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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2026-03-18 PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD _ MEETING MINUTES- Corrected xxori {" March 18, 2026 The Board convened at Lake Oswego Maintenance Center, Willow A Room; 17601 Pilkington Rd., Lake Oswego OR 97035 and video stream via WebEx. Recorded Minutes:The video recording constitutes an accurate record of the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Advisory Board at the above dated meeting.The following summary is provided as an overview of the meeting. https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/boc pnab/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources-advisory-board- meeting-13 1. CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Jymn Meier, Patrick Gutierrez,Jim Desmond, Sarah Ellison, Rebecca Greene, David Walters,Jason Dorn, Greg Wolley, Matt McGinnis,Aditya Deepu (Youth Member), Logan Nelson (Youth Member), Lee Redmond (Alternate), Karen Sampson (Alternate) Absent: Councilor, Massene Mboup Staff: Jeff Munro, Parks& Recreation Director-Tony Garcia, Deputy Director, Parks—Jan Wirtz, Deputy Director, Recreation - Erik Hirshberger, Parks Superintendent- Robin Krakauer, Communications Coordinator- Kyra Haggart, Parks Analyst—Cyd Fletcher, Recreation Supervisor—Emily Liu, Recreation Supervisor—Shelley Burgess, Events and Market Manager—Izzy Sigrist, Luscher Farm Program Coordinator—Lisa West, Sports Manager— Joon Yang, Golf Coordinator- Dina Balogh,Administrative Supervisor Guests/Presenters: None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting. Motion by David Walters, seconded by Sarah Ellison. All in favor said aye. City of Lake Oswego Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Advisory Page 1 of 5 Board Minutes March 18, 2026 4. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE No update provided. 5. YOUTH MEMBER REPORT Aditya Deepu and Logan Nelson reported that the High School Green team participated in garlic mustard removal projects. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT No public comment. REGULAR BUSINESS 7. RECREATION SERVICES OVERVIEW Enrichment, Fitness,Teen Programs& Inclusive Recreation Cyd Fletcher presented an overview of recreation services. Presentation included: • A wide range of youth, teen, and adult programming across multiple disciplines including arts, fitness, outdoor recreation, and life skills. • Inclusion Support Services provided at no cost to residents, supporting approximately 70 requests annually and delivering over 1,100 service hours. • Growth in enrichment programming, including over 500 classes and camps with more than 3,000 participants. • Expansion of fitness programming through LORAC, including classes, personal training, and community wellness initiatives. Luscher Farm Programs, Community&Special Events Emily Liu, Izzy Sigrist, and Shelley Burgess presented Luscher Farm programs and community event programming. Presentation included: • Over 200,000 annual visitors and strong volunteer engagement(5,000+ hours). • Educational programming including youth camps, adult classes, and community gardening initiatives. • Partnerships with local organizations and nonprofits to support food access and environmental education. • A full calendar of community events, including farmers markets, concