclusive playground, in addition to accessibility improvements
across the system's existing parks and facilities.
“Additional play areas
for kids are needed.”
—Communitywide Online
Prioritization Survey
Respondent
“Please be a kid and parent
friendlier park system with
policies that encourage play
and lifelong outdoor fun.”
—Communitywide Online
Prioritization Survey Respondent
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
George Rogers Park
49Parks Plan 2040
VALUES AND MISSION
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Values
The Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
Department has established the following
values to guide its management, operation,
and planning of the citywide park system.
Having clear and strong values has allowed
them to successfully navigate a large and
complex system that serves Lake Oswego.
As community needs evolve, these values
will continue to guide a path forward for the
Department.
1. Excellence. We strive to make excellence
an actionable habit in all that we do.
2. Service. We are honored to be part of the
community and take pride in the service
we provide.
3. Creativity. We are constantly in pursuit of
new ideas and opportunities in order to
better serve our community.
4. Innovation. We strive to be intelligent,
conscientious problem solvers while open
to new methodology.
5. Teamwork. The essence of a successful
group effort is making an individual
commitment to act together as a team
and move forward towards a common
achievable goal.
6. Stewardship. We care for the land we
manage and the community at large.
7. Family. We honor our home and work
families with respect.
8. Honesty. We value truth in all we do and
strive to possess moral character in the
face of adversity.
9. Empowerment. We create a path for
autonomy for our team to make the right
choices and decisions at the right time and
become more confident in their leadership
abilities.
10. Resilience. We have a unique ability to
adapt and embrace new, different, or
changing times.
Parks Plan 2040 50
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Mission
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation's mission summarizes the important role the
Department plays in the community.
“Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation provides excellence in
building community, enriching lives, and caring for the
urban and natural environment.”
Staff support Lake Oswego's quality of life by focusing on community health, safety,
sustainability, equity, identity, and vitality. Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation achieves
its mission by:
»Providing a variety of recreation, education, and human service programs that
contribute to the health and well-being of people of all ages and abilities.
»Coordinating creative events that enhance community and add to the City's
economic vitality.
»Promoting and expanding community partnerships, and opportunities for civic
engagement that leverage resources to meet changing demands for recreation,
human services, and natural area preservation.
»Maintaining the community's investment in the urban and natural environment,
with an emphasis on sustainability, safety, accessibility, aesthetic quality and fiscal
responsibility.
»Using collaborative public processes to establish community vision and priorities
for the City's park system; while taking a systematic, balanced approach to
planning, development and rehabilitation of parks, natural areas, and recreational
facilities.
West Waluga Park
Rassekh Park
51Parks Plan 2040
PARKS PLAN 2040 STRATEGIC
FRAMEWORK
The community's priorities and preferences
for parks and recreation are integral to
Lake Oswego's future system. The Lake
Oswego community identified the vision and
goals for parks, recreation facilities, trails,
programs, and related services through
conversations and input during the Parks Plan
2040 outreach process, advisory board and
committee meetings, as well as during past
and current planning efforts, including the
City's Comprehensive Plan update efforts. The
framework established in this chapter guides
systemwide investment and the priorities
identified in the next chapters.
Parks Plan 2040 Vision
Parks Plan 2040 identifies a renewed vision
for the parks and recreation system for the
next 15 years. The vision is supported by the
goals and objectives listed in this chapter and
implemented through the recommendations
identified in Chapter 6.
The City of Lake Oswego provides an inclusive park and
recreation system that is enjoyed by all neighborhoods,
community members, and visitors. Parks, natural areas,
recreation facilities, activities, events, and services are integral
to the fabric and character of the community and provide
memorable and enriching experiences, connections, and
contribute to a healthy environment.
The interconnected system is sustainable and resilient, and
supported by collaborative community partnerships. The City's
recreational programs and facilities rank among the best in
the State, offering a diverse range of activities that address
community needs, represent various lifestyles and interests, and
at a great value. The continued success of this system is built on
excellent communication and an involved community at all
levels of operations and management.
Parks Plan 2040 52
Parks Plan 2040 Goals
Parks Plan 2040 is centered around seven goals and objectives that will guide Lake Oswego's provision of parks, recreation, trails, and related services
for the next fifteen years and beyond. Goals are the desired outcomes to be achieved by implementing Parks Plan 2040. Goals provide direction to
decision-makers and staff for more specific policies and recommendations to ensure a consistent long-term direction.
*2$/ $&&(6672(66(17,$/6(59,&(6
Ensure that all residents have equitable access to
essential recreation services.
*2$/ 9,%5$173$5.61$785$/AREAS, AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Invest in the renovation of existing parks and
facilities and strengthen the health of natural areas to
preserve existing assets.
GOAL 3: ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
Create unique and diverse recreation facilities,
programs, and parks that serve people of all ages,
abilities, and backgrounds.
GOAL 4: STEWARDSHIP, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS
Establish, maintain, and operate parks, facilities, and
programs to ensure public safety, provide appropriate
public access and use, and protect ecological
and recreational assets to ensure their continued
contribution to the City's high quality of life.
*2$/ $6867$,1$%/($1'5(6,/,(17SYSTEM
Provide resilient and sustainable parks, trails, and
natural areas.
GOAL 6: A CONNECTED SYSTEM
Prioritize trail connections that support active
recreation and transportation, connecting key parks
and natural areas with city destinations.
*2$/ &20081,7<3$571(56+,36AND ENGAGEMENT
Collaborate with a full range of community members
and stakeholders to enhance and protect the
character, function, and natural resources of the parks
and recreation system.
53Parks Plan 2040
Park Access and Equity4
54Parks Plan 2040
Park Access
and Equity
This chapter presents a technical analysis of Lake
Oswego's park system that, when combined
with the community needs and key outreach
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to add desired recreation facilities, amenities, and
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needs for parks and recreation amenities and
services, as well as benchmarking data are
included to inform needs.
The full parks and recreation Needs Assessment
Report is included as Appendix B.
PARK ACCESS
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation strives to
provide all residents with safe, high-quality,
and enjoyable recreation opportunities and
green spaces. Park proximity has a significant
impact on the frequency of use, and maximizes
the economic, social, and health benefits that
parks provide.
To better understand park needs and any
existing disparities in park access, Parks
Plan 2040 included a spatial analysis of
demographic characteristics and park
distribution across the city. The data provides
decision-makers with insights into community
needs for future park development and
improvement and can be used to help inform
the way that future investments are prioritized.
To evaluate areas that are currently served and
unserved by close-to-home access to parks,
the consultant team used a digital mapping
program (ArcGIS Network Analyst™) to
consider the actual paths of travel to reach
pedestrian access points into existing parks.
The analysis factors in physical barriers such
as disconnected street networks and Oswego
Lake. However, it does not account for
topography and the additional time or energy
needed to walk uphill to reach parks in areas
of the city with steep topography.
Not all areas of Lake Oswego have a 10-minute
walk to a City park or recreation facility (Figure
4-1). Additionally, not all parks provide the
same recreation opportunities. A natural area
with walking paths versus a community park
with a playground and ball field meet different
community needs. The next section looks at
the different recreation opportunities provided
in Lake Oswego.
Parks and the "10-Minute
Walk"
The National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA) and the Trust for
Public Land (TPL) have championed the
national standard for providing parks
within a 10-minute walk (or ½ mile) of all
residents. This distance is the maximum
distance most people will walk to a park.
In 2018, the TPL, NRPA and Urban Land
Institute launched a national campaign to
ensure all people have access to a quality
park within a 10-minute walk from their
home. According to TPL's ParkServe
data, nearly one quarter (22%) of Lake
Oswego's residents do not have a
developed park within a 10-minute walk
from their home.
55Parks Plan 2040
Aspen Park
Bryant Woods
Nature Park
Canal Acres
Natural
A
r
e
a
Cooks
Butte Park
East
Waluga
Park
Foothills
Park
Freepons
Park
GeorgeRogers Park
GlenmorrieGreenway
Glenmorrie
Park
Greentree
Park
Hallinan
Woods
Hazelia
Field
Hide-A-Way
Park
Iron Mountain
Park
Kerr
Natural
Area
Kincaid
Curlicue
Corridor
Lamont Springs
Natural Area
Luscher Farm
Park and
Natural Area
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyryryyyyyNNNNMcMMMcMMMarccarrycMMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMcccccccccccccccNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrryryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyryyyyyyyyyyyyrrryryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP rrrrkakkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrkrkrkrkrkkkkkkkkkkkk
Millenium
Plaza
Pennington
Park
Pilkington
Park
Pine Cone
Park
Rassekh
Park
River
Run Park
Roehr
Park
Rossman
Park
South Shore
Reservoir
Southwood
Park
Springbrook
Park
Stafford
Grove Park
Stevens
Meadow
Sundeleaf
Plaza
Sunnyslope
Open Space
Tryon
Cove Park
West
Waluga Park
Westlake
Park
Westridge
Park
Willamette
River Greenway
Woodmont
Natural Park
Adult
CommunityCenter
Municipal
Golf Course
IndoorTennisCenter
CharlieS. BrownWater Sports CenterLake OswegoSwim Park
Recreation andAquatic CenterAquatic Center
43
43West Linn
RivergroveTualatin
Tigard
Portland
Milwuakie
Tryon Creek
State
Natural
Area
Oswego Lake
ĴĴ
RiverRiv
Oswego Lake
Country Club
FIGURE 4-1:
Access to All City of
Lake Oswego Parks
Sources: City of Lake Oswego and Metro
RLIS Database, 2023.
Date: February 2025.
Service Area
1/4 Mile (5 minute walk)
1/2 Mile (10 minute walk)
Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation
Regional Park
Community Park
Neighborhood Park
Pocket Park
Natural Area
Trail Corridor
Undeveloped Open Space
Urban Plaza
Recreational Facility
Schools
Trails and Pathways
Water Bodies
Non-City Parks and Open Sapces
Base Map Features
City Boundary
Metro Urban Growth Boundary
00.510.25 Miles
Lake Oswego School District Boundary
56Parks Plan 2040
WHY IS EQUITABLE PARK ACCESS IMPORTANT?
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Essential Park and Recreation Services
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation strives to
provide equitable access for all community
members to some of the most essential park
and recreation services. These “essential
services” are park and recreation activities or
amenities that have been identified as the
most important to Lake Oswego community
members. Three of the essential services
were identified by the previous Parks,
Recreation, and Natural Areas System Plan
(Parks Plan 2025) in 2012 and still align with
the community's priorities today: Exercise
and Sports, Play for Children1, and Experience
Nature. Community feedback gathered during
Parks Plan 2040 outreach activities revealed
Trail Connectivity as a fourth essential park
service that is important to many community
members. In particular, trail connections have
been identified as a priority to Lake Oswego's
aging community as well as teens and youth.
In addition, the increased desire for safe,
passive, outdoor recreation opportunities
following the COVID-19 pandemic supports
trail connectivity as a top community priority.
1 While natural areas can support play where policies allow
park access, exploration, and interaction (digging, hiding,
climbing, splashing in a creek, skipping rocks, walking, or
biking off-trail, etc.), most natural areas in Lake Oswego
are not designed or managed to support these types of
play activities. For purposes of this assessment, only
formal play areas are considered as providing this essen-
tial service.
Parks Plan 2040 57
Play for Children
22 SITES
Play happens in many formal and informal settings. In this case, play for children is
defined as an activity supported by a space or feature that is designed specifically to
encourage playful interactions for children. Examples include developed play areas
(slides, swings, platforms, and installed toys), nature play areas, and interactive water
features designed for play (splash pads, spraygrounds).
Experience Nature
34 SITES
Nature surrounds park users even in the most developed parks in Lake Oswego,
but the act of experiencing nature focuses on the opportunity to be surrounded by
trees, provide water access, come into direct contact with unique habitats or natural
features, or observe wildlife. This activity can include a wide range of possibilities
from bird watching in a grove of trees to exploring a native planting area within a
developed park.
Trail Connectivity
30 SITES
Trails provide people of all ages the opportunity to connect with the outdoors, stay
active, improve community health, and safely travel from place to place. This activity
includes walking, biking, or rolling on paved multi-use paths, as well as soft-surface
nature trails. Park and recreation sites that include 1/10 of a mile of trails or more are
considered to provide some level of trail connectivity.
Play equipment at Westridge Park
Trails through Woodmont Natural Park
Parks Plan 2040 58
Exercise and Sports
15 SITES
These include individual, group or team activities that support general health,
individual fitness goals, competition, or teamwork. These activities can be supported
by a range of active recreation amenities—such as athletic fields and racquet sport
courts—that help people enhance or maintain their overall physical fitness, health,
and wellness.
Three of Lake Oswego's existing parks currently provide all four essential services:
George Rogers Park, East Waluga Park, and West Waluga Park (Figure 4-2). In
addition, once all three phases of development are completed at Rassekh Park, it will
also provide all four essential services. Parks that provide opportunities to experience
nature are the most prevalent (34 total sites) and parks that provide active recreation
opportunities such as sports fields and sport courts are the least prevalent (15 total
sites).
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
Turf sports field at Hazelia Field
59Parks Plan 2040
Essential Service Gap Areas
The park access analysis visualized in the
figures on the following pages shows that:
»There are greater opportunities for
experiencing nature and trail connectivity
distributed throughout the city than play
for children and exercise and sports.
»Access to parks with play for children is
fairly well supported throughout Lake
Oswego, although there are gaps in the
southwestern and northwestern portions
of the city. However, in some cases these
gaps may be filled by amenities owned
and managed by other agencies or private
organizations such as homeowners'
associations (HOAs) or the Lake Oswego
School District.
»Parks offering opportunities for sports
and recreation are the least well
distributed across the city, with gaps in the
southwestern and north-central portions of
Lake Oswego.
The park access analysis revealed that there
are 14 areas in Lake Oswego that are not
currently served by any of these essential
services within a 10-minute walk. The
boundaries of each of these “gap areas” are
loosely defined and may not encompass every
single property that lacks walkable access
to parks; rather, they should be viewed as
general areas to focus investment in the future,
if possible. Gap areas are visualized “as the
negative space” in Figure 4-2 on the next page
that are not served within a 10-minute walk
to any of the four essential services. As shown
in Figure 4-3 on the following page, the gap
areas vary in size across Lake Oswego and the
majority are located on the western side of the
city. Some gap areas also face a higher severity
of need based on demographic characteristics
as described in the "Essential Services and
Equity" section later in this chapter.
While a useful tool, these gap areas do not
tell the full story, and should be considered
in the context of the various other ways that
park and recreation needs may be met. Other
considerations include access to privately-
owned sites such as HOA-owned open
spaces, trails, parks, and recreation amenities;
properties and playgrounds owned and
managed by the Lake Oswego School District,
which are available to the public during non-
school hours; or living in close proximity
to a significant natural feature such as the
Willamette River.
Tennis courts at Westlake Park
Play equipment at McNary Park
60Parks Plan 2040
EXERCISE & SPORTS EXPERIENCE NATURE
PLAY FOR CHILDREN TRAIL CONNECTIVITY
FIGURE 4-2:
Essential Service
Access
Essential Service
City Parks and Facilities with Essential Service
Service Area
1/4 Mile (5 minute walk)
1/2 Mile (10 minute walk)
Base Map Features
Schools
Undeveloped Open Space
Other City Parks and Facilities
Non-City Parks and Facilities
Water Bodies
Metro Urban Growth Boundary
City Boundary
Lake Oswego School District Boundary
61Parks Plan 2040
1
2
3
5
4
6
8
7
10
9
11
12
13
14
Aspen Park
Bryant Woods
Nature Park
Canal Acres
Natural
A
r
e
a
Cooks
Butte Park
East
Waluga
Park
Foothills
Park
Freepons
Park
GeorgeRogers Park
GlenmorrieGreenway
Glenmorrie
Park
Greentree
Park
Hallinan
Woods
Hazelia
Field
Hide-A-Way
Park
Iron Mountain
Park
Kerr
Natural
Area
Kincaid
Curlicue
Corridor
Lamont Springs
Natural Area
Luscher Farm
Park and
Natural Area
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyryryyyyyNNNNMcMcMMMMMarccarrycMMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMcccccccccccccccNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrryryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyryyyyyyyyyyyyrrryryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP rrrrkakkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrkrkrkrkrkkkkkkkkkkkk
Millenium
Plaza
Pennington
Park
Pilkington
Park
Pine Cone
Park
Rassekh
Park
River
Run Park
Roehr
Park
Rossman
Park
South Shore
Reservoir
Southwood
Park
Springbrook
Park
Stafford
Grove Park
Stevens
Meadow
Sundeleaf
Plaza
Sunnyslope
Open Space
Tryon
Cove Park
West
Waluga Park
Westlake
Park
Westridge
Park
Willamette
River Greenway
Woodmont
Natural Park
Adult
CommunityCenter
Municipal
Golf Course
IndoorTennisCenter
CharlieS. BrownWater Sports CenterLake OswegoSwim Park
Recreation andAquatic CenterAquatic Center
43
43West Linn
RivergroveTualatin
Tigard
Portland
Milwuakie
Tryon Creek
State
Natural
Area
Oswego Lake
ĴĴ
RiverRiv
Oswego Lake
Country Club
FIGURE 4-3:
Lake Oswego Essential
Service Gap Areas
Sources: City of Lake Oswego and
Metro RLIS Database, 2023.
Date: January 2024.
Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation
Essential Service Gap Area
Gap Area
Schools
Trails and Pathways
Water Bodies
Non-City Parks and Open Spaces
Base Map Features
City Boundary
Metro Urban Growth Boundary
High Severity of Need Gap Area
Regional Park
Community Park
Neighborhood Park
Pocket Park
Natural Area
Trail Corridor
Undeveloped Open Space
Urban Plaza
Recreational Facility
Gap Area Considerations
Commercial and/or Industrial Zoning
Lake/River Access (Access to Nature)
Acess to Private Recreation Amenities
(Mountain Park HOA / Marylhurst)
Lake/River Access (Access to Nature)
Mountain Park HOA Approximate Boundary
The colors below represent considerations for revising the
gap areas based on CAC feedback.
Lake Oswego School District Boundary
00.510.25 Miles
Parks Plan 2040 62
ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND EQUITY
Some areas of the city have not had equal opportunities for park development due
to factors like land annexation or development patterns, topographical or natural
resource constraints, real estate economics, City financing mechanisms, or a lack of
available green space, leading to park deficiencies. While the City will not be able to
remedy all these deficiencies at once, looking at the community characteristics of
gap areas can help identify the areas of greatest park needs and inform how future
investments are prioritized.
To better understand how gaps in service impact different population groups in
Lake Oswego, particularly historically underserved populations or those who may
experience more significant barriers in accessing recreation sites, the 14 gap areas
identified within the Park Access Analysis were evaluated further to assess how
they relate to areas of the city with a higher severity of need based on six equity
indicators: communities of color (Figure 4-4), youth (residents under 18) (Figure
4-5), residents over 65 (Figure 4-6), individuals living with a disability (Figure 4-7),
high concentrations of multifamily housing (Figure 4-8), and low-income households
(Figure 4-9).
Areas with high equity indicators are defined as those with either of the two highest
percentage categories present within each equity indicator map, excluding those
with very small amounts. Of the 14 gap areas, three are affected by four or more high
percentage equity indicators and have a greater severity of need. As shown in Figure
4-3, two of the high severity of need gap areas (gap areas 3 and 4) are located on the
western side of the city and gap area 14 is located to the east of Highway 43 in the
southeastern corner of the city.
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
Springbrook Park
63Parks Plan 2040
Communities of color have been historically disadvantaged through segregation,
discrimination, environmental justice issues, and lack of public investment.
Communities of color often have unique needs that are influenced by different
cultural perceptions, uses, and priorities for parks.
Key Takeaways: There is some overlap on the west side of Lake Oswego between
gaps in essential services and areas with a higher percentage of communities of
color. Understanding whether there are parts of the city where more communities
of color live can support staff in identifying areas where certain types of park and
recreation amenities - such as providing picnic shelters designed for large gatherings
or offering park signage in other languages - may be more or less desired.
COMMUNITIES OF COLOR
YOUTH UNDER 18
For youth under 18, parks can support social development, access to greenspace,
and healthy activity options without needing to drive a car.
Key Takeaways: Areas with higher concentrations of youth will shift over the fifteen-
year lifespan of Parks Plan 2040. However, understanding where high concentrations
of youth or young families currently live can inform what programs and events are
offered at parks in these areas, as well as long-term considerations for reinvesting in
amenities such as playgrounds.
Percent Population of Color (Non-White),
Census Block Groups Essential Service Gap Area
Sources: Urban Footprint, 2019 ACS 5-Year
Estimates, City of Lake Oswego and Metro RLIS
Database, 2023.
Gap Area0-4%
4.01-8%
8.01-15%
15.01-21%
21.01-30%
Percent Population Under 18,
Census Block Groups Essential Service Gap Area
Sources: Urban Footprint, 2019 ACS 5-Year
Estimates, City of Lake Oswego and Metro RLIS
Database, 2023.
Gap Area12-16%
16.01-20%
20.01-26%
26.01-31%
31.01-50%
Figure 4-4: Communities of Color
Figure 4-5: Youth Under 18
64Parks Plan 2040
Parks provide a range of benefits for populations over 65, including opportunities
for social connection to combat isolation, access to healthy activity options without
needing to drive a car or travel long distances, and improvements to overall health
and wellbeing.
Key Takeaways: Areas with higher concentrations of populations over 65 should
be considered for recreation opportunities like walking paths with frequent
places to stop and rest, fitness stations, active recreation options that support
multigenerational interaction like pickleball, and age-specific programming focusing
on health and well-being.
POPULATIONS OVER 65
INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES
Parks provide many benefits for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities,
including opportunities for physical activities and social connection, improvements to
overall health and wellbeing, and access to nature.
Key Takeaways: While accessibility is prioritized systemwide, areas with higher
concentrations of residents living with disabilities should be considered when
creating spaces with universal design features, such as wheelchair-accessible
pathways, sensory gardens, adaptive playground equipment, and making parks
welcoming for people with diverse needs. Additionally, targeted programming, such
as adaptive sports, sensory-friendly events, and support groups, can be introduced
to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Percent Population Over 65,
Census Block Groups Essential Service Gap Area
Sources: Urban Footprint, 2019 ACS 5-Year
Estimates, City of Lake Oswego and Metro RLIS
Database, 2023.
Gap Area0-4%
4.01-14%
14.01-20%
20.01-35%
35.01-50%
Percent of Population with a Disability,
Census Block Groups Essential Service Gap Area
Sources: Urban Footprint, 2019 ACS 5-Year
Estimates, City of Lake Oswego and Metro RLIS
Database, 2023.
Gap Area4-5%
5.01-7%
7.01-10%
10.01-16%
16.01-20%
Figure 4-6: Populations Over 65
Figure 4-7: Individuals with Disabilities
65Parks Plan 2040
Areas with a greater concentration of multifamily housing are important to consider
as these housing types typically have less access to individual private yards or
greenspace at their homes. Residential population density influences park needs in
several ways. Higher-density areas have more people, which places a greater demand
on nearby parks. These areas also tend to have less greenspace, which heightens the
importance of parks and open space nearby. In contrast, residents in less-densely
developed areas, such as neighborhoods of mostly single-family homes may already
have landscaped yards with recreation amenities such as play equipment, pools, or
gardens. Homeowners associations in single-family neighborhoods may also provide
some undeveloped or developed greenspace. Consequently, there tends to be less
demand on parks in lower density residential areas.
Key Takeaways: Areas with more multifamily housing generally occur on the eastern
and western edges of the city. Limited open land and rising acquisition costs will
make it increasingly difficult to provide essential services in these areas. Even if
residents have access to a park within walking distance, higher density areas will
need more parkland and potentially more recreation amenities to adequately serve
residents. In-progress developments — such as the affordable housing development
underway on Boones Ferry Road resulting from a collaboration between the City
of Lake Oswego, Habitat for Humanity, and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development — were also considered.
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
Millennium Plaza
Percent Multifamily Housing,
Census Block Groups Essential Service Gap Area
Sources: Urban Footprint, 2019 ACS 5-Year
Estimates, City of Lake Oswego and Metro RLIS
Database, 2023.
Gap Area0-5%
5.01-13%
13.01-33%
33.01-57%
57.01-100%
Figure 4-8: Multifamily Housing
66Parks Plan 2040
LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
Areas with a higher percentage of low-income households often have histories of
less public investment and may have limited access to public parks and recreation
amenities that are free or affordable at lower income levels. This indicator was
analyzed using the poverty threshold for 2019, the date Census block data was
published, which was $26,172 for a family of four or $13,011 for an individual.
Key Takeaways: Communities facing economic disadvantages typically face
multiple barriers to accessing parks and programs such as transportation, cost of
participation, lack of recreation equipment or apparel, and insufficient parental or
caretaker support.
Pilkington Park
Percent Population in Poverty,
Census Block Groups Essential Service Gap Area
Sources: Urban Footprint, 2019 ACS 5-Year
Estimates, City of Lake Oswego and Metro RLIS
Database, 2023.
Gap Area0-1%
1.01-3%
3.01-7%
7.01-10%
10.01-14%
Figure 4-9: Low-Income Households
67Parks Plan 2040
LAKE OSWEGO IN COMPARISON
Described as a ratio of acres per 1,000
residents, parkland Level of Service (LOS) is
a calculation that helps assess whether the
City is providing the right amount of parkland
acreage and amenity counts for its population.
A higher parkland LOS means more parkland
per resident; a lower parkland LOS means
less parkland per resident. The City of Lake
Oswego does not currently use a typical level
of service ratio for their parks and recreation
system and instead relies on an access analysis
for its main performance measure. However,
benchmarking data is helpful to identify best
practices to serve the community. Information
on this metric is included here for current and
future benchmarking purposes.
The National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) provides the most comprehensive
source of data, standards, and insights for park
and recreation agencies. Comparison of Lake
Oswego with NRPA data indicates that while
Lake Oswego provides a parkland level of
service above the median for jurisdictions of a
similar size, the City provides significantly less
miles of trails. This is largely due to the fact
that trails are located within parks but the off-
street trail network connecting parks and other
key destinations in the city is limited.Lake Oswego Farmers Market
The City of Lake Oswego oversees a wide
range of amenities and features that they own,
manage, and maintain. The School District also
provides a number of athletic fields and courts
as well as playgrounds, although these are
not factored into the access or level of service
analysis. NRPA provides benchmark data for
common outdoor amenities by population
per facility or amenity. How Lake Oswego
compares to similar sized jurisdictions is shown
in Table 4-1 and Table 4-2 on the next page.
While Lake Oswego provides more than the
amenities listed in the table, NRPA does not
have data for all the amenities Lake Oswego
has. For consistency with NRPA metrics
and benchmark data, only categories NRPA
provides data for are shown. The asterisks in
the table denote facilities or amenities that
are in progress and what the population per
facility or amenity would be upon completion
of those projects.
Some information on Lake Oswego's inventory
of amenities has been updated during the
course of the Parks Plan 2040 planning
process; however, to ensure consistency with
NRPA benchmarking, previous inventory
information provided to NRPA is included in
the tables on the following page.
68Parks Plan 2040
Table 4-1: Population Per Outdoor Recreation Amenity
Table 4-2: Population Per Indoor Recreation Facility
SOURCE: 2020-2022 NRPA Park Metrics
*In Progress Projects
Amenity Type
Population Per Amenity
Jurisdictions with
Populations Between
20,000 and 49,000 City of Lake Oswego
Playgrounds 3,028 2,305
Youth Diamond Fields (baseball / softball)5,033 / 9,060 13,833 / 20,750
Adult Diamond Fields (baseball / softball)19,556 / 11,802 8,300 / 10,375
Basketball Courts 7,117 13,833
Tennis Courts 5,815 4,611
Pickleball Courts 9,257 0
Rectangular Fields (soccer, football)7,674 5,928
Dog Parks 28,000 20,750
Skate Parks 32,000 41,500*
Community Gardens 26,741 20,750
Golf Courses (regulation 18-hole courses)32,990 0 (Renovated Public Golf Course has 9 holes)*
Facility Type
Population Per Facility
Jurisdictions with
Populations Between
20,000 and 49,000 City of Lake Oswego
Recreation Centers (including gyms)24,380 20,750*
Aquatics Centers 31,645 41,500*
Senior Centers 31,199 41,500
Teen Centers 31,645 41,500
SOURCE: 2020-2022 NRPA Park Metrics
*In Progress Projects
69Parks Plan 2040
PARK AND RECREATION TRENDS
Trends for Major Recreation Facilities
»Universal Design. Emphasizing universal
design principles to ensure that
recreational amenities and facilities are
accessible to individuals of all abilities,
accommodating diverse needs, and
promoting inclusivity. This includes:
•Inclusive fitness equipment: Ensuring
inclusivity with adaptive fitness
equipment and amenities designed
to accommodate individuals
with varying abilities, promoting
accessibility and diversity in fitness
programs.
• Accessible Aquatic Facilities: Ensuring
swimming pools and aquatic facilities
have features like zero-entry access,
transfer walls, and accessible lifts to
enable individuals with disabilities to
enjoy water-based activities.
• Accessible Restrooms and Changing
Rooms: Providing accessible
restrooms and changing rooms
equipped with appropriate features,
including grab bars, changing tables,
and sufficient space for wheelchair
users.
»Multi-use Spaces. Designing flexible
spaces that can be used for a variety of
purposes and accessed by all. This allows
for versatility in programming and for
recreation providers to adapt to changing
trends.
»Pickleball Facilities. Providing indoor or
outdoor pickleball courts to meet rising
multi-generational demand. While some
recreation providers have converted
underutilized tennis or basketball courts
to pickleball courts, others are developing
pickleball-only complexes in untraditional
spaces such as renovated warehouses,
roller rinks, or closed big box retail stores
to provide year-round play and allow
for organized tournaments and events.
Recent advancements in sound abatement
technology like soundproof glass, sound-
dampening tile and fence wrap, and
certified "Quiet Approved" paddles and
balls can help minimize noise concerns for
outdoor courts.
»Transportation Services. Providing
transportation services or partnering with
those who do to ensure those going to
major facilities have easy access from
popular locations like schools, senior
living communities, or Downtown. This
can include partnering with public transit
agencies, shuttle services, or community
circulator transit routes.
Example of pickleball facility with multiple courts
Example of multi-use turf sports field
Parks Plan 2040 70
Major Facilities: Key Needs and Opportunities
»At Luscher Farm, the City is in the process of applying to Clackamas County to
implement some additional recommendations of the 2013 Luscher Area Master
Plan, bring some current activities into compliance with County rules, and
improve safety and accessibility for the property's access and parking.
»Lake Oswego Swim Park provides access to Oswego Lake for residents during the
summer months, and amenities for gathering or relaxing out of the water and
parking are limited; access and use of the facility is challenging due to limited
parking, especially on warmer days, and the City's ADA Transition Plan assessment
found that significant improvements are needed to provide access to people with
limited mobility or disabilities.
»Fostering public-private partnerships to leverage resources is an opportunity
to help fund the development and maintenance of high-quality recreation
amenities.
»Accessibility improvements are needed in parking and circulation areas at many
recreation sites, as well as improvements within buildings.
»Parking demand management is needed at popular sites during peak seasons
and times of use.
»Major facilities should be prioritized when considering new bicycle and
pedestrian connections, as well as future extensions of public transportation
service.
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
Entrance to Lake Oswego Swim Park
71Parks Plan 2040
Trends for Outdoor Recreation
Amenities
»Multi-use Trails. Creation of extensive
networks of trails that accommodate a
variety of recreational activities, including
hiking, biking, and trail running.
»Waterfront Recreation. Development
of waterfront areas for activities like
kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding
and promoting water-based recreational
opportunities within park settings.
»Water Play. Addition of water features
like splash pads, spray grounds, or water
pumps to provide interactive fun for all
ages as well as relief from the heat.
»Fitness Zones. Integration of outdoor
fitness zones with exercise equipment,
providing opportunities for individuals of
all ages to engage in physical activities and
promote a healthy lifestyle.
»Outdoor Gyms. Establishment of outdoor
gyms equipped with fitness stations
and exercise equipment, allowing park
visitors to engage in strength training and
cardiovascular workouts in park settings.
»Dog Parks. Design and expansion of
dog parks with designated areas for
off-leash play, small and large breeds,
agility courses, and amenities catering
to pet owners, promoting a pet-friendly
environment.
»Nature Trails and Obstacle Courses.
Creation of nature trails featuring natural
obstacles and fitness stations, offering a
blend of hiking, trail running, and obstacle
course challenges.
»Community Gardens. Implementation of
community gardens within parks, providing
spaces for residents to grow their own
produce, fostering a sense of community,
and promoting sustainable practices.
»Skate Parks. Construction or enhancement
of skate parks for skateboarding,
rollerblading, and BMX biking.
»Outdoor Learning. Integration of amenities
that allow for wildlife observation, promote
environmental stewardship, and learning
through observation points, interactive
features, or signage.
Dog park at Hazelia Field
Rassekh Park
Parks Plan 2040 72
Outdoor Recreation Amenities: Key Needs and Opportunities
»With the exception of some areas with numerous HOA-owned trails such as
Mountain Park, Lake Oswego has a limited citywide trail network as trails are
typically confined to within parks, and the city lacks a comprehensive off-street
trail network. There is a need for more trail opportunities and connections to and
between parks and recreation centers throughout the city.
»George Rogers Park, Foothills Park, Roehr Park, and Tryon Cove Park
provide water access to the Willamette River, although Tryon Cove lacks the
transportation access, infrastructure, and support amenities available at the other
two.
»One “fit spot” with outdoor exercise equipment exists at West Waluga Park
although it is nearing its functional lifespan. An additional fit spot could be
beneficial at another neighborhood or community park in the city, particularly in
an area with a higher concentration of aging residents.
»Community gardens exist at the Adult Community Center and Luscher Farm but
have limited capacity to accommodate a consistently high demand, and some
community members have expressed a desire for community gardens in other
parts of the city.
»Off-leash dog areas and dog parks are popular with the community and there is
an expressed need for covered areas at dog parks to improve the user experience
during wet weather.
»East Waluga Park includes a bike pump track/park, but there is a need for
increased maintenance and more frequent monitoring for safety issues. There is
also a mountain bike course at Sunnyslope Natural Area; however, transportation
access is limited and the site currently lacks any formal parking.
Community garden plots at the Adult Community Center
Quarry Bike Skills Park at East Waluga Park
73Parks Plan 2040
Trends for Sports Fields and Courts
»Providing Space for New Activities.
Designing new courts and fields or
adapting existing ones for a greater variety
of sports including pickleball, futsal,
badminton, and volleyball.
»Multi-Use Spaces. Sports fields and
courts designed for multi-use purposes,
accommodating various sports and
recreational activities to maximize usability.
»Adding lighting. At larger sites and where
there are multiple fields, adding lighting
can extend playing hours. Modern field
lighting can also limit light pollution for
nearby neighbors with DarkSky approved
lighting solutions.
»Inclusive Design.Increasing focus on
inclusive and accessible design, ensuring
that sports fields and courts are welcoming
to individuals of all abilities, promoting
inclusivity in recreational spaces.
»Sustainability Initiatives. Integration of
eco-friendly elements such as recycled
materials, energy-efficient lighting, and
environmentally conscious landscaping
to align sports fields and courts with
sustainability trends.
Hazelia Field
George Rogers Park
»Technology Integration. Incorporation of
technology for enhanced user experience,
including features like smart lighting,
digital scoreboards, and online booking
systems for efficient amenity management.
»Storage Amenities. Adequate storage
amenities for sports equipment, ensuring
organized and secure storage for items
such as balls, nets, and other essential gear.
»Smart Maintenance Systems. Utilization
of smart technologies for maintenance,
including automated irrigation systems,
turf monitoring, and predictive
maintenance tools, to optimize the
condition of sports fields and courts.
Parks Plan 2040 74
Athletic Fields and Sports Courts: Key Needs and Opportunities
»The School District is a major provider of sports fields and sports courts in Lake
Oswego. The City does not currently have a formal partnership or joint use
agreement with the Lake Oswego School District for athletic field or court use.
»Existing City athletic fields are popular and there is an expressed desire from local
sports organizations and parents of children in sports for more field space or
fields available for practice use, particularly artificial turf fields that are available
year-round.
»Some athletic fields need improved, replaced, or new field lighting and improved
field maintenance to address drainage and field condition during peak season
use at LOSD fields, particularly natural grass fields.
»Athletic organizations frequently use fields and courts not owned or managed
by the City including those in neighboring cities. While shared amenity use
agreements with other organizations would allow for efficient utilization of
existing infrastructure and optimize resources to benefit a broader audience,
many nearby cities are also experiencing similar field capacity issues.
»There is strong interest in adding outdoor pickleball courts, particularly for the
segment of the population who play pickleball, consistent with the growing
popularity of this sport. The gym in the LORAC will be striped for several indoor
pickleball courts to help meet this need in the interim.
»There is a need for additional indoor spaces that could alleviate outdoor athletic
field/court demand, especially during the rainy season or during inclement
weather.
Hazelia Field
75Parks Plan 2040
Trends for Playgrounds and Play Areas
»Destination/Thematic, Nature, and Water
Play. Create captivating destination-
themed play areas that incorporate
elements inspired by nature and water,
providing children with immersive and
imaginative experiences that stimulate
creative play.
»Playable Art, Climbable Seat Walls, Hill
Slides. Integrate playable art installations
and climbable seat walls, along with
hill slides, offering a blend of artistic
expression and active play opportunities
within the park setting.
»Dramatic, Imaginative Play Areas with
Interpretive and Interactive Elements.
Design play areas that spark imagination
with dramatic elements, incorporating
interpretive and interactive features
to engage children in educational and
imaginative play experiences.
»Universal Design and Accessible Play.
Ensure inclusivity by incorporating
universal design principles, creating play
spaces that are accessible to children of all
abilities, fostering a sense of community
and equality in recreational activities.
»Pop-Up Temporary Play Elements
or Play Areas with Moveable Parts.
Introduce dynamic and flexible play
elements, including pop-up temporary
installations or areas with moveable parts,
providing ever-changing and novel play
opportunities for children.
»Game Tables and Elements. Incorporate
game tables and elements suitable for
social play, encouraging interaction and
friendly competition among park-goers in
a variety of games.
»Topography and Plantings for Places to
Hide, Roll, and Tumble. Utilize natural
topography and strategic plantings to
create spaces where children can hide, roll,
and tumble, fostering exploratory play and
a connection with the natural environment.
»Challenge Play Elements such as
Climbing Walls and Ziplines. Integrate
adventurous challenge play elements,
including climbing walls and ziplines,
providing exciting and stimulating activities
for children seeking more physically
demanding play experiences.
»Safe, Accessible, Synthetic or Pour-in-
Place Safety Surfacing. Prioritize safety
by incorporating accessible and impact-
absorbing surfacing options, such as
synthetic turf or pour-in-place materials,
ensuring a safe environment for children to
play.
»Sand in Designated Play Areas with
Transfer Stations into Sand Play Area.
Designate specific play areas for sand play,
with transfer stations to accommodate
children with mobility challenges, creating
an inclusive and enjoyable sand play
experience for all.
"Oro" play structure at Hidden Creek Park West in
Hillsboro, OR
Parks Plan 2040 76
Play Areas and Playgrounds: Key Needs and Opportunities
»Children's play areas and structures are provided at many of the schools in the
city. These amenities are not open to the public during school hours but generally
are publicly available outside of school hours.
»There is an opportunity to add nature play within selected natural areas that do
not offer any type of play area or equipment.
»The majority of Lake Oswego's playgrounds were installed prior to 2010 and are
aging. Though they still pass annual safety inspections, many of them will need to
be replaced over the next 15 years. There is also a need to add more play variety,
including play equipment intended for different age groups and abilities.
»There is a need and opportunity to add inclusive play equipment in more play
areas around the city, as well as build a fully accessible play area.
»There is a need for more spaces for older youth, teens, and tweens to gather and
safely socialize.
Roehr Park Play Area
77Parks Plan 2040
Trends for Support Amenities
»Smart Lighting Solutions. Integration of
energy-efficient and sensor-driven lighting
systems in park areas for enhanced safety
and sustainability, automatically adjusting
brightness based on usage patterns.
»Creative Shade Structures. Innovative and
aesthetically pleasing shade structures,
such as solar-powered umbrellas or artistic
canopies, providing shelter while adding
visual appeal to park spaces.
»Multifunctional Seating. Flexible seating
arrangements that serve multiple
purposes, including movable benches,
picnic tables with charging stations, and
adaptable seating for various activities and
events.
»Waterfront Seating Areas. Designing
comfortable seating areas along
waterfronts, allowing visitors to relax and
enjoy the serene views while fostering
social interactions.
»Green Parking Solutions. Implementation
of eco-friendly and permeable parking
surfaces, incorporating landscaping
and green infrastructure to mitigate
environmental impact and improve
aesthetics.
»Bike-Friendly Amenities. Dedicated bike
parking areas, repair stations, and secure
bike storage to encourage cycling as a
sustainable mode of transportation and
promote a bike-friendly environment
within parks.
»Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Integration of electric vehicle charging
stations to support the growing trend
of electric transportation, promoting
sustainability and accommodating the
needs of electric vehicle users.
»Outdoor Workspaces. Designated areas
with Wi-Fi connectivity, comfortable
seating, and shade, providing outdoor
workspaces for remote work or leisure
activities that require digital connectivity.
»Community Engagement Platforms.
Development of digital platforms or apps
that facilitate community engagement,
allowing park-goers to access information,
participate in events, and provide feedback
for continuous improvement of park
amenities.
»Universal Design Principles. Adherence to
universal design principles in park support
amenities, ensuring accessibility and
usability for individuals of all ages, abilities,
and backgrounds.
»Green Roofs and Living Walls.
Implementation of green roofs on shade
structures and living walls near seating
areas, promoting biodiversity, improving
air quality, and enhancing the visual appeal
of park spaces.
»Community-Driven Amenities. Involving
the community in the design and selection
of park support amenities, reflecting
local preferences and ensuring that the
amenities meet the diverse needs of the
community.
Sundeleaf Plaza
Parks Plan 2040 78
Support Amenities: Key Needs and Opportunities
»Regular maintenance and upkeep of support amenities is needed to ensure they
remain in good condition.
»Some sites do not have enough parking to meet demand and/or overflow of
adjacent uses.
»There is a need for accessible signage, including signs that convey key
information about park sites, as well as interpretive signage that shares
information about the natural environment or about Native American or human
history.
»There is a need to replace aging picnic tables in some parks. Some community
members have noted that uncovered picnic tables are often not clean or
comfortable to sit on after continued weathering/exposure. Overall, there is an
expressed need for more covered spaces to sit and hangout in parks year-round.
»There is an expressed desire for more places to sit in parks, especially along trails
(where feasible), and an opportunity for more seating under covered and/or
shaded areas.
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
Entry signage at Woodmont Natural Park
Parks Plan 2040 79
Trends in Programming
»Pop-up Park Programming. Pop-up programs allow parks and recreation
agencies to take recreation programs and activities to where people are. These
initiatives allow for targeted outreach in vulnerable or underserved communities,
especially those with limited means and access to travel to recreation facilities
and/or parks that are located beyond a 10-minute walk from their homes. These
types of programs can include arts & crafts, block parties, concerts in the parks,
movies in the parks, enrichment activities, sports, and more.
»Multigenerational Fitness and Wellness Programs. Cities along with other parks
and recreation agencies are acknowledging a growing public health crisis around
conditions like obesity, diabetes, and depression. In response, they are partnering
with the health sector to promote preventative healthcare and active living
through design, planning, and programming. Departments across the country
are offering bikeshare programs, planting trees for shade coverage, and creating
more community gardens.
»Sports Sampling Programs. Parks and recreation agencies are uniquely
positioned to offer a sampling of opportunities to expose community members
to various things including being one of the top sectors for offering first-time
employment opportunities for youth. The NRPA Youth Sports at Park and
Recreation Agencies research report states that youth are more likely to remain
engaged in sports activities if they have a chance to participate in sports that
interest them.
»Out of School Time Programs. Parks and recreation agencies are the leading
provider for out-of-school time programs (e.g. camps, afterschool, etc.) which
are great opportunities for parks and recreation agencies to support families,
especially those with school-aged children, with organized recreational programs
that often take the place of childcare when school is not in session.
Mobile Recreation Bus, Burlington NC
Youth Enrichment Camp
80Parks Plan 2040
Programming: Key Needs and
Opportunities
»$ઊRUGDEOH3URJUDPPLQJ. While public
parks and recreation providers typically
provide free or low-cost recreation options,
some community members have indicated,
through engagement activities, that
the cost of activities can be a barrier to
participation, especially for lower income
community members. For example, those
who rent their home in Lake Oswego
have a disproportionately lower income
relative to homeowners and pay 30% or
more of the household income on rent. It
is important to consider methods to create
awareness about and further enhance
the City's scholarship program to provide
more subsidies to individuals within the
community. At present, the recreation
scholarship program affords up to $200
per individual, per fiscal year, with a $500
maximum per family. With the average cost
of a youth camp program at around $200
per session (typically a weeklong session)
that significantly limits opportunities for
families with one or more children seeking
recreational opportunities during times
when school is not in session. While it is
not feasible to provide completely free
programming as the primary service
model, it is important to offer a variety of
opportunities that are free for the benefit
of the community. Costs often can be
offset through community partnerships,
fundraising, and grants, to name a few.
»Intergenerational Programming.
Intergenerational programming is an
often-overlooked opportunity for parks
and recreation agencies though it is a key
component in creating healthy, thriving
communities. These types of programs
are designed to include the use of activity
spaces and/or campuses where youth,
teens, and adults can enjoy recreational
programs and activities simultaneously
or collaboratively. The integration of
the LORAC into Lake Oswego's parks
and recreation system provides a great
opportunity to introduce targeted
intergenerational recreation programs,
activities, and events. NRPA, in conjunction
with Generations United, provides great
resources that can assist communities
with developing and sustaining
intergenerational programming and
activities.
Yoga Camp
Parks Plan 2040 81
Programming: Key Needs and Opportunities Continued
»Accessible Programming. Although Lake Oswego offers some opportunities
and support for individuals with disabilities to actively engage in recreational
activities and programs, community members would like to see more accessible
physical spaces and programming to better meet their needs. Despite the
ability to request an accommodation for participation, community members
have indicated a need for advanced and more detailed event, activity, and trail
information specifically pertaining to accessible parking, restrooms, seating,
and the type of ground surfacing at the activity locations. Strengthening and/
or establishing partnerships between the City and the Lake Oswego School
District Student Services Department, Clackamas County Disability Support
Services, and various community groups that represent or help serve people with
disabilities can help enhance opportunities and support for these members of
the community. Furthermore, the City could consider developing a more robust
adaptive recreation program by hiring additional staff or contracting with an
organization who specialize in working with individuals with disabilities, including
but not limited to a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) who can
work collaboratively with the current ADA Coordinator.
Lake Oswego Farmers Market
Special Olympics at the Indoor Tennis Center
82Parks Plan 2040
Systemwide Recommendations5
Parks Plan 2040 83
This chapter presents systemwide recommendations that support the envisioned future of
Lake Oswego’s park and recreation system.
ORGANIZATION AND OVERVIEW
The Parks Plan 2040 strategic framework provides broad direction and policy
guidance for all aspects of park and recreation services. Based on this framework,
the following draft system recommendations provide more specific direction for
park and recreation services and will provide necessary supportive infrastructure to
help achieve site specific recommendations and capital improvement projects for
Parks Plan 2040. Some systemwide recommendations reflect new ideas, but many
represent a continuation of best practices that Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
already engages in and pledges to continue to implement. The recommendations are
numbered for reference only and are not presented in priority order.
Recommendations are organized under each of the seven goals from the Parks Plan
2040 Strategic Framework, although a number of recommendations have elements
that address multiple goals. Many recommendations represent ongoing actions that
are already in the process of being implemented by Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
and should continue to be evaluated and integrated into the City's annual planning
for projects and services, annual work plans, and departmental strategic plans that
will follow Parks Plan 2040.
Some recommendations are already in progress or are ongoing. These
recommendations are depeicted with an orange icon . This leaves flexibility
for the Department to refine its approach and the implementation of these
recommendations as conditions or funding availability change.
Systemwide
Recommendations
Lake Oswego Public Golf Course
84Parks Plan 2040
1.1 Prioritize improving trails, pathways, and other walking and biking connections to
parks and facilities that provide essential services. This may include off-street facilities,
on-street pathways or bikeways, and/or pathways on partner-owned properties. Work
with other City departments to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle projects (e.g., pedestrian
crossings, sidewalk improvements, installation of bike lanes or shared streets) where they
will enhance access and improve connections to park and recreation facilities.
1.2 Prioritize accessibility improvements at parks and facilities that provide essential
services to ensure they are inclusive and comfortable for people of all ages and
abilities. Make parks more comfortable by providing or enhancing support amenities
such as benches, drinking fountains with bottle fillers, and bike racks/bike parking. Add a
variety of seating options and groupings of seating in parks: benches, movable seating,
seat walls, etc. Avoid the use of engineered wood fiber except in nature play areas.
1.3 Design and develop parks, greenspace, and trail corridors to support community
UHVSLWHZHOOQHVVDQGWKHPHQWDOKHDOWKDQGVWUHVVUHGXFWLRQEHQHÀWVIRXQGLQ
connections to nature. Expand access to nature by integrating natural features and
thematic, sensory, or natural play equipment into playgrounds.
1.4 Pursue the strategic acquisition of land for new parks. While the City has limited
opportunities to purchase or convert vacant land into parks, it should also actively look
for opportunities to acquire new land that could meet community recreation needs;
particularly sites within gap areas related to water access or recreation and/or sites with
views of water or mountains.
Goal 1: Access to Essential Services
“There should be a playground
within easy walking distance
of every neighborhood.
There should be safe walking
paths within neighborhoods
for families to reach their
neighborhood park. The
city should have at least one
SOD\JURXQGVSHFLÀFDOO\GHVLJQHG
for kids with disabilities,
including soft surfaces and
accessible play structures.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
Adult Volleyball
85Parks Plan 2040
1.5 Evaluate opportunities to convert City-owned properties, public rights-of-way,
and easements to parkland or trail corridors. The City owns many small properties
around Lake Oswego that should be further evaluated for recreation opportunities. The
department should also advocate for trail corridors and pathways utilizing right-of-way
or other access easements the City may have.
1.6 Encourage land dedications, sales, or long-term leases for future park use. This has
always been an option for property owners that the City would consider but the City
could work more actively to publicize options for land donation, sale, or lease.
1.7 'HYHORSFUHDWLYHDQGÁH[LEOHVROXWLRQVWRSURYLGHJUHHQVSDFHDQGUHFUHDWLRQDFWLYLWLHV
in neighborhoods where larger or traditional parks are not feasible, such as pocket
parks, plazas, or co-locating small open spaces with other public facilities. Encourage
public, private, and commercial recreational facilities in areas that are park deficient.
Supplement neighborhood parks with parks that provide specialized facilities to meet
unique recreation needs, such as dog parks, urban plazas, trail corridors, joint use sports
fields, community/recreation buildings, or other special features.
1.8 Work with the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board to study and
H[SORUHWKHLPSDFWVRI&KDSWHU;RIWKH&LW\·V&KDUWHURQWKH&LW\·VDELOLW\WRSURYLGH
access to parks and natural areas. Chapter X of the City's charter places limits on the
ability to make certain types of improvements within fifteen sites in the city's system.
Although the aim of Chapter X is to promote numerous ecological benefits and preserve
public access to the city's natural areas, the development restrictions conflict with
community priorities related to accessibility and creating recreation opportunities for
people experiencing disabilities. The current language is also ambiguous in some cases,
leaving the City unsure of how it can improve and manage these sites without violating
the chapter or incurring extensive costs.
“Residents in the West End feel
left out. Parks, swim facilities,
golf, etc are all added on the
other side of town requiring a 10
mile [round trip] to access.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
Sundeleaf Plaza
McNary Park
86Parks Plan 2040
1.9 Request demographic and geographic data from program and activity participants
to track what demographic and geographic areas of the city are well-served and
underserved. Provide staff and analyst resources to regularly evaluate data, report
findings, and develop opportunities.
1.10 Add level-of-service information to the annual Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Fact
%RRNWRWUDFNDQGUHSRUWRQSURJUHVVLQDFKLHYLQJWKH&LW\·VSDUNODQGVWDQGDUGVThis
information is useful to staff and decision-makers and will help in tracking for the City's
CAPRA accreditation and future plan updates.
A snapshot from the 2023 Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Annual Factbook. Parks & Recreation tracks
program and event participation as well as the projects completed and revenue and expenses.
Youth Intro to Fencing
Lake Oswego Teen Lounge
87Parks Plan 2040
Goal 2: Vibrant Parks, Natural Areas, and Recreation
Facilities
2.1 Design and redevelop parks to provide the facilities, activities, and programs best
VXLWHGIRUWKHVHUYLFHDUHDEDVHGRQWKHVLWH·VKLVWRU\WKHGHVLUHVGHPRJUDSKLF
FKDUDFWHULVWLFVRIQHDUE\QHLJKERUVDQGWKHVXUURXQGLQJQHLJKERUKRRG·VFKDUDFWHU
including current and future development, land use and density. Consider unique
neighborhood and demographic needs in the design and development of local parks,
such as neighborhood parks and pocket parks. Provide intentional outreach to historically
underrepresented groups and nearby neighbors when designing, developing, and
conducting major park renovations to ensure diverse community needs are met. Design
parks with site themes, special elements, and different color and material palettes so that
each has a unique character. Consider the City's brand and identity in the design and
development of citywide parks, community parks, urban plazas, and special use facilities.
In all new designs and redevelopment, consider the flexibility or ability to repurpose
spaces as recreation trends evolve.
2.2 :KHQPDMRUUHLQYHVWPHQWLVQHHGHGLQH[LVWLQJUHFUHDWLRQIDFLOLWLHVHYDOXDWHZKHWKHU
DQHZRUGLઊHUHQWW\SHRIDPHQLW\ZRXOGKDYHPRUHEHQHÀWVWKDQDOLNHIRUOLNH
replacement. Consider repurposing, or a more significant remodel to add greater variety
to the current inventory of facilities and better meet community needs. When building
or remodeling, strive for flexible, multi-use space that can accommodate a range of uses
and that can be adapted over time to serve evolving needs. Prioritize universal design in
the replacement of park features such as all-abilities playgrounds or play equipment as
play areas are replaced.
Figure 5-1: Community Priorities
An online survey asked respondents to
prioritize four types of project categories
that could occur in the city's parks,
recreation facilities, and natural areas.
Across all sites, reinvestment (57.8%) and
nature (49.9%) projects were identified
as top priorities. Throughout outreach
opportunities the community made it clear
taking care of what we have is a priority.
Reinvestment
58%
Access
29%
Nature
50%
Build/Add
40%
88Parks Plan 2040
2.3 ([SORUHRSSRUWXQLWLHVWRGHYHORSXQLTXHSOD\DUHDVVXFKDVVDQGDQGZDWHUSOD\
custom play structures, unique nature play features, and universal play areas. New
types of play opportunities, including nature play, universal play, and play areas that
are custom-designed rather than purchased “off-the-shelf” are becoming increasingly
popular, and desire for a similar type of facility in Lake Oswego has been expressed
during community engagement.
2.4 0DNHLQYHVWPHQWVLQH[LVWLQJDWKOHWLFÀHOGVWRJHWPRUHSOD\LQJWLPHDQGPRUHXVHRXW
of these facilities. Consider whether to replace existing natural turf fields with artificial
turf fields, which could allow sooner use after wet weather than natural turf. The City
should also evaluate whether lighting any sport fields is appropriate to extend evening
usage hours.
2.5 Provide and maintain public restrooms in community and regional parks and
UHFUHDWLRQIDFLOLWLHVDQGLQQHLJKERUKRRGSDUNVZKHUHWKH\DUHLGHQWLÀHGDVDQHHG
by the community; update older restroom facilities as needed. Provide clean, inviting,
accessible restrooms in large neighborhood parks and community parks, and other high
use or well programmed sites. Include good ventilation and amenities such as mirrors
and baby changing stations.
2.6 Provide shaded areas in parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, using shade trees, shade
“sails” or permanent shade structures. Provide benches, tables, and places to relax
in parks. Provide benches at intervals along looped paths and trails. Community
engagement participants expressed a desire for more covered areas, especially with
Lake Oswego's rainy winters. Shaded areas would also provide relief from the sun in
the summer. The locations should be prioritized based on further study of climate
vulnerabilities and tree canopies. Extreme heat events are expected to occur more
frequently and with a longer duration due to climate change.
“The highest use parks,
like Waluga, could do with
playground refurbishments
- our parks should have epic
playgrounds.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
George Rogers Park
89Parks Plan 2040
2.7 Ensure parks and facilities are appropriately lighted throughout the year for safety,
accessibility, and for those users who visit before or after typical working hours. Many
park users are limited to the hours before or after work or school, and may have to
recreate without daylight, especially in winter months. The City should ensure that parks
are appropriately lit to support the safety and use for all community members.
2.8 3URYLGHPRUHZDWHUSOD\IHDWXUHV VSODVKSDGVVSUD\SOD\DUHDVLQWHUDFWLYHZDWHU
features) for play in warm weather, geographically dispersed throughout the city if
possible. The planning process identified a community desire and need for more water
access. Water play features can be added to existing sites to help meet that need.
2.9 Improve entryways to parks and recreation facilities to make them more accessible
and welcoming. Improve the user experience when renovating existing indoor facilities.
Include welcoming entry sequences, signage and wayfinding, social/lobby/lounge spaces,
convenient pick-up and drop-off, and comfortable areas to wait for transportation.
2.10 ([SORUHSURYLGLQJLPSURYHGGURSRઊDUHDVYHU\VKRUWWHUPSDUNLQJFRQYHQLHQW
carpool parking spaces, and other improvements to encourage carpools and shuttles
and reduce demand for single-occupancy vehicle parking. The planning process
identified both accessibility concerns and parking challenges at some park sites. The City
should explore providing drop-off areas for park visitors that would shorten the distance
required to walk from parking stalls to the entryway as well as other measures that would
reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle parking.
2.11 Provide secure, and where feasible covered, bike parking at parks, located near major
use hubs if possible. The City should add self-service bike repair stations at community
parks, on trails and at popular cycling destinations. The City should also consider
updating its development code as needed to require bicycle parking in these locations.
George Rogers Park
Iron Mountain Park
90Parks Plan 2040
2.12 ([SORUHSURYLGLQJFRYHUHGVSDFHVDWH[LVWLQJRઊOHDVKGRJDUHDVZKHUHVXLWDEOHWR
provide year-round opportunities. Develop a process for collecting and evaluating
future community proposals for new features in parks, including identifying whether
there are partner resources for implementation. Consider development of covered
facilities in new or upgraded off-leash dog areas.
2.13 ([SORUHRSSRUWXQLWLHVWRH[SDQGUHFUHDWLRQRSSRUWXQLWLHVRUSURJUDPVWKDWSURYLGH
access to the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers. Community outreach indicated a desire for
increased river and water access in Lake Oswego. The city has several parks that provide
access to the Tualatin and Willamette rivers.
2.14 ([SORUHH[SDQGLQJWKHVZLPPLQJVHDVRQDWWKH/DNH2VZHJR6ZLP3DUNDVZHOO
as improving accessibility and providing additional amenities such as play areas or
additional picnic facilities. During the planning process, several youth groups and
organizations noted the desire for a longer swimming season. They also noted potential
improvements such as more places to sit and lay.
2.15 Provide recreation facilities that are usable year-round. Update agreements, documents
or practices that limit recreational use of City facilities to expand usage windows. For
example, consider adding programming at buildings that are currently closed evenings
or weekends.
2.16 Create activity hubs by locating seating areas, shade, and other elements that
encourage people to linger near places that attract daily activity (playgrounds, dog
parks, etc.). Incorporate accessible outdoor fitness hubs in parks, locating these near
activity areas.
Hazelia Field Dog Park
91Parks Plan 2040
2.17 Activate parks and facilities through activities, events, and services to improve
community health, increase community cohesiveness, enhance social equity, and
support economic development. The City currently provides a variety of amenities,
programs, and events systemwide. However, programs and events are often concentrated
at several major park sites and facilities like the Adult Community Center. The City should
explore providing these services at other areas in the city, either permanently or through
mobile “pop-up” programming, particularly in areas where essential park and recreation
services are lacking.
2.18 Provide equipment and technology in parks to support recreation activities, especially
ÀWQHVVIn addition to Wi-Fi, provide shaded/covered outdoor working areas with
charging stations in selected parks to encourage students and employees to be outdoors.
Explore ways to support activities such as geocaching, scavenger hunts, and similar
mobile games.
2.19 Ensure that all parks and recreation facilities incorporate elements that foster social
connections and community identity such as art, landscaping, murals, and amenities
DQGIDFLOLWLHVWKDWUHÁHFWVLWHFKDUDFWHUDQGORFDOQHHGVContinue to incorporate public
art into parks, natural areas, and recreation facilities. Implement recommendations from
the City’s Public Art Master Plan.
2.20 Place temporary and permanent art in parks, trailheads, and trails to encourage
H[SORUDWLRQDQGFRQYH\LQIRUPDWLRQDERXWWKHQDWXUDOZRUOGVisual, sound-based, or
poetry artworks can be a way to educate people about nature. Artists in various media
could be invited to develop artworks that explore the natural environment and help
people value and preserve it. This recommendation is also included in the 2024 Arts
Council of Lake Oswego Public Art Master Plan.Westlake Park
92Parks Plan 2040
Goal 3: Serve All Ages and Abilities
3.1 Design parks and facilities using universal design principles that improve access to
parks and facilities for all people, regardless of ability. Strive for universal/ all-inclusive
design to make existing and new parks and facilities more user friendly and accessible to
populations with special needs, parents with young children and others who benefit from
wider access routes, seating and resting points, shade, gender neutral and family-friendly
restrooms, and similar accommodations. This goes beyond ADA compliance and ensures
that everyone can participate in recreation opportunities.
3.2 Create at least one new fully inclusive play area in Lake Oswego, either at a new site or
as part of the playground replacement program. Consistent with this recommendation
from the City's DEI Task Force Recommendations Report, incorporate universal design
principles into the design of the play area. Conduct community outreach and site
investigations to determine an appropriate location.
3.3 'HYHORSDIXQGLQJVWUDWHJ\WRDFFRPSOLVKWKHKLJKHVWSULRULW\SURMHFWVLGHQWLÀHGLQ
WKH&LW\·V$'$7UDQVLWLRQ3ODQ VWUDWHJLFDOO\DFFRPSOLVKVPDOOHUDQGRUORZHUSULRULW\
projects as capital investments are made throughout the system over the planning
period. The ADA Transition Plan identifies a list of ADA improvements in parks and
recreation facilities. The department should continue to complete these projects and look
for ways to combine construction projects with the replacement or maintenance of other
features at the same site. The City should also implement Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)
recommendations for trail improvements in parks and natural areas.
3.4 3ULRULWL]HFXOWXUDOHYHQWVVXFKDVWKH&XOWXUDO;FKDQJH$$3,&HOHEUDWLRQ3ULGHDQG
Juneteenth that make Lake Oswego feel welcoming to residents of all backgrounds.
Cultural events celebrate the many diverse cultures of the community and make residents
feel welcome and celebrated.
“Would like more handicap-
access walkways into natural
surroundings for us older folks
to enjoy undeveloped spots for
wildlife viewing.”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
93Parks Plan 2040
3.5 Partner with the Arts Council of Lake Oswego to commission artists from diverse
backgrounds to create and share artworks at public celebrations such as Juneteenth,
Diwali, AAPI, Lunar New Year, and Pride. This recommendation from the 2024 Arts
Council of Lake Oswego Public Art Master Plan is a way to encourage artists from
underrepresented groups to apply for opportunities and help establish a greater sense of
belonging in the city of Lake Oswego.
3.6 ([SORUHRSSRUWXQLWLHVWRH[SDQGWKHH[LVWLQJUHFUHDWLRQVFKRODUVKLSSURJUDPWR
increase access to programs and activities for low-income households. Lake Oswego's
current scholarship program offers support for households that fall below the Federal
Free Meal Guidelines. They are eligible to receive a maximum $200 per person per fiscal
year (July 1-June 30), and a maximum of $500 per fiscal year per family in activity fee
waivers. Some community groups have expressed an interest in expanding this program
to offer more support to low income families.
3.7 ([SORUHRSSRUWXQLWLHVWRSURYLGHDGDSWLYHVSRUWVDQGH[SDQGDYDULHW\RIDOODELOLWLHV
programming. Adaptive sports are sports or activities for people with disabilities or
physical limitations that may be modified to support people's specific physical abilities.
The City should also explore programming for neurodivergent youth. The Department
should consider partnering with organizations that already provide this type of
programming to increase opportunities, and add information about City partners on the
website.
3.8 ,QFUHDVHRSSRUWXQLWLHVIRUVHQLRUÀWQHVVDQGVHQLRUVSRUWVUHFRJQL]LQJWKDWVHQLRUV
are staying active longer. This includes opportunities to get seniors outdoors as well as
providing senior-friendly athletic and fitness facilities. Expand programs, activities, and
services designed for seniors and older adults at facilities and destinations outside the
Adult Community Center.
“Full-day summer camps,
winter break camps, spring
break camps, and no-school
days camps that are for parents
who work full-time (7:30am-
6pm). Also, activities for adults
who work full-time M-F, which
means adding more evening
and weekend activities.”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
“More low key sports
opportunities for elementary
age. More classes in all
categories for preschool age,
especially during school hours.
More swimming!”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
94Parks Plan 2040
3.9 Provide multi-generational activities and services for older adults. Programs and events
that can involve multiple generations were identified in the planning process. Activities
and events should cater to people of different backgrounds and abilities.
3.10 3URYLGHDPL[RIIXQDQGHGXFDWLRQDORSSRUWXQLWLHVLQFOXGLQJOHDUQLQJQHZDFWLYLWLHV
skills, sports, and information about local history, nature, and culture for both kids
and adults. Offer outdoor exercise and programs to support health and wellness, such as
outdoor yoga, tai chi, badminton, volleyball, kickball, and boot camps, and include some
free or low-cost programming. Provide smaller events in neighborhood parks, such as
movies in the park, concerts, arts and crafts, outdoor fitness, and recreation activities that
would appeal to nearby neighbors.
3.11 6XSSRUWDQGFRQVLGHUSURYLGLQJRXWRIVFKRROWLPHSURJUDPVWKDWVXSSRUW\RXWK
development and special interest activities. Understanding that parents are often busy
and working, the City should explore providing, or partnering with program providers,
out-of-school time programs that both provide youth with the opportunity to learn,
develop skills, and play while also being convenient for parents.
3.12 6XSSRUWVSRUWVVDPSOLQJSURJUDPVWKDWHQFRXUDJHPXOWLVSRUWSOD\DQGDQDOWHUQDWLYH
to formal league play. Sports sampling programs can be shorter in duration to
encourage play and learning amongst those who are unable to make the commitment to
longer or more costly formal leagues. They can also consist of sports that may not be as
commonly taught like futsal, pickleball, or water sports.
3.13 2ઊHUHQULFKPHQWSURJUDPPLQJDQGHYHQWVZRUNLQJZLWKFRPPXQLW\JURXSVWR
WDLORUWKHVHWRWKHGLYHUVHLQWHUHVWVDQGEDFNJURXQGVRI/DNH2VZHJR·VUHVLGHQWVLake
Oswego's population is growing more diverse as are interests in community programs
and events. The City should look at offering one-time events as well as annual events
based on community feedback.
STEM Enrichment Summer Camp
Slow Jam at the Adult Community Center
95Parks Plan 2040
3.14 Increase the amount of arts and cultural programming available in Lake Oswego,
LQFOXGLQJSURJUDPVHYHQWVDQGIHVWLYDOVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKÀQHDUWVPXVLFHGXFDWLRQDO
arts, literary arts and media arts. This includes incorporating artists and art into youth
recreation programming, partnering with schools and other organizations.
3.15 Consider ways to provide information about the accessibility of parks, natural areas,
DQGWUDLOVDWGLઊHUHQWVLWHVDQGLPSOHPHQWDFRQVLVWHQWDSSURDFK In addition to online
information, the City should consider providing information about accessibility of sites
and features at the sites themselves. Outreach and additional planning should determine
the format and type of information included.
3.16 2ઊHUFRPPXQLFDWLRQVXSSRUWLQPXOWLSOHODQJXDJHVWRGLYHUVHJURXSV LQWKHORQJ
term, continue to monitor needs to provide information, signage, and materials in
GLઊHUHQWODQJXDJHVHistorically underrepresented or marginalized groups are often not
engaged in parks and recreation due to a variety of factors, including communication or
information barriers. The City should work to provide materials in languages spoken by
the community.
Lake Oswego Farmer's Market
AANHPI Festival Summer of Music Concert Series at Foothills Park
96Parks Plan 2040
3.17 Update and install new park and facility signage consistent with the recommendations
RIWKH/DNH2VZHJR6LJQDJH0DQXDOSURYLGLQJLQIRUPDWLRQLQFRQVLVWHQWVW\OHVZLWK
easy-to-interpret graphics and multiple languages to make parks and natural areas
welcoming to residents of all cultures. Provide park identification and wayfinding
signage and provide park directional and distance signage along longer trails segments
where appropriate. Incorporate this signage into a board community wayfinding
program or recommendations. Convey history and culture through art and interpretive
installations and include interpretive elements about local history, fish, wildlife, native
plants, conservation, and indigenous people. The signage and wayfinding system should
adhere to a common design and branding theme that is consistent across all park
and recreation providers (city, state, federal). Consider QR codes as a way to provide
information in multiple languages.
3.18 Create welcoming and safe environments in parks and public spaces by prioritizing
information and by providing choices dependent on the park type. There is no
single solution to make public spaces safer. Ultimately, parks should be designed and
programmed to offer information (for users to make informed decisions) and to provide
choices, with multiple access points, routes, and spaces that offer solitude as well as
activity. The City should also cultivate volunteers, sponsors, and donors who will take
ownership of park sites and care for them.
Summer of Music Concert Series at Millenium Plaza
97Parks Plan 2040
Goal 4: Stewardship, Maintenance, and Operations
4.1 'HVLJQDWHVWDઊDQGLGHQWLI\VWHSVWRHQKDQFHWKHH[LVWLQJSDUNVWHZDUGVKLSSURJUDP
and to strengthen relationships with and reinvigorate interest in Friends of Parks
groups. Lake Oswego should communicate progress made in achieving community
recreation priorities, including programs offerings and quality of future investments
and ongoing maintenance. This should include news related to Plan progress through
a variety of media, including utility bills, events, press releases, email and social media.
The City should continue to reach out to a variety of demographics through contacts
and processes identified in this planning process, using culturally specific messages to
increase involvement.
4.2 Incorporate recommendations from the Natural Areas Habitat Management Plan
(NAHMP) to provide direction for the maintenance and stewardship of natural areas,
LQWHJUDWLQJVLWHVSHFLÀFPDQDJHPHQWSODQVDQGRUUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVIURPFLW\ZLGH
SODQQLQJHઊRUWVZKHUHUHOHYDQWThe City has functional and specialized plans that cross
over with the maintenance and stewardship of City parks, natural areas, and open spaces.
City staff also have a lot of institutional knowledge and technical expertise in natural
resources management as well as site specific knowledge which should be captured in
management plans.
4.3 0DLQWDLQSUHVHUYHDQGHQKDQFHWKHFLW\·VXUEDQIRUHVWDVDQHQYLURQPHQWDO
HFRQRPLFDQGDHVWKHWLFUHVRXUFHWRLPSURYHUHVLGHQWV·TXDOLW\RIOLIHDQGLPSOHPHQW
UHFRPPHQGDWLRQVIURPWKH&LW\·V8UEDQDQG&RPPXQLW\)RUHVWU\3ODQZKHUH
applicable. Coordinate with planning on backyard habitat, invasive and native species,
urban forestry, and other related issues.
´,ZRXOGOLNHWRVHHVWDઊDQG
volunteers spend more time in
WKHÀHOGLPSURYLQJWKHSDUNV
we have.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
Stewardship Program
98Parks Plan 2040
4.4 ,PSOHPHQWWKHFRPPLWPHQWVRI%HH&LW\86$DQG7UHH&LW\86$E\LQFRUSRUDWLQJ
them into maintenance and operations practices, Department policies, and recreation
activities. The City has been a Tree City USA for over 35 years, and recently became a
Bee City USA. To maintain these designations, the principles of the programs should be
implemented into management and operations practices and highlighted in recreation
programs and events.
4.5 6WDELOL]HDQGUHVWRUHQDWXUDODUHDVDQGVWUHDPFRUULGRUVZLWKLQSDUNVDQGQDWXUDO
areas to enhance wildlife habitat, maintain water and air quality, support ecological
function, and improve the environmental health of the city. Protect important natural
resources through park land acquisition, conservation easements, regulations, and
other techniques. Evaluate and pursue opportunities to protect parcels along creeks, or
contiguous to existing parks and natural areas, or with active or remnant habitat.
4.6 Work with volunteers and groups such as Friends of Parks, local high school Green
Teams, Watershed Councils, and other partner agencies to improve, enhance, and
restore natural areas. Expand outreach and promotional activities to increase and
broaden the volunteer base in coordination with existing volunteer groups, youth
organizations, and other community groups.
4.7 &ROODERUDWHZLWKHઊRUWVWRHQKDQFHRUH[SDQGKDELWDWDUHDVDQGFRQGXFWUHVWRUDWLRQLQ
&RXQW\RU6WDWHSDUNVRSHQVSDFHSUHVHUYHVFUHHNFRUULGRUVDQGRWKHUQDWXUDODUHDV
Work with partners, including but not limited to Washington County, Metro, the State of
Oregon, nonprofits, and private entities/property owners to strategically connect riparian
corridors, wetlands, and other natural areas to preserve vital ecological functions, protect
habitat, improve water quality and increase biodiversity.
Sunnyslope Open Space
99Parks Plan 2040
4.8 Maintain natural areas in parks to control invasive species, remove or prune hazardous
WUHHVFRQWUROULYHUDQGVWUHDPEDQNHURVLRQPLQLPL]HZLOGÀUHKD]DUGVDQGSURYLGH
safe access. Strive to implement future trail construction and other improvements that
enhance and connect natural ecological areas and avoid and minimize adverse impacts
to native ecosystems. Where public access is provided in natural areas, ensure it is
appropriately delineated from any sensitive areas.
4.9 &RRUGLQDWHZLWKWKH3ODQQLQJDQG3XEOLF:RUNV'HSDUWPHQWVWRWUDLQVWDઊRQ
LGHQWLÀFDWLRQDQGEHVWSUDFWLFHVUHODWHGWRWKH(PHUDOG$VK%RUHU ($% DQGRWKHU
emerging pests. Training City staff, especially staff who are regularly in the field in parks
and natural areas throughout the city, can help detect and monitor local presence of
EABs. Training and outreach to the general public can also support City efforts.
4.10 Coordinate with the Planning and Public Works Departments and regional or state
agencies to develop a plan for monitoring and mitigating the impacts of the EAB
on parks and natural areas in Lake Oswego. Some guidance at the State level, such
as the Emerald Ash Borer Readiness and Response Plan for Oregon, have already been
developed and should be referenced in local efforts where applicable. Practices might
include treating stands of ash trees at parks and in natural areas as a preventative
measure, conducting an inventory of ash trees in target areas in or near parks and natural
areas, conducting Tree Risk Assessments to identify and manage high and extreme risk
trees, and generally monitoring EAB impacts in the city. This is an emerging issue at the
time of Parks Plan 2040's development, and strategies will likely continue to evolve over
the planning horizon.
“Natural area[s] cannot be
replaced!”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
Cook's Butte
100Parks Plan 2040
4.11 &ROODERUDWHZLWKWKH&ODFNDPDV&RXQW\6RLODQG:DWHU&RQVHUYDWLRQ'LVWULFWWR
PRQLWRUDQGLIIHDVLEOHH[SDQG(PHUDOG$VK%RUHUWUDSVLQWKHFLW\While the EAB
has not been detected in Lake Oswego as of September 2024, it was recently detected
in Clackamas County. The Oregon Department of Forestry warns that EABs will likely
devastate ash woodlands, which could lead to a reduction in urban tree canopy, an
increase in invasive plants taking hold, and loss of shade and habitat in riparian areas.
4.12 'HGLFDWHVXઋFLHQWIXQGLQJVWDઋQJDQGRWKHUUHVRXUFHVWRHQVXUHH[LVWLQJSDUNVDQG
facilities continue to be well-maintained. Ensure that sufficient resources are available to
manage natural areas consistent with the recommendations in the Natural Areas Habitat
Management Plan. Maintain parks, trails, and natural areas in a manner that supports
wildfire fuel reduction and implement best management practices for parks, trails, and
natural areas in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
4.13 ([SORUHDIHHEDVHGPDLQWHQDQFHIXQGLQJV\VWHPWRVXSSOHPHQWWKHGHPROLWLRQ
WD[VXFKDVD3DUNV0DLQWHQDQFH)HHRURWKHUPHFKDQLVPVWKDWFRXOGVXSSRUW
accomplishing ongoing and deferred maintenance projects. Just as the City's water
and sewer utility fee pays for the maintenance and upkeep of water and sewer systems, a
parks maintenance fee could help pay for renovations, replacements, and repairs of parks,
amenities, and facilities. This could also support maintenance costs for new facilities.
101Parks Plan 2040
4.14 Consider the long-term management, operations, and maintenance needs of new
projects, and dedicate adequate funding to ensure appropriate maintenance and
VWDઋQJOHYHOVWork to ensure that future efforts to acquire new land for parks or natural
areas includes a funding source to support stewardship and maintenance costs. Plan
for the replacement of aging or deteriorating facilities and amenities in annual capital
improvement planning, operational budgets, and work programs.
4.15 Diversify funding sources, considering sponsorships, bond measures, operational
levies and other alternatives to fund capital projects, operations, maintenance, and
programming. Maximize and leverage operational funds through partnerships; pursuit
of grant funds; volunteer engagement; management agreements; and other funding
opportunities.
4.16 ([SDQGVWDઊFDSDFLW\IRUJUDQWZULWLQJJUDQWPDQDJHPHQWVROLFLWDWLRQRIVSRQVRUVKLSV
DQGGRQDWLRQV LQFOXGLQJODQGGRQDWLRQV DQGH[SORUDWLRQRIQHZUHYHQXHVRXUFHV
Many grants are available each year through public and private agencies, but require
staff time to track and pursue. The City should explore grant funding opportunities and
pursue those that are suitable.
4.17 Conduct feasibility and operational studies prior to designing and developing new
major facilities to help identify the optimal size, amenities, location, programming,
fees, revenue, and operating model for those facilities with high operating costs. The
City has developed several recreation facilities since Parks Plan 2025. The department
should evaluate grouping similar uses to ensure high quality parks and public spaces,
and to maximize investment and operating efficiency.
102Parks Plan 2040
4.18 Develop a fee philosophy and cost recovery goals for programs and rental facilities to
UHÁHFWFKDQJLQJPDUNHWFRQGLWLRQVDQGWKHFRPPXQLW\·VDELOLW\WRSD\The City should
regularly revisit and update these goals as new facilities are built, programming evolves,
and community desire and ability to pay changes.
4.19 %DODQFHFRVWUHFRYHU\ZLWKDઊRUGDELOLW\ZKHQSURYLGLQJSURJUDPVDQGVHUYLFHV
FRQVLVWHQWZLWKWKH'HSDUWPHQW·VHVWDEOLVKHGFRVWUHFRYHU\SROLF\Define and integrate
scholarships, credit for volunteerism, reduced fees, and similar programs to offset costs.
4.20 Conduct a periodic program review and analysis to help maintain program quality,
responsiveness, and relevance. Track program participation, cost recovery, and
customer satisfaction data by program service area and supplemental service area to
track participation; measure the success of different types of programs; and evaluate
programming needs. Create an annual summary of total participation by service area to
determine which programs to expand or eliminate. Conduct a review of the recreation
brochure, and evaluate existing programs and activities, as well as desired programs.
Create a marketing plan. Implement a program evaluation and forecasting tool to assist
in decision-making about what types of programs to provide, which classes to cancel and
when to introduce new or trending activities.
4.21 Update registration software to facilitate program and activity registration and data
tracking to ensure the best customer service possible. Based on these findings, re-
evaluate options for park and facility rentals to expand options for part, half, and full
day reservations to support more family gatherings and group activities. Define a fee
philosophy, methodology and cost recovery goals for fees and charges for programs and
services.
“More organized, lower
impact, group sports. Art,
SKRWRJUDSK\ÀOPHWFFODVVHV
Cooking and other hobbiest
classes.”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
“More options for dance,
VSHFLÀFDOO\IRUDGXOWV LH
hip hop, modern dance, etc),
Martial arts (i.e., BJJ), technical
skills (i.e., photoshop, data
wrangling and visualization
(like Tableau).”
—Communitywide Online Survey
Respondent
103Parks Plan 2040
4.22 Provide resources to collect, evaluate, and report data on participation by service area
and other key metrics. The department is currently tracking program participation and
park use and visitation, but resources need to continue to be allocated for these efforts.
4.23 Review Department goals, policies, and procedures on a regular basis, consistent with
the established CAPRA agency review cycle for each document. Lake Oswego Parks &
Recreation achieved accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and
Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) in 2023. Maintaining CAPRA accreditation requires that the
Department review its goals, policies, and procedures on an established review cycle and
update these documents if needed.
4.24 &UHDWHDVWUDWHJLFDFWLRQSODQHYHU\ÀYH\HDUVWRUHGHÀQHDFWLRQLWHPVUROHVDQG
responsibilities to achieve Parks Master Plan initiatives. This action plan should focus
on the next five years (shorter than the life of Parks Plan 2040) and should guide the
department in project prioritization, goal setting, and budgeting.
4.25 &RQGXFWDQXSGDWHWRWKH3DUNV0DVWHU3ODQDSSUR[LPDWHO\HYHU\ÀIWHHQ\HDUVParks
Plan 2040 plans for Lake Oswego’s parks, recreation facilities, trails, natural areas, and
programs and services over the next 15 years. As a living document the plan should be
updated as projects are implemented, and community needs evolve.
Lake Oswego Public Golf Course
104Parks Plan 2040
5.1 'HVLJQH[LVWLQJDQGQHZSDUNVDQGUHFUHDWLRQIDFLOLWLHVIRUUHVLOLHQFHWRWKHLPSDFWV
of climate change. The department should support and be involved in future citywide
efforts to study climate vulnerabilities and use results to prioritize projects and
improvements that will have multiple co-benefits.
5.2 Use locally adapted native species for landscaping, natural area restoration,
rehabilitation, and erosion control wherever feasible. Work to remove invasive plant
species and plant native species in City parks and natural areas to allow the natural
habitat to flourish. Determine invasive plant species in Lake Oswego sites and remove
them with volunteer/contractor/City coordination. Ensure the approach to invasive
species treatment and removal is flexible; new invasive species and pests may arrive in
Lake Oswego and take priority over known species and pests. Replace trees and other
vegetation by prioritizing Oregon natives and including pollinator species to support
sustainable PNW landscapes. In addition, researching and using tree species that adapt
to changing climate conditions and are fire resistant is an identified implementation
action for Parks & Recreation in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
5.3 Invest in low-impact ecological stormwater solutions in parks, natural areas, and
facilities to prevent ecological damage from variable precipitation. Lake Oswego's
historical climate is changing and recent weather patterns are becoming warmer, with
hotter, drier summers. These measures could include maintaining and increasing the
capacity of stormwater infrastructure or enhancing the capacity of natural systems to
accommodate variable precipitation. This is also an identified implementation action for
Parks & Recreation in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
Goal 5: A Sustainable and Resilient System
“If we want a health[y],
robust, and sustainable open
spaces (natural areas), some
focused attention and care
has to switch to these spaces.
We need to correlate habitat
EHQHÀWVZLWKRXUQDWXUDODUHDV
and balance human use with
habitat needs.”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
“Trees & Bees” at Lake Oswego Farmer's Market
105Parks Plan 2040
5.4 Prepare and regularly revisit guidelines for use of native vegetation and wildlife-
IULHQGO\HOHPHQWVIRUWUDLOVDORQJFUHHNFRUULGRUVDQGSDUNVLQSUR[LPLW\WRFUHHNV
These can address items such as use of native riparian plantings, bird- and pollinator-
friendly plantings, goals for addition of native oaks, and water features/fountains for birds
where creek flows are not year-round. City staff have management policies and practices,
but this institutional knowledge should be captured in these guidelines.
5.5 6XSSRUWRUOHDGIXWXUHHઊRUWVWRLGHQWLI\FOLPDWHYXOQHUDELOLWLHVRI/DNH2VZHJR·VSDUN
and recreation system including natural resources, sensitive habitats, park amenities
and facilities, and other assets that will be impacted by climate hazards like forest and
YHJHWDWLRQSHVWVDQGGLVHDVHZLOGÀUHGURXJKWH[WUHPHKHDWDQGVHYHUHZHDWKHU
This type of climate planning is primarily focused on identifying system vulnerabilities
and adaptation strategies, rather than a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It can
overlap or relate to other City plans and initiatives such as the Climate Action Plan
or Sustainability Advisory Board. While the Parks and Recreation Department could
lead a focused effort for the parks and recreation system, this could also be done in
collaboration with other departments or as a citywide action. This information can be
used to further identify and implement strategies to improve resiliency. Building climate
resiliency was identified during the planning process, particularly during youth outreach
and engagement, as well as during conversations with City staff.
5.6 ,QVWDOO(9FKDUJLQJVWDWLRQVDWQHZSDUNVDQGUHFUHDWLRQIDFLOLWLHVZKHUHDઊRUGDEOH
and feasible. Installing EV charging stations at City-owned facilities, including parks
and recreation facilities, is an identified implementation action in the Sustainability
and Climate Action Plan. Coordination with the Facilities department and Sustainability
program manager will be required to identify suitable sites and preferred EV charging
models.
Hallinan Woods Natural Area
Lamont Springs Natural Area
106Parks Plan 2040
5.7 ([SORUHDGGLWLRQDORSSRUWXQLWLHVIRUFRPPXQLW\JDUGHQVHGLEOHODQGVFDSLQJDQGORFDO
food banks. Reducing local food insecurity has been identified as a priority by a number
of local advocacy groups. The City should explore opportunities to provide community
garden space at other locations besides Luscher Farm and the Adult Community Center,
and look into opportunities for youth and young people to learn gardening and food
production techniques. This is an identified implementation action for Parks & Recreation
in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
5.8 Reduce the use of single-use plastic service-ware (cutlery, cups, straws, etc.)
at community events, programs, activities, and meetings. This is an identified
implementation action for Parks & Recreation in the Sustainability and Climate Action
Plan.
5.9 :KHQSXUFKDVLQJDQHZÁHHWYHKLFOHFRQVLGHUFKRRVLQJDQHOHFWULFYHKLFOH (9 ZKHQ
IHDVLEOHEDVHGRQDOLIHF\FOHDQGÀQDQFLDODQDO\VLVChoosing to purchase electric
vehicles over gas-powered vehicles is an identified implementation action for Parks &
Recreation in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
5.10 ([SDQGWKHXVHRIEDWWHU\SRZHUHGPDLQWHQDQFHHTXLSPHQWZKHUHSUDFWLFDODQG
feasible. This is an identified implementation action for Parks & Recreation in the
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, and has also been identified as a priority by
community members during community engagement.
5.11 Provide educational information, resources, and learning opportunities on invasive
species and pest management to the community. Treatment and removal of invasive
species and pests on non-City property is just as important as proper management
requires a comprehensive approach. Consider events and workshops where community
members can learn more about these species and pests, particularly new ones like the
Emerald Ash Borer, and even participate in hands on treatment or removal.
Luscher Farm
107Parks Plan 2040
5.12 Coordinate with community groups and participate in community sustainability
education events in public spaces. Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation staff regularly
attend events that provide information and education about community sustainability,
including the annual Sustainability Resource Fair. Continuing to attend and engage
with such events is an identified implementation action for Parks & Recreation in the
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
5.13 Prioritize recreation activities and events that support a sustainable community such
as environmental education, community gardens, and the pollinator celebration.
Provide quality environmental education and nature programming at Luscher Farm,
including both indoor and outdoor programs. Partner with schools to create outdoor
classrooms and curricula to bring environmental education options closer to students.
Luscher Farm Luscher Farm
108Parks Plan 2040
Goal 6: A Connected System
6.1 (PEUDFHWKHEHVWSUDFWLFHVRIWKH1DWLRQDO5HFUHDWLRQ 3DUN$VVRFLDWLRQ·V´6DIH
Routes to Parks” program. Identify and advocate for policy changes to promote Safe
Routes to Parks through amendments to design guidelines, street standards, zoning and
subdivision standards, maintenance, and other policy opportunities. The department
should also advocate for integration of these practices into other City planning efforts
including comprehensive, transportation, and neighborhood plans.
6.2 Coordinate with other City departments on the Pathways Program and advocate
for pathway projects that connect neighborhoods to parks, natural areas, and
recreation facilities. The Parks & Recreation Department is not responsible for building
or maintaining pathways along streets or outside of parks and natural areas in Lake
Oswego. However, the department can continue to communicate community priorities
for connecting community members to parks and recreation facilities.
6.3 &RRUGLQDWHZLWKWKH/DNH2VZHJR6FKRRO'LVWULFWWRLQFRUSRUDWHSDWKZD\VDQG
WUDLOVLQSDUNVDQGQDWXUDODUHDVLQWR6DIH5RXWHVWR6FKRROSURJUDPPLQJLook for
opportunities to make important pathway connections and trail corridors in parks and
natural areas that link school sites with residential areas.
“The walking trails and
paths [are] too short.
We need more inter
connectivity.”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
“There are almost no places
to safely bike any distance
without having to get on a
road which is unsafe with kids.
I think the parks would be
much more accessible to all
if there were protected bike
paths connecting them”
—Communitywide Online
Survey Respondent
Willamette River Greenway Stafford Basin Regional Trail
109Parks Plan 2040
6.4 Coordinate with transit agencies such as TriMet or, if implemented, a local community
circulator program, to advocate for transit routes and stops that connect community
members to community and regional parks and recreation facilities. While current
transit service in Lake Oswego is limited, TriMet may extend additional routes to and
through the city in the future. If and when this occurs, the Department should advocate
for stops that provide access to parks, with an emphasis on access to community- and
regional-scale parks and major recreation facilities like the future Recreation and Aquatics
Center. If a local transit program such as a community circulator route is implemented in
the future, similar advocacy should be undertaken.
6.5 &RRUGLQDWHZLWKDGMDFHQWFLWLHVWRFRQQHFWH[LVWLQJDQGSODQQHGWUDLOFRUULGRUVWR
surrounding regional and local trail networks. Work with regional partner agencies
and neighboring communities to plan, design, and develop regional trails. Continue to
be involved in conversations regarding regional trails and communicate with adjacent
jurisdictions on opportunities to link trail networks.
6.6 :RUNZLWKWKH(QJLQHHULQJ'HSDUWPHQWWRLPSOHPHQWWKH7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ6\VWHP
Plan, pathways program, and other relevant bicycle and pedestrian plans and provide
a system of Class I, II, III, and IV trails. Multi-modal trails and more connections to
parks are a priority for the community. Cross-department collaboration is integral to
successfully meeting community needs.
6.7 Address parking needs while considering a multimodal system; facilitate or connect
residents to shuttle services, transit, and transportation options. The City should
explore the process to develop a city shuttle bus service pilot program, and identify key
park and recreation needs and destinations. The shuttle/transportation could occur at
selected times/locations to transport residents in park deficient areas to community or
citywide parks and programs.
Lake Grove Neighborhood
George Rogers Park
110Parks Plan 2040
6.8 &RRUGLQDWHZLWKWKH&LW\·V(QJLQHHULQJ'HSDUWPHQWWRHQFRXUDJHLPSOHPHQWDWLRQ
RIWKH+DOOPDUN)HVWLYDO6WUHHWSURMHFW 763 The Lake Grove Village Center Plan
identifies improvements and special treatments along to Hallmark Drive between
Douglas Way and Mercantile Drive to designate it as the “Hallmark Festival Street.” The
festival street design concept includes bollards, street trees or other elements to separate
the sidewalk and the roadway (there are no curbs), wheel stops, special paving, and
special landscaping. The project is a condition of approval for development of the “village
commons”, is included in the City's Transportation System Plan (project 152), and is listed
as an unfunded project in Engineering's Capital Improvement Project list. In recent years
Parks & Recreation has begun hosting the Lake Grove Farmers Market on Hallmark Drive,
which has increased the need for these festival street improvements.
6.9 Consider programmatic and physical improvements to improve access by motorized
and public transportation. Improve drop off areas and loading/unloading zones. At sites
with high volumes of traffic consider improvements for both vehicular and non-vehicular
access.
6.10 Provide recreation events that encourage attendance by active transportation and use
of the pedestrian and bicycle network. Support and consider hosting events like fun-
runs or themed bike rides that use the city's pedestrian-bike network. The Department
should look for opportunities to partner with local bike shops for sponsorships or tents/
booths.
6.11 3XEOLVKELNHDQGZDONLQJURXWHLQIRUPDWLRQRQOLQHDQGLQWKH&LW\·VSXEOLFPDWHULDOV
such as the Activities Guide, park and recreation system maps, and the City website.
As part of efforts to make information on parks and recreation easier to find on the City's
website, publish information on walking and biking routes online, including information
about accessibility, surfacing, and length of trails and pathways within City parks and
natural areas.
Luscher Farm
111Parks Plan 2040
Goal 7: Community Partnerships and Engagement
7.1 ([SORUHWKHFUHDWLRQRIDIRXQGDWLRQIRUIXQGLQJODQGDFTXLVLWLRQRUPDMRUSDUN
improvements. Look to examples from other cities or park districts that have established
foundations related to parks and recreation.
7.2 Rely on the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board as the review
body for providing input into important issues and policies related to parks and
recreation. The PRNRAB makes recommendations to the City Council and staff, advising
on policies, projects, and initiatives related to parks and recreation. They perform a critical
role in implementing Parks Plan 2040 and are instrumental in the success of the City's
park and recreation system.
7.3 Prior to undertaking a design or development project, determine the appropriate
OHYHORIFRPPXQLW\HQJDJHPHQWEDVHGRQWKH'HSDUWPHQW·V&RPPXQLW\(QJDJHPHQW
Goals, Policies, and Procedures to ensure local needs are met by future investments.
The City should continue to engage community members when embarking on specific
projects and publish information on planning efforts and construction projects on its
website.
7.4 'HYHORSDQGLPSOHPHQWVWUDWHJLHVWRHQVXUHHTXLWDEOHDQGHઊHFWLYHFRPPXQLFDWLRQ
and collaboration with community groups and local advocacy organizations and
engage historically underserved or marginalized populations in local decision-making.
The department has contact with a variety of community groups and organizations and
has coordinated with many during the planning process. As a long-term action item,
the City should ensure lines of communication remain open and engage community
groups and organizations that may not have historically engaged in parks and recreation
planning.
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
Parks Plan 2040 Neighborhood Workshop
112Parks Plan 2040
7.5 Communicate progress made to achieve community recreation priorities and provide
additional ways to encourage and address community feedback. Continue to be
transparent on the status of parks and recreation projects and initiatives and consider
publishing an implementation tracker updated annually.
7.6 ,PSURYHWKHDYDLODELOLW\RILQIRUPDWLRQRQWKH&LW\·VZHEVLWHDERXWDPHQLWLHV
accessibility features, and trails at parks, natural areas, and recreation facilities to
better serve people with disabilities and the general public. A recurring theme during
the planning process was the inaccessibility of the City's website and many community
members noted they had difficulty navigating the website to find the information they
needed. The City should identify what information is most important to the community
to display. At the same time, ensure that information is still available through other
means (print materials) for those who do not use or rely on technology as much.
7.7 0DNHLWHDVLHUIRUZHEVLWHXVHUVWRQDYLJDWHWKH&LW\·VZHEVLWHDQGÀQGLQIRUPDWLRQ
about parks, trails, and upcoming events and programs. The department should
regularly update the City's website using the most current information. Provide easy-to-
find calendar schedules of City drop-in programs, events, and community meetings to
facilitate participation.
7.8 Make it easier to reserve and use parks and facilities via online programs suitable for
computer, tablet, or phone use. Continue implementation of software, network and
connectivity improvements that allow users to register for programs more conveniently
and from more locations. Implement procedures that are as simple and flexible as
possible for users to make or change reservations and registrations.
Hazelia Field
113Parks Plan 2040
7.9 ([SORUHWKHGHYHORSPHQWRIDQDSSKRVWHGDQGPDLQWDLQHGE\WKH3DUNV 5HFUHDWLRQ
Department. Park users have expressed wanting the ability to report unsatisfactory
park conditions or concerns using the web or a smart phone app, as well as to find
information about park hours or closures, upcoming activities and events, available
amenities, etc. The app could be a one-stop resource for recreation users and include
information such as current projects and infrastructure plans. The Department could
collaborate with student or young adults to create the app. Technology has changed
since Parks Plan 2025 and will continue to evolve; it is important for the city to keep up.
7.10 Regularly meet and coordinate with other City departments, particularly regarding
actions to achieve goals and initiatives that require cross-departmental collaboration
to ensure success. The City should continue to provide regular updates to other
departments, advisory boards, and elected leaders. These efforts are important to
continue as many department initiatives and projects span service areas.
7.11 Ensure that the Parks & Recreation Department is involved in vision and goal setting
IRUSODQVDQGSURMHFWVWKDWLPSDFWRUUHODWHWRWKH&LW\·VSDUNVDQGUHFUHDWLRQV\VWHP
The City of Lake Oswego has many functional and focused plans implemented by various
departments. Updates to these plans provide the Parks & Recreation Department an
opportunity to share community needs, priorities, and current challenges and issues.
7.12 Partner with indigenous organizations such as the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
WRSURYLGHLQWHUSUHWLYHVLJQDJHDQGRUDUWLQFXOWXUDOO\VLJQLÀFDQWDUHDVThe Kalapuya,
Walla-Walla, Umatilla, and Cayuse were the first peoples of the Lake Oswego area.
Waterways and other park sites may contain cultural resources as well as be culturally
significant, and the City should coordinate and partner with indigenous organizations to
recognize these resources and provide education about their history.
Alder Creek Kayak Rentals at George Rogers Park
River Run Park
114Parks Plan 2040
7.13 ([SORUHDQHZ-RLQW8VH$JUHHPHQWZLWKWKH/DNH2VZHJR6FKRRO'LVWULFWWRLPSURYH
SXEOLFDFFHVVWRSOD\DUHDVVSRUWVFRXUWVDWKOHWLFÀHOGVDQGRWKHULQGRRUDQGRXWGRRU
recreation amenities during appropriate times. During the planning process, school sites
were noted as an additional opportunity for expanding community access to a variety
of recreation sites, including athletic fields. The City does not currently have a Joint
Use Agreement with the School District. A new agreement or coordination procedures
between the two organizations should specify appropriate times for community use of
District facilities to ensure consistency with School District safety and other policies.
7.14 &RRUGLQDWHZLWKWKH6FKRRO'LVWULFWWRLPSURYHSXEOLFDFFHVVWRUHFUHDWLRQIDFLOLWLHV
DWVFKRROVLWHVVXFKDVDWKOHWLFÀHOGVDQGFRPPXQLFDWHDQGFRRUGLQDWHWKHWLPLQJRI
capital improvement projects to major recreation facilities to reduce service impacts.
Consider partnerships with other community groups or partner agencies who own or
manage athletic fields. Outside of a formal Joint Use Agreement, the City should be in
regular communication with the School District to discuss opportunities for collaboration
and coordination of facility rentals with local sports and other community groups,
particularly for use of athletic fields. While the community has expressed a need for
more athletic field capacity, either new fields or extended playability on existing fields,
the city is generally built out and lacks space for new sports fields beyond those already
identified in Parks Plan 2040. The City should consider strategic partnerships with other
agencies or groups who own and manage athletic fields to try and meet demand.
7.15 Coordinate with the Historical Resources Advisory Board and other local historic
SUHVHUYDWLRQJURXSVWRLGHQWLI\SUHVHUYHDQGUHVWRUHVLWHVRIKLVWRULFDOVLJQLÀFDQFH
in current and future parks. The City owns several properties with historic resources
and should continue to protect these areas and look for restoration opportunities as
needed. The Willamette Falls Heritage Foundation raises funds for historic preservation,
education, and other heritage related programs and could be a potential resource for
highlighting and preserving resources like the Iron Smelter and Iron Workers' Cottage.
Adult Coed Soccer League
Historical Photo of Luscher Farm
115Parks Plan 2040
7.16 Involve homeowner associations (HOAs) in identifying private recreation areas that
are suitable for public use, and support the design, development, or activation of
underutilized HOA open spaces. HOAs provide recreation space to residents and can
help supplement recreation opportunities to residents living in “gap” areas for essential
services. The Department should maintain relationships with the various HOAs and be
available to provide guidance on the design, development, and activation of HOA-owned
recreation spaces, where needed.
7.17 3XUVXHSDUWQHUVKLSVZLWKFRPPXQLW\RUJDQL]DWLRQVRURWKHUDJHQFLHVWRRઊHU
SURJUDPVWKDWDUHDFFHVVLEOHWRUHVLGHQWVZKROLYHLQLGHQWLÀHGJDSDUHDVRUDUHDVZLWK
several high equity indicators. While the planning process identified several geographic
areas that lacked access to one or more of the “essential park services,” the city is largely
built out and many of these gap areas lack vacant or redevelopable land that could be
used for new parks or facilities. Strategic actions such as partnering with community
organizations that offer recreation programming is one way to reduce gaps in access to
essential services.
7.18 Work with partner agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and the public to develop new
and creative funding sources and other strategies to build and support the park and
recreation system. Not all projects in the Capital Improvement Project List will be able
to be solely funded by the City in the next 15 years. The City will be in close coordination
with potential partners to take advantage when opportunities for funding arise.
7.19 Enhance recreational programs and services through new partnerships with
DJHQFLHVUHFUHDWLRQGLVWULFWVDQGQRQSURÀWRUJDQL]DWLRQVWKDWSURYLGHUHFUHDWLRQDO
programming. Explore options to increase access to existing non-City-owned community
facilities, such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, tennis courts and theaters/performance
space. Consider options such as scheduling changes, programming provision, and/or
reductions in fees or subsidies.
Youth Enrichment Program
Adult Cornhole
116Parks Plan 2040
7.20 6XSSRUWRUJDQL]HGSOD\RSSRUWXQLWLHVFODVVHVDQGDFWLYLWLHVLQSDUNVConsider
programming options led by staff, contract staff, and partners. In addition to more
traditional programming, support temporary unique events, such as “pop-up” parklets or
temporary street closures for special programs. The City should also facilitate community
groups as bodies for organizing neighborhood events.
7.21 3DUWQHUZLWKRWKHUUHFUHDWLRQSURYLGHUVWRRઊHUPRUHFKDOOHQJLQJQDWXUHEDVHG
activities in parks and recreation facilities, such as orienteering, overnight camping,
RXWGRRUVXUYLYDOWUDLQLQJFDQRHND\DNWUDLQLQJ LQSRROVRUDWUHVHUYRLUVODNHV HWF
Both the community at-large and particularly youth populations desire more nature-
based activities. The City should explore partnerships with program providers who offer
these challenging activities.
7.22 Cultivate relationships with business partners and sponsorships for facilities, activities,
DQGVHUYLFHVWKDWUHÁHFWVKDUHGLQWHUHVWVDQGRUDOVRKHOSDGGUHVVHPSOR\HHQHHGV
The City should look for partners aligned with department initiatives, programs, and
services that can help host, sponsor, or staff events.
Rassekh Park
117Parks Plan 2040
Transformative Projects6
118Parks Plan 2040
CAPTIAL
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT LIST
CITY STAFF
FEEDBACK
COMMUNITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FEEDBACK
PARKS BOARD
FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUPS
+ SURVEYS
NEIGHBORHOOD
WORKSHOPS
OTHER PARK &
FACILITY PLANS
OR STUDIES
GAP ANALYSIS
+
PARK NEEDS
ASSESSMENT
OTHER CITY PLANS
Ex: Climate Action Plan &
ADA Transition Plan
CA PTIA L
IMPROVE M ENT
PRO JE CT LIST
CITY STAFF
F E E DBACK
COMMUNITY
ADVISORYRR COMMITTEE
FEEDBACK
PAR KS BOAR D
FEE DBACK
FOCUS GROUPS
+S URVRREYS
NEIGHBOR HOOD
WORKSHOPS
O THER P ARK &
F ACILITY PL ANS
O R STUD IES
GAP ANALYSIS
+
PARK NEEDS
ASSESSMENT
OTHER CIT Y PL ANS
Ex:Climate Action Plan &
ADA Transition Plan
Transformative
Projects
This chapter highlights certain recommendations
LGHQWLÀHGDWVSHFLÀFSDUNVQDWXUDODUHDVDQG
UHFUHDWLRQIDFLOLWLHVWREULQJWKHV\VWHPXSWRWKH
FRPPXQLW\·VGHVLUHGOHYHORIVHUYLFHLQFOXGLQJ
UHLQYHVWPHQWLQH[LVWLQJSDUNVDQGGHYHORSPHQWRI
QHZSDUNVIDFLOLWLHVDQGDPHQLWLHV
There are many opportunities to enhance
and develop Lake Oswego's parks, recreation
facilities, and natural areas to achieve
community goals and aspirations for the
future. This chapter provides a snapshot
of the key projects that could transform
recreation opportunities over the next 15
years, expanding on the community needs,
goals, and systemwide recommendations
presented in previous chapters. These are the
projects that residents, PRNRAB members,
and City Councilors will advocate for when
implementing the five-Year Action Plan that
is presented in the next chapter. Appendix
D provides the complete list of site-specific
recommendations for existing and proposed
sites, including associated planning-level
capital and maintenance costs for all capital
projects by category.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLANNING
The Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
List included in Appendix D organizes site
recommendations by facility classification
(community park, neighborhood
park, recreation facility, etc.). Several
recommendations are for proposed new parks,
Figure 6-1: Capital Project Inputs
facilities, or amenities for which a site has not
yet been identified, along with a few capital
projects that are recommended systemwide.
Rassekh Skatepark Construction (2024)
119Parks Plan 2040
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLANNING
The CIP List identifies projects from a wide
range of sources to create a well-balanced and
community driven future for Lake Oswego's
Park and Recreation System. Some projects
are from existing site master plans that have
yet to be implemented; some represent
needed replacements of aging amenities or
equipment; and others are new ideas that were
generated by community input during the
planning process. Figure 6-1 on the prior page
outlines the various inputs that inform the
projects included in the CIP List.
The CIP List as presented in Appendix D and
Chapters 6 and 7 represents a point-in-time
snapshot of the capital improvements needed
to achieve the vision for Lake Oswego's park
and recreation system identified in Parks
Plan 2040. Over the 15-year implementation
period some projects may be eliminated, new
projects may be added, and implementation
timeframes may shift in response to evolving
community and City Council priorities, park
and recreation trends, available funding
sources, and other unforeseen issues or needs
that may arise.
The CIP includes four general project types for
future improvements.
»Reinvestment: Projects focused on
improving what we already have. These
include making improvements to existing
parks, such as renovating or replacing
existing amenities.
»Build/Add: Projects that build new
capacity such as site master planning and
business planning, land acquisition, site
development, and/or construction of a
major new amenity, facility, or building.
»Access: Projects that increase connections
to and accessibility within existing parks
and facilities.
»Nature: Projects that enhance natural areas
or provide opportunities to connect with
nature.
Figure 6-2 on the next page illustrates where
the different capital project types are proposed
across Lake Oswego's existing parks and
recreation sites.
Capital Project Snapshot
125 Total Projects
43 Reinvestment Projects
31 Build/Add Projects
52 Access Projects
1 Nature Project*
* Note that other efforts, such as the restoration
work in the city's natural areas, represent ongoing
maintenance efforts rather than capital investment
projects. In addition, there are 23 projects identified
in natural areas that represent a continued planned
investment in providing Lake Oswego residents with
access to nature.
Rassekh Park Groundbreaking (2023)
120Parks Plan 2040
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South Shore
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FIGURE 6-2:
Proposed Park and
Recreation System
Sources: City of Lake Oswego and Metro
RLIS Database, 2023.
Date: October 2024.
Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation
School
Water Body
Base Map Features
Park or Facility
Non-City Park and Open Space
City Boundary
Metro Urban Growth Boundary
Trail or Pathway
Proposed Project Type
Reinvestment
Build/Add
Access
Nature
Parks Plan 2040 121
TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECTS
The transformative projects on the following pages highlight the key site-specific
recommendations for existing and proposed new parks and recreation facilities.
These projects represent investment into 16 different park and recreation sites in 12
different neighborhoods across the city. Appendix D includes a complete list of all
site-specific recommendations and capital projects identified by Parks Plan 2040 for
the 15-year planning period.
Existing Parks and Facilities
Throughout the planning process, community members prioritized taking care of
what Lake Oswego already has through investments in existing parks, recreation
facilities, trails, and natural areas. In response to this priority, the CIP List focuses
on making investments within and improvements to existing sites. Projects that
add new parks or significant new amenities and increase annual maintenance costs
were carefully considered. Across all existing parks, Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
will continue to advance routine capital maintenance projects, like replacing
play structures as they reach the end of their life cycles, as well as implementing
accessibility improvements identified in the Lake Oswego ADA Self-Evaluation
Transition Plan.
Iron Mountain Park Renovation (2020)
Parks Plan 2040 122
Located on the shores of the Willamette River in Lake Oswego's Old Town
neighborhood, George Rogers Park is one of the city's largest and most popular
developed parks, as well as one of its oldest. It provides recreational access to the
Willamette River as well as unique views both upstream and downstream. The
park offers athletic fields, two tennis courts, a playground with an inclusive swing,
restrooms, a memorial garden, two large picnic shelters, trails through a large
natural area, and the Oswego Iron Furnace, which is listed on the National Historic
register and serves as a reminder of Lake Oswego's industrial past. Improvements
recommended at George Rogers Park include:
»Upper and Lower Level ADA Improvements. Improves both the upper and lower
levels of the park as identified in the City's 2021 ADA Transition Plan Facility
Assessment, ensuring that accessibility for all visitors is enhanced throughout the
site. This initiative includes upgrades to various areas such as parking, pathways,
access ramps, trails, and support amenities. The specific improvements are
detailed in the full ADA Transition Plan Facility Assessment Report.
»Arbor Renovation. Involves the complete rebuilding of the existing arbor at the
entrance to the lower grassy area from the lower parking lot.
»Playground Replacement. Replaces the current playground, which was installed
in 2014 and will likely need to be replaced by 2035. The new playground will
meet current safety standards and provide a modern, exciting play environment
for children. Regularly replacing outdated playground equipment is crucial to
maintaining the safety, usability, and overall quality of the park system.
»Upper Picnic Shelter Replacement. Replaces the upper picnic shelter, which was
built in 1981 and will likely need to be replaced in the next five years due to its
current condition. The shelter is a popular gathering place for families, friends,
and parking users seeking shelter from the sun or rain.
George Rogers Park
Parks Plan 2040 123
»Athletic Field Upgrades. Replaces the natural infields with artificial turf. This
change will significantly improve the playability of the athletic field, especially
during the wet weather months, ensuring that the field remains in usable
condition year-round.
»Historic Iron Smelting Furnace Cleaning. Continues the Historic Iron Smelting
Furnace Cleaning, which is a significant recurring capital maintenance task that
occurs every five years. Regular cleaning and upkeep are essential to preserving
the historic iron furnace, a significant landmark. These efforts help to ensure that
this piece of history remains well-maintained for future generations.
»Willamette River Greenway Trail Connection. Creates an asphalt pathway that
will lead from the lower-level restroom structure to access the river on the east
edge of the park and continue north across an existing 20’ easement to connect
to the existing southern terminus of an asphalt path from Foothills Park and
Roehr Park. The river access pathway will connect to an existing water access
ramp, previously used as a boat launch.
»Accessible Kayak Launch. Constructs a new ADA-accessible entry point to the
river for kayakers. This launch will be situated at the park's beach area and could
also involve improvements to, or the creation of, permanent storage facilities for
the park's kayak rental program.
»Tennis Court Lighting. Adds lighting to the existing tennis courts to increase
playability during winter months.
George Rogers Park
Parks Plan 2040 124
Luscher Farm is one of Lake Oswego's most unique assets. Previously a dairy
operation, the farm was purchased by the City in 1990 and has been preserved
with the intent to educate visitors about Oregon's agricultural history and organic
gardening practices. The “Luscher Area” is over 109 acres and made up of seven
different properties. While it is adjacent to the Palisades neighborhood, Luscher
Farm is located in unincorporated Clackamas County, outside city limits. The area
has undergone several master planning efforts, most recently with the adopted
2013 Luscher Area Master Plan. The 2013 Master Plan identified recommendations
that protect the historic core of the Luscher Area; preserve the current farming
activities, expand the community gardens; provide a center for learning about the
history and natural resources of the area; provide limited additional active recreation
in areas where it can be accommodated; and knit the various parcels that make
up the Luscher Area into a coherent whole with trails, pathways, and connected
natural resources. Subsequent planning for the area, including a 2017 Agricultural
Plan and 2021 Task Force Report, have further refined and prioritized the 2013
Master Plan recommendations, but additional engagement with the community
and Luscher Area stakeholders will be needed prior to designing and implementing
each of the projects. Parks Plan 2040 aligns with the 2013 Master Plan for this site,
recommending the following projects:
»Access and Parking Improvements. Creates a new public access driveway to
replace the historic farm entrance on Rosemont Road, as well as constructs a new
parking lot. These improvements have been identified as a priority for safety and
providing improved ADA access to the site and will implement the adopted 2013
Luscher Area Master Plan and 2021 Task Force recommendations.
Luscher Farm
Parks Plan 2040 125
»Community Garden Expansion and Improvements. Expands the existing
community garden area to add approximately 55 new garden plots, including
some ADA-accessible plots. The location of these new plots is currently identified
on the Firlane property, but other locations may be identified through further
study. In addition, new gardening support facilities such as tool sheds and
greenhouses should be provided, along with seating, picnic, and shade facilities.
ADA improvements identified in the community garden area should also be
completed as part of this project.
»Trail Improvements. Develops a network of compacted gravel and/or wood
chip trails throughout the fields and natural areas in the Luscher area. Trail
alignments may build on existing mowed grass fire breaks, which are currently
popular destinations for hiking and walking, to improve accessibility and
connectivity. Other improvements may include benches or other seating areas
at key viewpoints, and support amenities such as trash cans and picnic tables at
trailheads.
»Program Area Upgrades and ADA Improvements. Addresses the historic core
and program area of the Luscher property. Work will include adding support
amenities such as benches and picnic facilities; improved pedestrian circulation;
upgrades to demonstration gardens; gardening support facilities such as
tool sheds or greenhouses; upgrades to roads, new and improved pedestrian
pathways; and adding interpretive and wayfinding signage. In addition,
ADA improvements identified in the City's 2021 ADA Transition Plan Facility
Assessment Report for this area should also be completed.
»Public Restroom Building. Installs a public restroom building to serve visitors to
the park. It would likely be installed in or near the program area, but additional
study regarding location and functionality is needed prior to implementation.
Luscher Farm
Parks Plan 2040 126
»Historic Structure Rehabilitation and ADA Improvements. Undertakes the
rehabilitation of historic structures on the Luscher property, including the
barn, farmhouse, and bunkhouse. In addition to historic rehabilitation, ADA
improvements identified for buildings in the City's 2021 ADA Transition Plan
Facility Assessment Report will also be completed. The scope of the historic
rehabilitations will be determined through further study, and work will be
managed by preservation professionals consistent with The Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
»Wilson Creek Restoration. Daylights, regrades, restores, and replants the stream
corridor with native riparian vegetation. Wilson Creek was tiled during previous
agricultural use prior to City ownership, but the tiles are now failing. This portion
of the property is planned to remain a natural area with limited public use aside
from soft-surface trails and natural resource and habitat restoration activities.
»Agricultural Themed Play Area. Constructs an agricultural- or farm-themed
playground and picnic area on the Firlane property north of the existing
farmhouse. The scope includes a playground and picnic shelter that will be
connected to the Luscher Farm Program Area by compacted gravel pathways.
The 2013 Luscher Area Master Plan contemplates creating a custom play area or
repurposing old farm equipment such as tractors as play elements; this scope
may be refined through engagement with Luscher area stakeholders.
»Farr Neighborhood Park. Provides traditional neighborhood park features
including a passive recreation space, five-foot wide compacted gravel walking
trails, picnicking areas, a new picnic shelter, signage, and an eco-friendly lawn on
the Farr property east of Hazelia Field. It will also provide a boardwalk, viewing
platform, and interpretive signage around the wetland.
Luscher Farm
Parks Plan 2040 127
»Urban Agriculture Expansion. Implements the recommendations from the 2013
Luscher Area Master Plan, the subsequent 2017 Agricultural Plan, and the Luscher
Farm Task Force recommendations to expand agricultural activities on the site.
The scope of work includes constructing a new centralized agricultural processing
and operational facility and potentially expanding other farming infrastructure
such as internal roads and storage facilities to support the existing Community
Supported Agriculture program. New types of farming operations may also
be expanded to other properties, including you-pick programs, perennials or
orchards, livestock, or edible forests, subject to further study.
»Brock Climbing or Ropes Challenge Play Area. Develops a nature play area
on the Brock property that incorporates climbing elements. The area would
be accessible via the existing small trailhead parking lot on the property or via
compacted gravel trails from the new access and parking lot from Rosemont
Road. Seating, wildlife viewing areas, and interpretive or educational signage may
also be included in this project scope, which will be refined through community
engagement.
»Urban Agriculture/Environmental Education Center. The scope of this project
will be informed by the historic structure rehabilitation work and could include
rehabilitating the existing Firlane farmhouse for use as an education center or
constructing a new building to serve as the education center. Implementation
of this project is contingent upon the City of Lake Oswego first annexing the
remainder of the Luscher area properties in the future.
»Active Recreation Area. Constructs two new multi-sport athletic fields, a vehicle
parking area, internal road and pathway network, and basketball courts east
of Hazelia Field, consistent with the adopted 2013 Luscher Area Master Plan.
Implementation of this project is contingent upon the City of Lake Oswego first
annexing the remainder of the Luscher area properties in the future.
Luscher Farm
Parks Plan 2040 128
Foothills Park is Lake Oswego's premier riverfront park. Located in the Foothills
neighborhood along the Willamette River waterfront, the park includes a picnic
shelter and pavilion, public art, botanical gardens, restrooms, boat access to the
river, a grass amphitheater where summer concerts are hosted, a viewing platform
with a shade structure (called “the dolphin”), a Veterans Memorial, a Centenarian
Plaza, and basalt columns engraved with William Stafford's poetry. Nearly 1/3 of a
mile of the Willamette River Greenway trail follows the river through Foothills Park.
Recommended projects focus on increasing accessibility and future expansion of the
park to the north:
»Park Expansion. Expands Foothills Park to the north, following the planned
decommissioning and demolition of the existing Tryon Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant, which will be relocated. The expansion size and location will
align with the upcoming Foothills District Refinement Plan update. Possible
amenities include additional parking, secondary vehicle access, an amphitheater,
pickleball courts, trail connections, an off-leash dog area, sand volleyball courts,
and/or water play features. New amenities will be determined through further
community engagement. The planning-level cost estimate assumes an expansion
of approximately one acre, but the cost may vary based on the size and amenities
selected.
»Shade Structure Reinvestment. Replaces the dolphin sail shade structure, which
will reach the end of its functional life during the Parks Plan 2040 planning
horizon. Additionally, a seasonal shade structure may be considered in response
to community feedback, particularly for summer events like concerts.
»ADA Improvements. Completes the improvements identified in the City's 2021
ADA Transition Plan Facility Assessment Report for the parking lot, access road,
pathways, and other amenities at the park.
Foothills Park
Parks Plan 2040 129
Nestled in the Waluga neighborhood, East Waluga Park includes over 18 acres
of both active and passive recreation space. It includes two lighted artificial turf
baseball fields, a play area, a picnic shelter, public art, and restrooms. East Waluga is
also home to the Quarry Bike Skills Park, in the location of a former working quarry,
featuring a short single-track with berms, jumps, and more. Recommendations focus
on enhancing the many amenities this park already offers, including:
»Playground and Picnic Shelter Replacement. Replaces the existing playground,
which was installed in 2015 and will likely need to be replaced by 2035. The
nearby picnic shelter, which is a popular rental spot and gathering place for
family get-togethers and children's birthday parties, will also need replacement
on a similar timeframe. Approaching these two improvements together may help
reduce costs and minimize disruptions to park users.
»Quarry Bike Skills Park Upgrades. Enhances the Quarry Bike Skills Park at East
Waluga Park by improving access, adding wayfinding signage, increasing trail
connectivity, and repairing, rebuilding, and enhancing existing track features. It
may also include adding an all weather pump track feature.
»Athletic Field Improvements. Replaces elements of the two ballfields that will
reach the end of their functional life during the Parks Plan 2040 planning horizon.
Work will include replacing the artificial turf, upgrading the athletic field lighting,
and replacing the scoreboard. ADA improvements identified in the City's 2021
ADA Transition Plan Facility Assessment Report for the athletic fields will also be
completed.
»ADA Improvements. Completes the remaining improvements identified in the
City's 2021 ADA Transition Plan Facility Assessment Report for this site that were
not completed as a component of other park improvement projects.
East Waluga Park
Parks Plan 2040 130
Opposite Waluga Drive from East Waluga Park in the Waluga neighborhood, West
Waluga Park features a paved walking path, nature trails, a fenced dog park, a youth
playground, a “fit spot” with adult fitness equipment, and a covered picnic shelter
and restroom building. While these amenities are located in the 3-acre developed
park area located closest to Waluga Drive, the majority of the nearly 24-acre site
remains an undeveloped wooded wetland, maintained as a natural area with limited
public access. Recommended improvements to this park include:
»Playground Replacement. Replaces the existing playground at West Waluga Park
to ensure the continued safety, functionality, and quality of the site. The existing
playground was installed in 2010 and will likely need replacement by 2033.
»Playground Cover. Constructs a shelter/cover over the playground or a portion of
the playground to enable year-round play. Implementation of this project may be
paired with the planned playground replacement to minimize disruptions to park
users.
»ADA Improvements. Completes the improvements identified in the City's 2021
ADA Transition Plan Facility Assessment Report for the site.
»Neighborhood Connector Trail. Creates a new boardwalk pathway connecting
Royal Oaks Drive to Oakridge Court and/or Yorkshire Place and to the existing
pathway in the developed part of the park through the wooded natural area,
linking surrounding areas to the park's developed amenities and providing
pedestrian connectivity between two neighborhoods. Constructing portions of
the trail as a boardwalk will minimize impacts on the wetlands.
West Waluga Park
Parks Plan 2040 131
»Fitness Station Upgrades.Upgrades or replaces the existing fit spot at West
Waluga Park, installed in 2016, which is expected to need replacement during the
Parks Plan 2040 planning horizon.
»Dog Park Improvements. Resurfaces and upgrades the gravel walking paths in
the off-leash dog play area at West Waluga Park to improve the wet-weather
experience. It could also add a new covered shelter with seating or tables to
promote year-round use.
»Restroom and Shelter Replacement. Replaces the existing restroom and shelter
structure, one of the oldest restrooms in the existing park system, to upgrade
aging amenities and provide additional capacity for this community park.
West Waluga Park
Parks Plan 2040 132
Located in south Lake Oswego in the Palisades neighborhood, Rassekh Park is Lake
Oswego's newest community park. The first phase of development was completed
in 2024 and included a new driveway, parking lot, stormwater facilities, landscaping,
utilities, restrooms, walking paths, and a 10,000 square-foot skatepark. Future
phases of development will add a playground, picnic shelter, and lighted multi-sport
athletic field, along with a maintenance building, to this nearly 10-acre park. Future
improvements include:
»Phase 2 Development. Develops a play area with a large climbing tower, climbing
wall, nature play area, and tot play features, as well as a picnic shelter, plaza area,
and maintenance building, consistent with the approved master plan for this
park. These neighborhood park amenities were highly desired by the surrounding
community and are expected to serve as a place that fosters neighborhood
connections while providing opportunities for children of all ages to play. This
project is funded and expected to begin in early 2025.
»Phase 3 Development. Develops the multi-sport athletic field with lighting
and bleachers, additional parking spaces, an additional stormwater facility, and
additional pathway connections consistent with the approved master plan for the
park.
»Skatepark Enhancements. Enhances the skatepark to allow for increased year-
round use, including adding a cover over a portion of the skate surface, and
adding lighting.
Rassekh Park
Parks Plan 2040 133
Westlake Park is a 12-acre community park in northwest Lake Oswego's Westlake
neighborhood that offers a variety of essential park services. Westlake Park has
three lighted diamond ballfields that can also be lined for two soccer fields and host
concerts during the summer season, two lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, a
picnic shelter and restroom building, and a covered playground. Notably, all sports
fields and the tennis courts are lit. The park also includes a covered picnic shelter and
restrooms. Westlake Fire Station is located in the northeast corner of the park, and
park visitors may see Engine 210 driving past or firefighters doing training drills at
the fire tower. Recommended improvements focus on improving or replacing aging
amenities at this well-loved community park:
»Athletic Field Upgrades. Replaces the infields with artificial turf to improve wet-
weather playability and upgrade aging amenities like the athletic field lighting
and backstop safety netting.
»Basketball Court Lighting. Adds lighting to the existing basketball courts at
Westlake Park, one of only two outdoor court locations in the park system.
Community feedback highlighted the need for this upgrade to support year-
round play and exercise.
»Playground Replacement. Replaces the playground, which was installed in 2010
and will likely need to be replaced by 2031. Replacing outdated playgrounds
ensures safety, functionality, and the continued quality of the park system.
»Picnic Shelter Replacement. Replaces the aging park shelter, which includes a
covered picnic area, restrooms, and a maintenance storage room. The shelter,
built in 2010, is due to be replaced during the planning horizon.
»ADA Improvements. Completes the improvements identified in the City's 2021
ADA Transition Plan Facility Assessment Report for this park.
Westlake Park
Parks Plan 2040 134
Located in the Hallinan neighborhood, Freepons Park is the city's largest
neighborhood park at over 8 acres, though only about 2.5 acres of the park is
developed. The majority of the site is wooded with some soft-surface trails. The park
was built between 1996-1997 and most of the amenities are aging and in need of
significant repair or replacement. Parks Plan 2040 recommends a full-scale renovation
of the park to address known issues and respond to evolving community recreation
needs:
»Park Renovation. Fully renovates Freepons Park, one of Lake Oswego's oldest
and largest neighborhood parks. Possible scope includes an upgraded and
expanded play area, a picnic shelter or other community gathering space,
stormwater improvements to mitigate existing erosion and flooding issues, trail
and pathway improvements to enhance safety and accessibility, interpretive and
wayfinding signage, lighting, on-site vehicle parking, and water play features.
ADA improvements identified in the City's 2021 ADA Transition Plan Facility
Assessment Report will also be addressed during the renovation.
Freepons Park
Parks Plan 2040 135
Located at the edge of southwestern city limits in the Rosewood neighborhood,
Pilkington Park is a large neighborhood park with ample on-site parking. While it has
limited amenities, the park's grassy play areas, walking paths, fenced dog park, and
picnic tables under a stand of evergreen trees are popular with nearby neighbors.
The park is adjacent to River Grove Elementary School, and while the area is entirely
within the Lake Oswego Urban Services Boundary, many nearby homes are outside
city limits. The park presents an opportunity to expand park services in southwest
Lake Oswego by enhancing existing amenities and adding new recreation options. A
variety of improvements are proposed, and may be undertaken as a full-scale park
renovation rather than individual projects:
»Park/School Connectivity Improvement. Formalizes the trail connection between
Pilkington Park and River Grove Elementary School to improve access to the
school play area during non-school hours, in coordination with the Lake Oswego
School District.
»Play Area and/or Fitness Station. Adds a small playground or nature play area
on the underutilized open lawn north of the off-leash dog area for children's play.
This may also include a fitness station for adults. The type of play and/or fitness
equipment will be determined through additional community engagement.
»Park Restroom and Lighting. Adds new restrooms to Pilkington Park, the only
developed park in the area, as identified as a high priority during community
engagement, and adds lighting to the park.
»Dog Park Improvements. Adds a shelter or covered area and seating in the
existing off-leash dog park to promote year-round use and improve accessibility.
Pilkington Park
Parks Plan 2040 136
»Community Gardens. Adds 20-30 small garden plots to the underutilized lawn
north of the off-leash area to provide more community gardening opportunities.
»ADA Improvements. Completes improvements identified in the City's 2021 ADA
Transition Plan for existing amenities.
Pilkington Park
Tryon Cove Park
Tyron Cove Park, located in the northernmost Birdshill neighborhood of Lake
Oswego, is made up of several publicly owned parcels (City of Lake Oswego, City
of Portland, Metro) north of Tryon Creek. Tryon Cove is one of four opportunities
for Lake Oswego residents to access the Willamette River, but access to this site
is currently extremely limited. The Natural Area is located west of Stampher Road,
across from the small, developed park property on the riverfront. Vehicular access
is only available from the narrow two-lane Stampher Road, which crosses under
the railroad and intersects with State Highway 43, and there is currently no safe
pedestrian access from other parts of the city. A previous planning effort led by
Metro, in coordination with the City of Lake Oswego and City of Portland, developed
the Tryon Creek Cove Trail Master Plan, which recommends projects to link Foothills
Park to Tryon Creek State Park while providing a connection to the Willamette
River Water Trail at Tryon Creek Cove. Any improvements that draw additional
vehicle traffic to this area from Stampher Road should be carefully considered, or
alternative vehicle access routes should be identified and developed concurrently.
Homeowners along Stampher Road adjacent to the area should be included in design
conversations for new or improved pedestrian and vehicle connections.
Parks Plan 2040 137
Projects recommended for Tryon Cove Park and Natural Area include:
»ADA Improvements. Completes improvements identified in the City's 2021 ADA
Transition Plan for park amenities in the developed park.
»Dock and Gangway Improvements. Replaces the existing dock and gangway
from the developed park property, which require frequent maintenance and
repairs.
»Natural Area Trail Development. Develops a trail network through the Tryon
Cove natural area, consistent with Metro's 2018 Tryon Creek Cove Trail Master
Plan, in coordination with Metro and the City of Portland.
»Tryon Creek Bridge and Foothills Park Trail Connection. Connects the Tryon
Cove Park Natural Area to Foothills Park across Tryon Creek. Several alignment
options are presented in the 2018 Master Plan, but further study is required. This
effort will be coordinated with the Foothills District Refinement Plan update. This
project has the benefit of allowing visitors to park at Foothills Park and walk, bike,
or roll to access Tryon Cove, rather than access the properties from Stampher
Road.
»Highway 43 Pedestrian Undercrossing. Explores options for a pedestrian route
across Highway 43 to connect Tryon Cove Park to Tryon Creek State Park and
downtown Lake Oswego. This may be considered as part of the Tryon Creek
Highway 43 Culvert Replacement Project, requiring coordination with various
agencies including Metro, the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services,
and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Tryon Cove Park
Parks Plan 2040 138
Natural Area Improvements
Chapter X of the City's Charter regulates certain Natural
Areas in the city, prohibiting types of development and
recreation facilities. Charter language does provide
for maintenance of existing facilities, as well as for
implementation of park master plans adopted prior to
November 2, 2021. However, certain provisions in Chapter
X may require legal interpretation, and in some cases voter
approval, before moving forward with projects in sites
designated by the charter as “nature preserves”, especially
if the language is unclear or ambiguous. Additional
information about potentially affected projects can be
found in Appendix D.
Parks Plan 2040 139
Bryant Woods Nature Park is a 29-acre wildlife-rich natural area in the Bryant
neighborhood, containing a seasonal wetland/meadow, upland forested area, and
a natural spring with an associated creek. A soft-surface trail system runs through
the park, accessible from a largely unimproved gravel parking area north of Childs
Road, or from neighborhood access off of Deerbrush Avenue/Alert Circle at the
north end of the park. Bryant Woods is one of three park properties that make up
the Canal Area, in addition to Canal Acres Natural Area and River Run Park. The
area underwent a coordinated planning effort and the Canal Area Master Plan was
approved by City Council in 2001. However, implementation of the vast majority of
recommendations from this plan was never completed. These natural areas, with
an abundance of ecological diversity, offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing,
park stewardship, environmental education, and fostering connections with nature;
however, legal interpretation of restrictions on the following projects due to Chapter
X of the City Charter, which designates the entirety of Bryant Woods Nature Park
as a “nature preserve,” will be needed prior to implementation. Recommendations
focus on increasing nature access for visitors via soft-surface trails, boardwalks, and
interpretive or educational signage:
»Park Entry Improvements and ADA Parking. Improves the access drive, parking
area, and entryway to the park, including expanding the gravel parking with eco-
block pavers, adding wayfinding and educational signage, trailhead amenities,
and other site furnishings. The 2021 ADA Transition Plan also calls for at least
one ADA-compliant van-accessible parking space for improved accessibility. The
parking area at Bryant Woods Nature Park serves as shared parking for vehicles
visiting Canal Acres Natural Area on the south side of Childs Road as well.
Bryant Woods Park
Parks Plan 2040 140
»Trail Improvements and Site Furnishings. Completes unfinished trail amenities
from the Canal Area Master Plan, including boardwalks, observation decks, and
crossings. The Master Plan also includes signage, rest spots, interpretive exhibits,
and a "site center" plaza to serve as an educational hub and trailhead.
»Pedestrian Crossings. Develops a safe pedestrian crossing between Bryant
Woods Nature Park and Canal Acres Natural Area across Childs Road, in
coordination with the City's Engineering Department, so that the enhanced
parking area at Bryant Woods can also safely serve Canal Acres visitors.
»Park Boundary Fencing. Installs fencing and native plantings along the park
boundaries to buffer the area from the impacts of adjacent private residences,
including encroaching development, the spread of invasive ornamental plants,
and pesticide/herbicide use. Dumping of debris, building of fire pits and
permanent structures, and ornamental landscaping encroachment adjacent to
natural areas creates fire hazards and stalls restoration efforts, and the NAHMP
recommends maintaining park boundaries as a key fuel reduction strategy.
Bryant Woods Park
Parks Plan 2040 141
Located on the south side of Childs Road across from Bryant Woods Nature Park in
the Childs neighborhood, Canal Acres Natural Area is a 27-acre largely undeveloped
wooded site. The sole trail through the area is only accessible from Canal Road, a
gravel road which lacks vehicle parking, or from the parking area at Bryant Woods
Nature Park, which requires pedestrians to walk across Childs Road at an unmarked
crossing. Improvements to Canal Acres should be paired with access improvements
recommended at Bryant Woods Natural Area. In addition, legal interpretation of
restrictions on the following projects due to Chapter X of the City Charter, which
designates the entirety of Canal Acres Natural Area as a “nature preserve,” will be
needed prior to implementation. Recommended improvements, which are consistent
with the Canal Acres Master Plan, include:
»Primary and Secondary Trails. Completes development of soft-surface trails
through the site. The 2001 Canal Area Master Plan identifies a new "Primary
Trail" that would run parallel to Canal Road from the park entrance at Child Road
south to connect to River Run Park at the Tualatin River. An additional secondary
trail would create a trail connection to Sycamore Avenue. Trail amenities such as
seating and wayfinding may also be included.
»Park Boundary Fencing. Installs fencing and native plantings along the park
boundaries to buffer the area from the impacts of adjacent private residences,
including encroaching development, the spread of invasive ornamental plants,
and pesticide/herbicide use. Dumping of debris, building of fire pits and
permanent structures, and ornamental landscaping encroachment adjacent to
natural areas creates fire hazards and stalls restoration efforts, and the NAHMP
recommends maintaining park boundaries as a key fuel reduction strategy.
Canal Acres Natural Area
Parks Plan 2040 142
Lake Oswego's only park with frontage on the Tualatin River, River Run Park provides
seven acres of largely undeveloped parkland in the Childs neighborhood. The site is
not contiguous and a private residence separates the two parcels. While the western
portion of the park has vehicle access and some on-site gravel parking, the eastern
property is only accessible from a 15’-wide easement between two private residences
from Rivers Edge Drive. The site underwent master planning as part of the Canal
Area Master Plan, which included recommendations for protecting wildlife habitat
and natural resources while allowing for improved access, passive recreation, and
environmental education opportunities. Legal interpretation of restrictions on the
following projects due to Chapter X of the City Charter, which designates the entirety
of River Run Park as a “nature preserve,” will be needed prior to implementation.
Recommended improvements, most of which are consistent with the Canal Acres
Master Plan, include:
»West Property Parking and Access Improvements. Improves the gravel parking
lot and access drive at the western River Run Park property with eco-block pavers
to reduce erosion. Adds at least one ADA-compliant van-accessible parking space
and includes park signage, bulletin boards, interpretive signage, and other site
support amenities.
»Canal Crossing Pedestrian Bridge. Adds a new pedestrian bridge across Oswego
Canal to connect the primary trail from Canal Acres Nature Park to the western
property of River Run Park, in line with the 2001 Canal Area Master Plan.
»Wetland Boardwalk Trail. Constructs a boardwalk trail with wildlife viewing
platforms, seating, interpretive signs, and other site furnishings through the
wetland area of the western River Run Park property, as outlined in the 2001
Canal Area Master Plan.
River Run Park
Parks Plan 2040 143
»Tualatin River Overlook. Builds a river overlook with interpretive signage on the
western River Run Park property for visitors to enjoy views of the Tualatin River.
»Tualatin River Access Area. Enhances the river access area from the western River
Run Park property to improve safety, accessibility, and reduce erosion, following
recommendations in the 2001 Canal Area Master Plan.
»Tualatin River Kayak Launch. Constructs a kayak launch from the western
River Run Park property to improve access to the Tualatin River and connect to
the Tualatin River Water Trail. While this project was not identified in the 2001
Canal Acres Master Plan, water access to the Tualatin River was identified as a
community-identified priority during the Parks Plan 2040 planning process, and
River Run Park is the only opportunity to provide this.
»Park Boundary Fencing. Installs fencing and native plantings along the park
boundaries to buffer the area from the impacts of adjacent private residences,
including encroaching development, the spread of invasive ornamental plants,
and pesticide/herbicide use. Dumping of debris, building of fire pits and
permanent structures, and ornamental landscaping encroachment adjacent to
natural areas creates fire hazards and stalls restoration efforts, and the NAHMP
recommends maintaining park boundaries as a key fuel reduction strategy.
River Run Park
Parks Plan 2040 144
A 4-acre park in Lake Oswego's northwestern Oak Creek neighborhood, Southwood
Park is mostly wooded and largely undeveloped aside from soft-surface trails. The
site presents an opportunity to add new neighborhood park amenities in an area of
the city that currently lacks access to essential park services. Recommendations focus
on further activation of the site:
»Park Improvements. Adds park amenities such as a nature play area, additional
trails, picnic facilities, seating, and/or a fitness station to the existing park. Adding
these types of amenities would meet community needs in an identified service
gap area. New amenities would be added to the open lawn area adjacent to
SW Pamela Street, and the wooded area would continue to be maintained as a
natural area.
Southwood Park
Parks Plan 2040 145
Stevens Meadow is a 25-acre natural area located outside city limits, adjacent to
the Palisades neighborhood. The property is considered part of the Luscher Area
and was included in planning for the area during development of the 2013 Luscher
Area Master Plan. The site is currently undeveloped and primarily used for walking
and hiking on the informal trails (mowed fire breaks) and picnicking in the meadow.
Recommended projects include amenities and accessibility improvements for trail
users:
»Trail Improvements. Improves the existing dirt and mowed grass trails to create
a compacted gravel pedestrian network, as outlined in the 2013 Luscher Area
Master Plan. Adds wayfinding and interpretive signage, along with trail amenities
like benches.
»Trailhead Improvements. Develops access and trailhead amenities on the
southern 5-acre parcel of Stevens Meadow. The project includes improving the
maintenance driveway and making it accessible to the public; constructing a
gravel parking lot with ADA van-accessible spaces to enable access for wheelchair
users; and adding a restroom, picnic shelter, and additional trailhead furnishings.
Legal interpretation of restrictions for this project due to Chapter X of the City
Charter, which designates Stevens Meadow as a “nature preserve,” will be needed
prior to implementation.
Stevens Meadow
Parks Plan 2040 146
Lake Oswego Swim Park is open to Lake Oswego residents during the summer
months (July through August) and provides seasonal swimming access on Oswego
Lake. The park provides monitoring from certified lifeguards, and offers diving
platforms, inner tubes, lounge chairs, picnic tables, water toys, swim lessons, and a
limited number of life jackets. Improvements to this site primarily focus on improving
accessibility:
»Access and ADA Improvements. Explores additional improvements to the site
to remove accessibility barriers. The City's 2021 ADA Transition Plan Facility
Assessment Report recommended reviewing design options for providing access
to the swim area, which is currently only accessible via stairs down a steep hill
from a limited gravel parking area. The scope of this project will be refined
through a design study and additional public outreach.
»Support Amenities. Adds or replaces amenities such as picnic tables, seating, and
shade structures. The types and locations of these amenities should be refined
through engagement with Swim Park users.
Lake Oswego Swim Park
Parks Plan 2040 147
PROPOSED NEW PARKS AND FACILITIES
The City of Lake Oswego has been proactive in planning for growth areas and
addressing infrastructure and public services to ensure that Lake Oswego's quality
of life is sustained as the city grows. However, vacant and redevelopable land within
city limits is extremely limited, hindering Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation's ability to
purchase and develop land for new parks and recreation facilities. Parks Plan 2040
acknowledges these limits but recommends several key parks and facilities that are
not able to be tied to existing sites, but which would meet identified community
needs.
For new parks and facilities, the CIP List combines findings from the community
outreach process with an assessment of existing conditions including gaps in park
access and services provided. Using these criteria the CIP identifies five new parks
and recreation facilities that meet these community needs but are not within existing
City-owned properties.
New Neighborhood Park
Southwest Lake Oswego lacks the same level of access to parks and their essential
services (play, exercise, nature, and trail connectivity) as some other areas of the city.
To improve access in this area, a new neighborhood park is recommended in the
Lake Grove, Bryant, or Rosewood neighborhoods. A new park would serve existing
residents, as well as future residents of the West Lake Grove affordable housing
development. A partnership between the City of Lake Oswego and Habitat for
Humanity, the West Lake Grove development will add 23 new affordable housing
units to the area in 2026. This area lacks larger areas of publicly owned land
and this project will require acquiring several acres of park land. The acquisition
process should consider property that is connected to existing and planned bicycle,
pedestrian, and transit routes, if possible. This project includes the acquisition of land,
the design of a new park, and its development, and is a high priority.
Cook's Butte
148Parks Plan 2040
Adding Outdoor Pickleball Courts
There is a strong desire within the Lake
Oswego community for outdoor pickleball
courts, and meeting this need is an expressed
priority for the City Council. This project
includes the design and development of four
to eight new outdoor pickleball courts to serve
city residents. This may involve acquiring new
property or developing courts on existing
city-owned property. Community feedback
has indicated that courts should ideally be
grouped with four to six courts per location;
however, smaller groups of courts may be
more feasible due to constraints on available
land. Further study and engagement with
the community is needed prior to design
to identify the appropriate location for this
new amenity within Lake Oswego's park and
recreation system, but a community-scale
park with access to support amenities such as
parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains is
likely the most suitable setting for this type
of activity. This project recommendation is
in addition to the indoor pickleball facility
planning effort described in Chapter 7.
Providing a Splash Pad or Water Play
Feature
The community has expressed a strong desire
for additional water play features, making the
design and development of a new water play
area a priority. This project may require the
acquisition of new parkland if an existing site
is not suitable. A water play feature, such as a
splash pad with water and sand play elements,
has become a community priority as summers
grow hotter due to climate change. Before
moving forward with the design, further study
and community engagement are necessary
to determine the most appropriate location
for this new amenity within Lake Oswego's
park and recreation system. A community-
scale park, with access to support amenities
like parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, and
drinking fountains is likely the best setting for
this type of activity.
Adding a Sand Volleyball Court
This project would construct a sand
volleyball court in Lake Oswego, a need
that was identified during the community
engagement process. Before moving
forward with the design, further study and
additional community engagement are
needed to determine the best location for
this new amenity within Lake Oswego's park
and recreation system. A community-scale
park, with access to support amenities such
as parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, and
drinking fountains, is likely the most suitable
setting for this type of activity.
Adding New Opportunities for Indoor
Recreation on the West Side of Lake
Oswego
Community engagement through the
Parks Plan 2040 process, as well as other
City and Parks & Recreation initiatives,
has identified a desire for more indoor
recreation opportunities on the west side of
Lake Oswego. However, no specific location
has been identified yet. Further study and
community engagement are needed to
determine the scope, scale, and services that
this facility should offer. Potential services
may include multipurpose recreation space, a
permanent location for the Teen Center, youth
enrichment programs, and library services. The
cost estimate included in Appendix D assumes
retrofitting an existing building and property
for the new facility, but further cost estimates
will be needed once a suitable location is
identified.
149Parks Plan 2040
Action Plan7
Parks Plan 2040 150
This chapter describes strategies for implementing those recommendations. It summarizes
total capital and maintenance costs for the new projects and the system as a whole,
prioritization criteria, a short-term action plan, potential funding strategies, and an
implementation strategy to achieve the community’s vision for the future.
Lake Oswego residents want a diverse, well-maintained, and sustainable park
and recreation system. The City has made significant strides to add new facilities,
programs, and amenities, supported by a dedicated team of knowledgeable staff
to maintain and operate the system. Still, continued regular capital maintenance
is needed to maintain the quality of existing facilities, and as identified in prior
chapters, there are numerous opportunities to further improve Lake Owego's park
and recreation system to meet community needs and priorities for the future.
IMPLEMENTATION COSTS
Approximately $120 million is needed to implement all 125 proposed projects in
the Parks Plan 2040 CIP List over the 15-year planning period. An estimated average
of nearly $8 million annually would be needed to maintain the envisioned park and
recreation system, plus additional funds for recreation programming, administration,
and operations. The annual cost to maintain the current park and recreation system
in 2024 was approximately $5.4 million. Appendix D provides the complete planning-
level cost estimates associated with Parks Plan 2040 recommendations, as well as
estimated maintenance costs associated with each project.
Action Plan
Annual maintenance costs include maintenance of all existing and proposed facilities.
(VWLPDWHVUHÁHFWSODQQLQJOHYHOFRVWDVVXPSWLRQVLQ2024 dollars.
Total Capital and Maintenance Costs for
Recommended Projects
$ 120 Million
total Capital Costs
$ 8 Million
total Annual Maintenance Costs
151Parks Plan 2040
Capital Costs
1The estimates reflect general order-of-magnitude capital
costs in 2024 dollars not accounting for inflation to assist
in evaluating and prioritizing projects for implementation.
Recognizing the current volatility of pricing and inflation,
these costs provide general guidance for project planning;
more accurate cost estimates should be determined
through site master planning and design at the time of
development. Total costs also do not include costs for
projects where the cost cannot be reliably estimated at this
time.
Capital costs represent one-time costs to
acquire, develop, build, or renovate park
infrastructure and features. The total planning-
level cost for implementing all of Parks Plan
2040's recommendations is approximately
$120 million (Table 7-1). Most of this cost is for
improvements in existing parks and facilities
($85 million), while approximately $25 million
is needed for the development of proposed
new parks and facilities.1 Appendix D provides
the cost assumptions used to calculate the
planning level cost estimates.
Annual Maintenance Costs
In addition to capital costs, all sites will
require some type of routine and preventative
maintenance to care for City assets. Lake
Oswego's varied park types and settings each
require different levels of maintenance. Parks
with higher levels of use, such as community
parks and those with specialized facilities
and/or programming, will require a greater
level of maintenance. In addition, sites with
natural areas need specialized care for those
resources in addition to maintenance for more
developed areas. Based on these assumptions
the City would need to budget an average
of approximately $8 million per year in 2024
dollars to maintain the envisioned parks and
recreation system, inclusive of existing facilities
as well as proposed new facilities.
Table 7-1 outlines the total annual
maintenance costs needed for existing
parks and facilities, as well as proposed
sites. Appendix D presents average annual
maintenance costs based on the City's current
maintenance service levels. It includes costs
for existing and proposed parks and facilities
to ensure the City is setting aside sufficient
funding to maintain the park system.
In general, projects that recommend new or
expanded properties or develop new amenities
on largely undeveloped or underutilized
sites will likely increase maintenance costs,
while projects that replace existing aging or
damaged amenities with new amenities of
similar size and type are not likely to increase
maintenance costs, and may result in a small
net reduction of maintenance needs.
Table 7-1: Capital and Annual
Maintenance Cost Summary for Existing
and Proposed Parks
Park Type Capital Costs Annual
Maintenance
Costs
Existing Parks and Facilities
$ 84,978,700 $ 7,827,8940
Proposed New Parks and Facilities
$ 25,105,000 $ 224,885
TOTAL $ 120,083,700 $ 8,052,779
152Parks Plan 2040
PROJECT PRIORITIZATION
Parks Plan 2040 is a snapshot in time and
cannot anticipate all projects over the next
15 years. New unforeseen ideas, projects, and
needs will certainly arise during the planning
period; this approach can be used to evaluate
and prioritize new projects as they arise.
Recognizing that the City has limited
resources, the 125 proposed projects must
be prioritized to ensure implementation of
Parks Plan 2040 is phased realistically over
time. To assist the City in identifying priority
projects, the project team developed a two-
step process for evaluating and prioritizing
recommended projects. Projects fall into
three implementation timeframes: near-term
projects (2025-2030), mid-term projects (2030-
2035), and long-term projects (2035-2040).
In general, projects that are high priorities
are those that improve access to essential
park services (play, exercise, nature, trail
connectivity) for residents; respond to
community and City Council priorities; and
meet other planning goals.
»STEP 1, Prioritization Matrix: Informed by
multiple evaluation criteria and Parks Plan
2040 community outreach findings, the
prioritization matrix was used as a tool to
assign each project a priority score, priority
level (low, medium, and high), and an initial
implementation timeframe (near-term,
mid-term, and long-term). Table 7-2 on
the next page shows the set of questions
(evaluation criteria) projects were filtered
through and an explanation of the four
different scores that could be assigned
(score assumptions).
»STEP 2, Targeted Adjustments:
Acknowledging the prioritization matrix is
a tool that does not necessarily incorporate
all contextual information impacting a
project's implementation, the project
team utilized the initial implementation
timeframes generated by the matrix as a
starting point and then made a number
of targeted adjustments as necessary.
Adjustments were made to reflect factors
such as pre-existing implementation
timeframes (e.g. playground replacement
schedule), current status (e.g. projects
already partially underway), City Council
priorities, and funding status or availability
(page 154).
Quarry Bike Skills Park at East Waluga Park
153Parks Plan 2040
Table 7-2: Step 1, Prioritization Matrix
Evaluation Criteria Score Assumptions
0 (NA)1 (Low)2 (Moderate)3 (High)
STEP 1: ALIGNMENT WITH PARKS PLAN 2040 PRIORITIES
Does the proposed project address one or more of the following Parks Plan 2040 priorities?
Does the project meet multiple park
system planning goals? (see Chapter 3 for
the seven goals)
Project addresses
0 Parks Plan 2040
goals.
Project addresses
1 Parks Plan 2040
goal.
Project addresses
2-3 Parks Plan
2040 goals.
Project addresses 4-7 Parks
Plan 2040 goals.
Does the project address the needs of
SHRSOHRUJURXSVZLWKVSHFLÀFSDUNDQG
recreation needs?
(e.g., communities of color, populations with
a disability, multifamily housing, populations
over 65, youth, poverty)
Project is located
in an area of
the city with 0
high percentage
equity indicators
present.
Project is located
in an area of the
city with 1-2 high
percentage equity
indicators present.
Project is located
in an area of the
city with 3-4 high
percentage equity
indicators present.
Project is located in an
area of the city with 5-6
high percentage equity
indicators present.
'RHVWKHSURMHFWÀOODQHVVHQWLDOVHUYLFH
gap?(e.g., play for children, exercise and
sports, experience nature, trail connectivity)
n/a Project does not
provide a new
essential park
service to subject
site.
Project adds
new essential
park service(s) to
subject site.
Project adds new essential
park service(s) to subject
site and addresses an
essential service gap area.
Is the project a priority project category
for the project site? (e.g., Reinvestment,
Build/Add, Access, Nature)
n/a Project is either
of the lowest two
priority project
categories for the
subject site's park
type as identified
by survey findings.
Project is the
second highest
priority project
category for the
subject site's park
type as identified
by survey findings.
Project is the top priority
project category for the
subject site's park type
as identified by survey
findings.
TOTAL PRIORITY SCORE
PRIORITY LEVELLow (1-5 score), medium (6-7 score), and high (8-10 score)
INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION TIMEFRAMEShort-term (8-10 score), mid-term (6-7 score) and long-term (1-5 score)
154Parks Plan 2040
Step 2, Targeted Adjustments
Do any of the following targeted adjustments
apply to the proposed project? If so, adjust the
initial implementation timeframe generated by
Step 1 as necessary.
»Does the project support a City Council
priority? Projects identified as priorities
by the City Council are prioritized for
implementation.
»Does the project fall within a pre-existing
implementation timeframe? Some
projects are associated with pre-existing
implementation timeframes or capital
maintenance schedules impact when
projects are prioritized for implementation.
»Does the project support other
engagement priorities? Projects already
identified as priorities through other
projects and processes should be
prioritized for implementation, such as
engagement from the Metro Local Share
process.
»'RHVWKHSURMHFWKDYHIXQGLQJ"Projects
with funding or partial funding associated
with them should be prioritized for
implementation.
»Does the project support ADA
LPSURYHPHQWV"Tier I ADA improvements
are generally recommended for near-
term implementation, while Tier II ADA
improvements are generally recommended
for mid-term implementation, with
an emphasis on completing these
improvements in regional and community
parks.
»Is the project associated with other on-
site projects? Projects associated with
other on-site projects should be prioritized
for concurrent implementation, such
completing ADA improvements when
replacing playgrounds.
»Does the project support immediate
UHSDLURUVDIHW\LPSURYHPHQWVRID
park, facility, or amenity? Projects that
address the need for immediate repairs,
improvements to aging amenities, and/or
safety concerns should be prioritized for
implementation.
»'RHVWKHSURMHFWKDYHDKLJKFRVW
complexity, and/or coordination needs?
Projects with high costs, complexity, and
coordination needs will realistically be
implemented in the mid- or long-term,
even if a project is identified as a high
priority.
Foothills Park
Pinecone Park
Springbrook Park
155Parks Plan 2040
7DEOH )LYH<HDU$FWLRQ3ODQ
Site Project Planning-Level
Cost Estimate
George Rogers Park
Arbor Renovation $26,000
ADA Improvements $26,000
River Access Pathway $640,000
Upper Picnic Shelter Replacement $200,000
Luscher Farm Access and Parking Improvements $2,700,000
Foothills Park Shade Structure $60,000
Access, Parking, and ADA Improvements $40,000
FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
Utilizing findings from the two-step project
evaluation and prioritization process, the
project team identified 30 short-term (Five-
year, 2025-2030) priority projects from the
total list of Parks Plan 2040 projects included
in Appendix D. Table 7-3 summarizes short-
term priority projects and planning level cost
estimates. The total estimated cost for the 29
short-term projects is approximately $11.7
million.
High priority projects include investing in
existing assets, creating welcoming places for
people of all ages and abilities, continuing the
high standard for maintenance and operations,
creating a sustainable and resilient system,
creating walking and biking connections to
and between parks and facilities, and fostering
community partnerships, connections, and
engagement.
Close to half of the projects
in the Action Plan are
focused on improving access
to sites, connections within
sites, and removing barriers
to accessibility. The other
half focus on reinvestments
in the existing system.
Figure 7-1: Types of Projects in the Action Plan
156Parks Plan 2040
Site Project Planning-Level
Cost Estimate
Hazelia Field Access and ADA Improvements $17,500
Rassekh Park
Phase 2 Development (Playground & Picnic Shelter)$8,300,000
Phase 3 Development (Athletic Field)
West Waluga Park Neighborhood Connector Trail $500,000
Westlake Park Athletic Field Upgrades $962,000
Rossman Park Playground Replacement $250,000
ADA Improvements $39,000
Aspen Reservoir Park Playground Replacement $200,000
Hide-A-Way Park Playground Replacement $75,000
ADA Improvements $28,500
Glenmorrie Park Playground Replacement $250,000
Pine Cone Park Playground Replacement $200,000
ADA Improvements $24,000
Millennium Plaza Shelter Improvements $30,000
ADA Improvements $20,000
Bryant Woods Nature Park Entry Improvements and ADA Parking $220,000
Cooks Butte Park Trail Renovation $150,000
Southwood Park Park Improvements $750,000
Willamette River Greenway Regional Trail George Rogers Park to Roehr Park Trail Connection $240,000
No Site Identified Outdoor Pickleball Courts $1,500,000
Systemwide Systemwide Bollard Replacements $20,000
Systemwide Systemwide Drinking Fountain Replacements $15,000
SHORT-TERM TOTAL (5-YEARS)$ 17,737,000
7DEOH )LYH<HDU$FWLRQ3ODQ FRQW
LORAC Construction
157Parks Plan 2040
FUNDING STRATEGY
The future of Lake Oswego's parks and
recreation system will depend on creative
and flexible application of funds from
multiple sources. The City of Lake Oswego
generally relies on a mix of General Fund
dollars, the 2019 General Obligation Bond,
System Development Charges (SDCs), and
the City's local demolition tax to fund parks
and recreation capital projects and ongoing
operations. To fund the projects identified
in the Capital Improvement Plan, the City of
Lake Oswego likely will need to tap additional
resources from other potential funding sources
as well. Adding these strategies to the City's
funding mix would help further diversify
revenues to invest in the park and recreation
system.
Parks Plan 2040 uses the following definitions
related to capital and operations funding:
»Capital Funding: the one-time cost to
acquire, design, build, or replace parks and
facilities.
»Operations Funding: the ongoing and
increasing annual cost to maintain, repair,
clean, and program parks and facilities.
Some funding sources will be applicable
to only one or the other of these types of
projects, and often operations can be more
challenging for a city to consistently pay for
year after year, particularly for the continued
operation and maintenance of its facilities
where increases in costs often outpace
available revenue.
Existing funding sources alone are not
anticipated to be sufficient to fund the projects
noted in the Capital Improvement Plan. The
City has explored and implemented creative
funding sources in the past, including the
2019 General Obligation Bond, Demolition
Tax, and a partnership with the School District
to help fund the construction of the LORAC,
as well as grants from agencies such as the
Oregon Parks & Recreation Department and
Mt. Hood Territories. Looking forward to the
next 15 years, the City will need to continue to
consider additional potential funding sources
for capital projects and operations, even
though these may not have been used by the
City in the past.
The funding strategies identified in this section
are options that are within the City's "toolbox"
for future projects and initiatives. As this plan
is implemented, each strategy will be carefully
evaluated and discussed in greater detail to
determine the most suitable approach for
different types of projects.
Further conversations with the Parks,
Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory
Board (PRNRAB) and the City Council will
explore how and where the City should pursue
each funding source, ensuring the right fit for
specific needs and priorities. As noted, some
of these strategies also require voter approval.
Additional information about the advantages,
limitations, and current application of each
funding strategy outlined below can be found
in Appendix E.
LORAC under construction
158Parks Plan 2040
Potential funding strategies to
pursue include the following:
»Strategically pursue grants;
»Pursue Metro Bond funding;
»Establish and/or strengthen
partnerships;
»Prepare facility business plans;
»Keep fees and charges current with actual costs and/or increase user and program fees;
»Encourage community members
to establish a Parks and Recreation
Foundation;
»Consider another general obligation bond (bond measure);
»Explore a parks maintenance utility fee;
»Update system development charges;
»Solicit donations;
»Pursue land swaps, long term leases, and land trusts;
»Expand sponsorship program;
»Propose a local option levy;
»Establish tax increment financing;
»Alter the demolition tax; and
»Increase general fund dollars.
Lake Oswego currently relies on a mix of funding sources for park and
recreation capital and operations costs:
»The City's General Fund supplies both capital and operations funding for the
Department, and is used for staffing, programming, maintenance, and the operations
of new projects like the LORAC and Rassekh Park. While a consistent source of funding
for the Department, Parks & Recreation also competes with other City departments and
needed services as part of the City's overall budgeting process.
»The General Obligation Bond passed in 2019 allowed the City to issue up to $30 million
in bonds to renovate, replace, or develop park and recreation facilities or acquire new
park or open space land. This measure has been successful in funding the renovation
of major facilities like the Adult Community Center and Indoor Tennis Center as well as
contributing to the construction of the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center
(LORAC ) and Rassekh Park.
»A Demolition Tax on the demolition of residential units in Lake Oswego helps fund the
parks maintenance budget, with a significant portion of parks maintenance revenue
coming from the tax.
»Lake Oswego uses 6\VWHP'HYHORSPHQW&KDUJHV(SDCs), fees paid by new development
to recover a portion of the cost of existing infrastructure and help fund capital parks
projects that serve new development. Park SDCs contributed to the construction of the
LORAC and construction of the Rassekh Skatepark.
»User fees paid by people who use the City's facilities and programs are important in
recovering direct costs associated with operating these activities.
159Parks Plan 2040
Strategically Pursue Grants
Federal, state, and other public agency grant funding may be available for parks and
recreation improvements.
Advantages: Recreation facilities are appealing to granting agencies, and grants can expand
the capital or operating resources available.
Limitations: Competitive and may only provide funding for certain types of projects.
Available funds may vary by year or cycle. Many grant programs will not fund indoor facilities.
Nearly all grant programs require a substantial local contribution (matching funds or in-
kind contribution). Application and management of grant contracts requires staff time and
expertise, particularly for larger grants.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City has applied for and received numerous grants
in the past to fund capital developments, capital maintenance projects, habitat enhancement
or restoration projects, and historic preservation projects. The City has also used grants to
support programs, activities, and human services, such as relief grants for summer camps
and garden clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous grants that support
services offered at the Adult Community Center. Most recently the City received a $1,000,000
grant from the Local Government Grant Program to fund a portion of the development of a
playground and picnic shelter at Rassekh Park.
Potential grants for which Lake Oswego parks and recreation projects may be eligible are
identified on the next page.
Potential Funding Strategies
The City should consider the following funding strategies identified on the next ten pages to
maximize investment and be able to support the community's vision for a well-maintained and
diverse parks and recreation system.
160Parks Plan 2040
»Nature in Neighborhoods Capital
Grants Program (Metro). Funded through
Metro's 2019 bond measure, the Nature in
Neighborhoods Capital Grants program
will support community-led projects
that benefit historically marginalized
communities, protect and improve water
quality and fish and wildlife habitat,
support climate resilience and increase
people's experience of nature at the
community scale. The total project award
must be at least $100,000 and a property
owned by a state or local government.
Metro will provide no more than two-thirds
of the total project costs of the capital
project (2:1 match).
»Metropolitan Transportation
Improvement Program (Federal
Government and Metro). Allocated by
Metro, these federal transportation funds
are available for design, acquisition and
construction of transportation projects
including roadways, boulevards, and
pedestrian and bicycle improvements. It
may be possible to fund some improved
connections to or between park and
recreation facilities using these funds.
»Local Government Grant Program
(Oregon Parks and Recreation Department).
Using state lottery dollars, this
program provides funding assistance
for the acquisition, development, and
rehabilitation of park and recreation areas
and facilities. The Local Government Grant
Program provides up to 50 percent funding
assistance for cities with populations over
25,000. Projects can range from maximum
grant requests of $250,000 to $1,000,000
and are reviewed and prioritized on a
biennial basis.
»Recreation Trails Program (Oregon Parks
and Recreation Department). Projects
eligible for Recreation Trails Program
"RTP" funding include maintenance and
restoration of existing trails, development
and rehabilitation of trailhead facilities,
construction of new recreation trails,
acquisition of land or easements for the
purpose of trail development, and safety
and education projects. Recipients are
required to provide a minimum 20 percent
match, with a minimum grant request of
$10,000. Grants are awarded yearly.
»Land and Water Conservation Funds
(Oregon Parks and Recreation Department).
These federal funds, administered through
the State, provide matching grants
to local governments for acquisition
and development of public outdoor
recreational areas and facilities. Wetlands
and natural areas may be included as part
of the recreational area. The focus of these
grants is park acquisition, development
and/or rehabilitation. Grants require a 50
percent match. While the grant cycle did
not occur in 2024, it is expected to resume
in the fall of 2025.
161Parks Plan 2040
»Oregon Heritage Grant (Oregon Parks
and Recreation Department). Many of
Lake Oswego's older parks contain historic
and cultural resources, such as the Iron
Smelting Furnace at George Rogers Park.
The Oregon Heritage Grant provides
matching grants to local governments for
projects that conserve, develop or interpret
Oregon's heritage. Generally, awards are
$3,000-$20,000 and a 50 percent match is
required.
»Watershed Restoration Grants (Oregon
Watershed Enhancement Board). Projects
considered for these grants include:
watershed restoration, enhancement,
assessment and monitoring; watershed
education and outreach; watershed council
support; and property, easement and water
rights acquisition. There are several grant
cycles each year and a 25 percent match in
funds is required.
»Oregon Community Paths Program
(Oregon Department of Transportation).
This grant program funds grants for project
development, construction, reconstruction,
major resurfacing, or other improvements
of multi-use paths that improve access and
safety for people walking and bicycling.
It is funded through the state Multimodal
Active Transportation fund and federal
Transportation Alternatives Program and
requires a 10.27% match.
»Oregon Parks Foundation Fund (Oregon
Community Foundation). Grants from the
Oregon Parks Foundation support the
acquisition, preservation and restoration
of Oregon's native landscape, and to assist
with environmental, recreational, and
educational improvements to Oregon's
public parks. Grants are generally in the
range of $1,000 to $5,000.
»Strategic Investment Program (Mt.
Hood Territory). The Strategic Investment
Program is intended to support projects
that enhance assets and visitor experiences
to tourism facilities including parks,
improve accessibility, promote alternative
modes of travel, and expand visitation to
new & underserved audiences. The grants
are on an annual cycle.
»Climate Friendly and Equitable
Communities Grant Program (Oregon
Department of Land Conservation and
Development (DLCD)). DLCD staff are
in the process of developing this grant
program to help fund planning and
development of parks and trails by local
jurisdictions in Oregon that meet climate
change and equity criteria and guidelines.
More information about specific program
requirements will be available in 2025.
162Parks Plan 2040
Pursue Metro Bond Funding
The City has access to money through
the Metro Local Share Program. Funded
through Metro's 2019 Regional Parks
and Nature Bond, eligible projects
include natural area or park land
acquisition, fish and wildlife habitat
restoration or habitat connectivity
enhancements, maintaining or
developing public access facilities at
public parks and natural areas, design
and construction of local or regional
trails, and enhanced or new learning/
environmental education facilities. Lake
Oswego has access to $2,083,297 in
funding for eligible local projects.
Advantages: Bond has already passed,
and funding amount for city eligible
projects is known.
Limitations: Can only be used on
projects that are eligible and has a
known funding cap.
Current Parks and Recreation Use:
Lake Oswego has already identified a list
of priority projects that are eligible for
Metro Local Share funding.
Establish and/or Strengthen Partnerships
Partnerships are formal agreements between multiple entities to provide services, facilities,
or both. These partnerships are built to access skills and resources from all partners. While
the public-private variation attracts the most attention, many public-public and non-profit
partnerships have greatly benefited park and recreation systems. A public agency can enter into
a working agreement with another public agency, private corporation, or non-profit organization
to help fund, build and/or operate a public facility. Typically, the three primary incentives a public
agency can offer are land to place a facility (usually a park or other parcel of public land), certain
tax advantages, and access to the facility. While a public agency may have to give up certain
responsibilities or control of other recreation services and amenities, it is one way of obtaining
public facilities at a lower cost. The City can also partner with other entities to offer programs and
events.
Advantages: Partnerships can help fill gaps in City facilities and programming, requiring a lower
level of investment from the City while still providing services to the community.
Limitations: No guarantee that partnerships will continue, or that agreements will be renewed;
requires ongoing staff time and dedication to maintain these relationships.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City previously had an intergovernmental agreement
(IGA) with the School District regarding City use of District facilities (gymnasiums and athletic
fields) and City maintenance and rental management of District athletic fields. The IGA had been
in place since 1988 but was terminated in 2022. While the City no longer has an overall joint
use facility agreement with the School District, the City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego
School District have a separate IGA relating to the construction and use of the LORAC. The City
also has an agreement with Christ Church Parish for office and recreational programming space,
including the Teen Lounge, as well as with the Academy of Ballet & Dance, One River School of
Art & Design, and Coyle Outside, which offer programs through the Department at their own
locations. Sports programs and activities are also provided at a variety of locations through joint
use agreements.
163Parks Plan 2040
Keep Fees and Charges Current with Actual Costs and/or Increase User Fees and
Program Fees
Parks and recreation in Lake Oswego generate revenue through charges for services. The
Department regularly participates in setting fee structures for activities and services, use
of facilities and parks, and other services provided as part of the citywide Master Fees and
Charges process, adopted annually by City Council. The Department also has an approved
Cost Recovery Strategy and Continuum Model, which was significantly updated in 2021. Parks
Plan 2040 recommends regularly reviewing the Department's fee philosophy, methodology,
and cost recovery goals for fees and charges for programs and services, as well as re-
evaluating options for park and facility rentals to improve customer service but also generate
more revenues.
Advantages: Increases revenues and ensure programs and operations are able to continue.
Limitations: While some programs benefit only individuals and some services are premiums
on top of the essential park and recreation experience, price increases across the board can
limit access to key community services and reduce use of parks and programming.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The Department overhauled its cost recovery strategy
in 2021, and worked with The SMART Project and Amalia Software to determine service
categories, gather data at the individual activity or service level, and gather all expense data
to determine funding and cost recovery levels. This model shows the relationship between the
degree of community expectation and/or benefit and individual expectation and/or benefit,
and to what extent the activity or service is funded by tax dollars. There may be additional
levels of funding and cost recovery of service categories on the continuum based on age
groups (youth, adult, senior.) The overall cost recovery target for recreation programs (cultural,
sports, events, outdoor, gardening, etc.) is 100 percent or higher. The Department also
annually evaluates program fees and adjusts fees as necessary.
164Parks Plan 2040
Encourage Community Members to Establish a Parks and Recreation Foundation
Some communities have established nonprofit or private park foundations, spearheaded by community desires to support recreation programs,
projects, and facilities. A foundation can provide grants or fundraising campaigns to support capital investments in parks and facilities, engage
the local community through volunteer efforts, build advocacy and awareness about certain issues, support scholarship funds for programs
and activities, and partner with local businesses or other local government entities. Park and recreation foundations throughout Oregon include
the Tualatin Hills Park Foundation, Happy Valley Parks and Recreation Foundation, Milwaukie Parks Foundation, Oregon City Parks Foundation,
Portland Parks Foundation, Eugene Parks Foundation, Salem Parks Foundation, Bend Park & Recreation Foundation, Astoria Parks, Recreation, &
Community Foundation, Chehalem Park Foundation, and Willamalane Park Foundation. Some park and recreation agencies are also supported
by broader focused community foundations, such as the Hillsboro Community Foundation. Foundations are often 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits,
but can also be private organizations. They are typically guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, with involvement and support from local
agency or district staff. Resources for community members interested in exploring a Park and Recreation Foundation in Lake Oswego include the
National Recreation and Park Association Park Advocate Handbook and webinars and courses from the National Association of Park Foundations.
Advantages: Increased funding for park improvements and programs, flexibility in fundraising, ability to serve beyond the scope of a traditional
park agency, advocacy for parks and recreation needs, access to specialized expertise, and the potential to attract additional donors and grants
due to their non-government status.
Limitations: Requires efforts to be driven and maintained by community members, typically all volunteer run. Foundation priorities could
diverge from City priorities.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City does not currently have a parks and recreation foundation, though the Adult Community Center
is supported by an Endowment Fund that primarily funds program expenses. The Department has historically had many active and engaged
Friends of Parks groups that support habitat restoration and other stewardship projects in parks; however, the number of active Friends Groups
has decreased in recent years and the Department is exploring alternative structures to support and reinvigorate park stewardship.
165Parks Plan 2040
Prepare Facility Business Plans
The Department could prepare mini business plans for each
major recreation facility, attraction, community event, and/or
major departmental function. Many recreation programming
staff have been trained in cost of service and business
principles and how they manage their programs and facilities
according to these principles. It is also critical to develop
effective performance measures to track efficiency, revenue
production, and fulfillment of operational requirements. These
plans can evaluate the program area provided by the facility
based on meeting the outcomes desired for participants, cost
recovery, percentage of the market and business controls, cost
of service, pricing strategy for the short-term, and marketing
strategies that are to be implemented.
Advantages: If developed consistently, these can be effective
tools for budget construction and justification processes
outside of the marketing and communication planning
process.
Limitations: While they may identify specific funding
strategies and cost-recovery goals, facility business plans
do not provide an actual funding source. Plans also require
additional staff time and knowledge to prepare and
implement.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: Not consistently used by
the Department, although extensive planning on funding and
cost recovery was undertaken for the LORAC.
Consider Another General Obligation Bond (Bond Measure)
General Obligation bonds are voter-approved bonds with the authority to
levy an assessment on real and personal property. The proceeds can be
used for capital improvements but not maintenance. This property tax is
levied for a specified period of time (usually 15-20 years). Passage requires
a simple majority approval in a May or November election or a "double
majority" (majority of registered voters participating and a majority of
those approving) in a March or September election. Bond measures
are typically used to fund larger scale projects which cannot be funded
with revenues from other sources. They typically pay for a package of
improvements which are of high priority to residents.
Advantages: Allows voters to decide on a limited-term tax increase to
raise a substantial amount of capital funding.
Limitations: Can be used as capital funding only and existing debt limits
the amount that could be raised. Further capital development without
parallel operations funding commitments can reduce the quality of existing
park maintenance. Requires appetite from taxpayers to support and may
compete with other Department or local agency bond measures.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: Lake Oswego is currently repaying
a 2019 General Obligation bond, which has been used to partially or
completely fund a variety of projects, including the renovation of the
Adult Community Center, Indoor Tennis Center, and Municipal Golf
Course; replacement of restrooms and picnic shelters at popular parks;
rehabilitation of the Water Sports Center Dock; acquisition of the Hallinan
Woods Yates Property; and construction of the LORAC and Rassekh Park.
166Parks Plan 2040
Explore a Parks Maintenance Utility Fee
The City Council has the authority to add a monthly fee to the utility bills of
residents and businesses in Lake Oswego to fund operational expenses at parks
and facilities. A park utility fee creates dedicated funds to help offset the cost
of park and facility maintenance, similar to the City's Street Maintenance Fee
and other utility fees. As with the City's other utility fees, the rate and structure
of a parks maintenance fee and the use of revenues is determined by the City.
A high-level revenue projection for a park maintenance fee was developed
for the city based on the simple flat fee per unit structure and two fee levels
($10 and $15 per month), as shown in Table 7-4. Billing units for residential
customers represent the number of dwelling units. Nonresidential units are
equal to the current number of Street Maintenance Fee accounts as a proxy
for charging a parks maintenance fee. Estimated annual revenue ranges from
$2.2 million (based on $10 per month) to $3.4 million (based on $15 per
month). Alternative fee structures that scale the fees within or across customer
classes could also be considered based on the City's objectives and available
information.
Advantages: Provides stable, ongoing funding that is dedicated to parks and
recreation maintenance.
Limitations: Can be regressive, impacting lower income households
disproportionately.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City does not currently have a parks
and recreation utility fee.
7DEOH +LJK/HYHO(VWLPDWHRI3DUN0DLQWHQDQFH
)HH$QQXDO5HYHQXH
Customer Class Units
1 Estimated Revenue
$10 / Unit
per Month
$15 / Unit
per Month
Single Family 11,954 $1,434,505 $2,151,758
Multifamily 6,172 $740,670 $1,111,005
Non-residential 522 $62,640 $93,960
Total Revenue $2,237,815 $3,356,723
1 Dwelling units for single family and multifamily; accounts for non-
residential. Data based on Fiscal Year 2023/24 average billing units for Street
Maintenance Fee.
167Parks Plan 2040
Update System Development Charges
Oregon State Law allows local jurisdictions to impose Systems
Development Charges, known as SDCs, to equitably spread the cost
of essential capital improvements to new development and pay for
infrastructure expansion required to serve the additional demand. As part
of the Parks Plan 2040 process, the City is conducting a review and update
of its Parks SDC Methodology, including recommended changes in how it
calculates the fees, the cost of Parks Plan 2040 capital projects attributable
to new growth, and the resulting fee that can be charged by the City. The
resulting update will be proposed for adoption by the City Council as part
of a separate process subsequent to adoption of the Parks 2040 Plan.
Advantages: Charged to offset the impact of new park development to
serve new neighborhoods, this source does not impact existing resident
tax rates directly. A reimbursement portion of this fee can also be used to
upgrade or replace facilities in existing parks.
Limitations: New and expanded parks funded by SDCs must be
maintained, using limited General Fund dollars. The potential for the
construction of new neighborhoods in Lake Oswego is also limited as the
city is largely built out and developable/redevelopable land is constrained.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: Used for the acquisition,
development and recreation spaces and facilities or to increase capacity
in the system. Additionally, the City is updating its current SDCs and
associated methodology as part of the implementation of Parks Plan 2040.
The methodology was last updated in 2008.
Solicit Donations
The donations of labor/in-kind services, land, or cash by
service agencies, private groups, or individuals can provide
sources of revenue, most typically for specific projects or
programs. A willing property owner may give real property
or grant an easement as a donation to a public agency or a
non-profit organization. In some cases, a property owner may
agree to sell the property at less than fair market value. The
property owner is paid for part of the value of the property
and donates the remaining value, receiving tax benefits for the
donation.
Advantages: Builds community ownership in projects.
Expands the fundraising reach of the City. Can be used in some
cases for matching funds to leverage larger local and state
grants.
Limitations: Can be used for large-scale projects such as
recreation facilities but are not likely to be a major part of the
financial support. Can contribute to a low return on investment
due to the resources and time needed to pursue donations.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City currently
considers and would accept donations of land or cash
depending on the situation. However, this strategy has
not been widely used by the City to date outside of large
donations to the Adult Community Center that helped fund
improvements.
168Parks Plan 2040
Expand Sponsorship Program
Lake Oswego offers the opportunity for businesses to increase their
exposure at parks and recreation facilities, events, and programs for a fee.
Sponsorship opportunities include logos or advertisements at specific park
amenities or athletic facilities, seasonal and cultural events, Lake Oswego's
Farmers' Market, Star Spangled Celebrations in July, program partnerships,
and a variety of options at Luscher Farm that range from camps to
community garden plots, along with partnerships at the Tennis and Adult
Community Centers. The sponsorship program will be expanded to the
Municipal Golf Course and LORAC once they open in 2025.
Advantages: Strengthens relationships with local businesses and
organizations, providing benefits for both the Department and local
businesses/organizations bringing economic vitality to the city.
Limitations: Potential eventual cap on increasing sponsorships due to the
number of local businesses and organizations within Lake Oswego. Inherent
restrictions on the types of projects and operations the program can fund as
sponsorships are used only on visible events, activities, and services. Not a
stable source of income as sponsors vary year over year.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The Department currently maintains
and offers a variety of sponsorship "levels" for events and publications,
depending on marketing and promotional exposure desires. City staff work
closely to customize programs, maximizing marketing budgets, and aligned
target audiences. Some businesses also sponsor services, such as a sponsor
who offsets the cost of complimentary coffee at the Adult Community
Center.
Pursue Land Swaps, Long Term Leases, and Land Trusts
A land swap is a simultaneous, mutual transfer of real
property between willing parties. A lease is a legal
agreement granting the use of a property in exchange
for payment for a specified length of time. For parks and
recreation purposes, the payment may be nominal (e.g.,
$1 per year) and the term is often long (such as 99 years).
A land trust is an agreement through which one party (the
trustee) agrees to hold ownership of a piece of property for
the benefit of another party (the beneficiary). A land trust
can also be a private nonprofit organization that as all or
part of its mission actively works to protect land, often for
conservation or affordable housing purposes.
Advantages: Additional ways for Lake Oswego to provide
park land to the community, especially in areas not currently
served by parks or essential services.
Limitations: Unlikely to yield large acquisitions of land
and requires staff time to pursue and track opportunities,
formalize agreements, and obtain City Council approval.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City does not
currently pursue these methods but should consider
opportunities as they arise.
169Parks Plan 2040
Propose A Local Option Levy
The City can propose a local option levy as a way to
temporarily (up to five years at a time) increase the property
tax rate to fund operational expenses. These levies are subject
to the same voter approval requirements as a bond but have
the added constraint of the time limitation.
Advantages: Allows an increase in operational funding and
could help fund larger short-term operational needs like
invasive species removal or habitat restoration projects. Can
help avoid budget cuts impacting services.
Limitations: Requires voter approval and renewal at least
every five years, and therefore does not necessarily solve
long-term funding needs. Could be seen as duplicative of the
Demolition Tax or General Obligation Bond in terms of funding
maintenance and operations.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City of Lake Oswego
does not currently utilize this source for parks and recreation
funding.
Establish Tax Increment Financing
Tax increment financing uses property taxes from within an area to fix
identified problems in that same area. It often focuses on improving
an area's transportation and utility infrastructure since these kinds of
improvements can unlock an area's development potential. Tax increment
financing can also be used to attract and retain small businesses, support
affordable housing, and develop public spaces such as parks, plazas, and
trails. Communities in Oregon can petition to form a special park and
recreation district under ORS chapter 266. When approved by voters these
districts can levy taxes up to one half of one percent of property value
(0.005) and have bonding authority. With a three- or five-member board
of directors, elected from within the boundaries of the district, Park and
Recreation Districts operate autonomously from the City. However, in
many communities a city uses its City Council as the governing body for
TIF Districts.
Advantages: Additional funding for projects in specific areas
Limitations: Projects must align with the goals of the TIF District and be
approved by the board of directors.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City of Lake Oswego does not
currently utilize this source for parks and recreation funding. However,
the City may consider implementation of a TIF District in the Foothills
area following relocation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and could
use this District to help pay for acquisition of land and/or development of
additional park and recreation facilities in this area.
170Parks Plan 2040
Alter the Demolition Tax
Lake Oswego charges a demolition tax for residential structures
that require a demolition permit. The tax is paid when the permit
is issued, and the revenue is used to help maintain City parks and
facilities. The City passed the $15,000 demolition tax in 2019 and
initially charged $10,000 for home deconstruction, which differs
from demolition in that it involves some materials being reused.
However, in 2022, the City Council decided to waive the tax for
deconstruction entirely while maintaining the tax for demolitions.
The current tax requires that homes built before 1940 slated for
demolition be deconstructed instead.
Advantages: Already in place in the city and funds are used for
parks maintenance, particularly larger capital maintenance projects,
something that can be challenging to obtain grant funding for.
Limitations: Requires City Council approval to alter, and revenues
correspond with the condition of the housing market.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The City currently has a
Demolition Tax of $15,000 for residential structures that require a
demolition permit.
Increase General Fund Dollars
General fund resources are the collection point for taxes and
fees charged by the City to fund the full variety of City services.
These funds are applied based on the direction of the City Council
consistent with community priorities. In comparison to other
strategies, General Fund resources have the fewest limitations on
how they are spent but are also competitive across the services
provided by the City. The Department could make a case to increase
General Fund support for parks maintenance, programming,
and events. Park and facility maintenance needs will increase as
new projects are brought online, and there are citywide benefits
associated with parks and recreation programs (e.g., healthy
population, increased property values, etc.).
Advantages: Can be used for both capital and operations funding.
Limitations: Funding availability can vary based on the city's
economic status, local politics, and demands on funding for other
needed City services and by other City departments.
Current Parks and Recreation Use: The Department currently
participates in the City's annual budgeting process and advocates
for demonstrated funding needs. The budget has previously
been adjusted in the past to fund larger department efforts and
expenditures such as planning efforts like Parks Plan 2040 or future
staffing for the LORAC.
171Parks Plan 2040
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
There are 14 strategies that are recommended
to implement key elements of Parks Plan 2040
in addition to the projects identified in the CIP
List (Appendix D). Implementation strategies
advance several systemwide recommendations
identified in Chapter 5 and some CIP projects
that will require additional planning and
consultation.
The following strategies will take place over
the next five years. Each strategy also identifies
proposed roles and responsibilities for
leadership and any additional support that will
be needed. Appendix F includes more detailed
information about each of the implementation
strategies.
'HÀQHKRZSURJUHVVRQSURMHFWVDQGUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV
ZLOOEHWUDFNHGDQGGHYHORSDV\VWHPWRFRPPXQLFDWH
SODQSURJUHVVWR'HSDUWPHQWVWDઊDGYLVRU\ERDUG
PHPEHUVGHFLVLRQPDNHUVDQGWKHSXEOLFImplementing
a robust system for tracking progress on projects and
recommendations in Parks Plan 2040 is crucial for ensuring
accountability, transparency, and continued investments in the
system. This tracking system should include clearly defined
goals, measurable performance indicators, and a set schedule
for evaluating progress.
TRACK PROGRESS
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Planning, and Communications Staff
Support: None Identified
%XLOGRQWKHFRPPXQLW\LQYROYHPHQWFRPSOHWHGGXULQJ
WKHGHYHORSPHQWRI3DUNV3ODQDQGHVWDEOLVKD
FRQVLVWHQWDQGLQFOXVLYHSURFHVVIRUSXEOLFHQJDJHPHQWLQ
LPSOHPHQWDWLRQThe Department should leverage the existing
foundation of community involvement developed during
the Parks Plan 2040 planning process and build upon this
established foundation of trust and engagement.
STRENGTHEN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Planning, and Communications Staff
Support: PRNRAB
Create a clear project intake and prioritization process for
ERWKFDSLWDOSURMHFWVDQGSURJUDPPLQJLQLWLDWLYHVParks Plan
2040 identifies criteria that were used to prioritize projects
under the Capital Improvement Plan. The City could continue
to use these prioritization criteria as new projects are identified
and consider additional factors like funding availability and
how it aligns with community priorities. Criteria could be
applied to new programming initiatives such as camps, classes,
and community events as well, and could inform a future
update of the Recreation Strategic Plan.
CREATE A CLEAR PROJECT PATHWAY
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management and Planning Staff
Support: PRNRAB
172Parks Plan 2040
,PSURYHWKH&LW\·VZHEVLWHDFWLYLW\UHJLVWUDWLRQVRIWZDUHDQG
possibly other digital platforms or applications to increase
DYDLODELOLW\RILQIRUPDWLRQBy modernizing digital tools,
the City can enhance the experience of residents, improve
communication, streamline services, and foster greater
community engagement.
IMPROVE INFORMATION SHARING
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Administrative, Management, Planning, and Communications Staff
Support: IT Department, City Manager's Office, City Communications Team
,GHQWLI\DFWLRQLWHPVWRIRUPDOL]HDQLQFOXVLYHDQGHTXLWDEOH
SURFHVVIRUGHOLYHU\RI'HSDUWPHQWVHUYLFHVLQFOXGLQJ
GHYHORSPHQWRID3DUNV 5HFUHDWLRQ,PSOHPHQWDWLRQ
6WUDWHJ\IRU'LYHUVLW\(TXLW\DQG,QFOXVLRQThis includes a
plan for incorporating PRNRAB diversity, equity and inclusion
(DEI) recommendations into ongoing parks planning,
engagement, development, and operations processes.
INTEGRATE INCLUSIVITY AND EQUITY INTO PROCESSES
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Planning, and Communications Staff; all staff for education and training activities
Support: PRNRAB, Lake Oswego Equity Program Manager
0DLQWDLQ&$35$FHUWLÀFDWLRQDQGVWD\LQFRPSOLDQFH
ZLWK&$35$·VJXLGHOLQHVIRUUHJXODUO\UHYLHZLQJDQG
XSGDWLQJLQIRUPDWLRQThe National Association of Parks
and Recreation's Commission for Accreditation of Park and
Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), delivers benefits for both the
community and recreation departments and their staff.
MAINTAIN CAPRA CERTIFICATION
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Planning, and Communications Staff
Support: None
West Waluga Park
173Parks Plan 2040
Create a plan for maintaining and operating the Oswego
3LRQHHU&HPHWHU\The City anticipates taking ownership
of this property in 2025. Creating a comprehensive plan for
maintaining and operating the Oswego Pioneer Cemetery is
a critical step in ensuring its preservation and accessibility,
as well as its integration into the City's operations and
maintenance planning.
PLAN FOR THE OSWEGO PIONEER CEMETERY
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, ACC, and Parks Staff
Support: Planning Department
Create and record an approach for managing natural
resources and open spaces, identifying priorities and
UHVSRQVLELOLWLHVThe City has several plans and documents
that address natural resources and open spaces (e.g., Parks
Plan 2040, Natural Areas Habitat Management Plan, Integrated
Pest Management Practices, Urban and Community Forest
Plan), a knowledgeable team of staff, and an active volunteer
base that maintain and manage these areas.
SOLIDIFY APPROACH FOR NATURAL RESOURCES
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Planning, Parks, and Natural Areas Staff
Support: Planning Department, Watershed Councils
Natural Areas Habitat Management
Plan Recommendations to Reduce
Wildfire Hazards:
»Continue to implement fuel reduction
efforts on City-owned forested
areas within 50 feet of natural area
property lines, factoring in site-
specific conditions such as slope,
health of trees, invasive species,
and areas that interface with dense
residential development.
»Include species that are heat and fire
resistant for restoration efforts.
»When leaving woody debris on-site
to promote soil health/nutrients,
debris material should be scattered
(not piled) and left in direct contact
with soil. Remove or modify brush
piles or unlimbed fallen trees along
natural area margins.
»Removal of woody weed species and
ladder fuels.
»Continue supporting Fire
Department efforts in promoting
programs through outreach and
communication.
,PSOHPHQWWKH/XVFKHU$UHD0DVWHU3ODQ7KH/XVFKHU
$UHD0DVWHU3ODQ /$03 LGHQWLÀHGUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV
and future uses for all eight of the original Luscher Area
SURSHUWLHVWhile full implementation of the LAMP is unlikely
to be completed even in the mid-term due to ongoing land
use hurdles, the City should continue taking steps to pursue
implementation in the short-term.
IMPLEMENT THE LUSCHER AREA MASTER PLAN
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Planning, and Programming Staff
Support: PRNRAB, Planning Department, Engineering Department, Friends of Luscher Farm, Stafford Hamlet
174Parks Plan 2040
Create a business plan for a future indoor pickleball facility
DQGFRQGXFWDVLWHRSSRUWXQLW\DQDO\VLVWhile Parks Plan
2040 did identify pickleball as a high priority project, it did
not identify a specific location that could provide indoor or
outdoor pickleball facilities. Parks Plan 2040 recommends
additional steps in addressing this recreation need, including
identifying one or more potential location(s) for both indoor
and outdoor pickleball facilities.
PLAN FOR PICKLEBALL
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Planning, Parks, and Programming Staff
Support: Planning Department, City Manager's Office
,GHQWLI\XQLYHUVDOGHVLJQSUDFWLFHVWKDWFDQEHLPSOHPHQWHG
as part of regular amenity replacement in combination
ZLWKDFFHVVLELOLW\LPSURYHPHQWVLGHQWLÀHGLQWKH&LW\·V$'$
7UDQVLWLRQ3ODQThe City can start this process by establishing
more formal design standards that explicitly incorporate
universal design principles. These principles should be applied
not only to new amenities but also to ongoing replacements
and upgrades.
INTEGRATE UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Planning and Parks Staff
Support: PRNRAB, Lake Oswego ADA Coordinator
Identify the next steps for project recommendations that
DUHHLWKHUQRWWLHGWRVSHFLÀFVLWHVRUUHTXLUHDGGLWLRQDO
SODQQLQJSULRUWRLPSOHPHQWDWLRQParks Plan 2040 has
recommendations for several non-site-specific larger scale or
unique facilities such as an outdoor pickleball facility, a new
park in the Lake Grove, Bryant or Rosewood neighborhoods,
Foothills Park expansion, a possible new Westside indoor
community/recreation center, and/or a new water play feature.
START ADDITIONAL PLANNING FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Parks, and Communications Staff
Support: PRNRAB, Planning Department, Engineering Department, Lake Oswego Library
175Parks Plan 2040
Engage with the School District regarding community use of
City and District athletic or other facilities through regular
PHHWLQJVDQGRWKHUFRRUGLQDWLRQDFWLYLWLHVTo strengthen the
relationship between the Parks and Recreation Department
and the School District, and to enhance collaboration in
providing recreation opportunities, the Department and
School District should meet on a quarterly or bi-annual basis.
In addition to coordination at a staff level, the City and District
could consider conducting an annual goal-setting meeting
with the City Council and School Board to discuss high-level
shared goals and areas of mutual benefit.
COORDINATE WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Management, Administrative, Programming, and Parks Staff
Support: PRNRAB, School District Staff and Board
Create a plan for implementing consistent park, trail,
DQGRSHQVSDFHVLJQDJHVWDUWLQJZLWKWKH'HSDUWPHQW·V
VLJQDJHDQGZD\ÀQGLQJSODQThe City should determine how
community input on the type of information that should be
displayed on signage, accessibility, and inclusivity should be
integrated. Consider using emotionally intelligent signage;
signs that use language that appeals to park visitors' emotion,
empathy, and sense of humor-in addition to traditional
regulatory signs.
PREPARE A WAYFINDING PLAN
Lead Responsibility: Parks & Recreation Department: Planning, Parks, and Communications Staff
Support: Planning Department, PRNRAB, Historical Resources Advisory Board
176Parks Plan 2040
Woodmont Natural Park
Parks Plan 2040 is the culmination of two years
of work by City staff, elected officials, advisory
committee and advisory board members,
key stakeholders, community leaders, and
residents to determine how best to invest in
Lake Oswego's parks and recreation services.
It represents a major collaborative effort to
create consensus around the level and types of
investment to make over the next 15 years.
The community deeply appreciates the parks,
facilities, amenities, programs, events, trails,
and natural areas that Lake Oswego provides.
Throughout the planning process, many
individuals provided thoughtful comments
about priority park and recreation needs,
including what level of service to provide in
the future.
The result is a long-term visionary plan, but
a realistic one, with a five-year Action Plan,
a set of detailed implementation strategies,
and broader recommendations to guide park
maintenance, development, and enhancement
for years to come. Parks Plan 2040 provides
the direction needed to strategically invest
in Lake Oswego's parks, facilities, programs,
and services. It reflects the City's desire to be
responsive to community priorities, equitable
in the provision of quality parks and programs,
and sustainable in the management of City
assets and resources.
MOVING FORWARD
Parks Plan 2040 is a community-driven
document developed through substantial
community interest in enhancing Lake
Oswego's park and recreation system. The
Parks & Recreation Department will need
ongoing support in implementing this Plan.
The involvement and support of elected
officials, voters, businesses, community
organizations, volunteers, donors, and
residents will be critical to achieving the
community's vision for parks and recreation.
This ongoing teamwork and collaboration will
ensure we continue to enhance the parks and
recreation opportunities that are central to
Lake Oswego's quality of life for years to come.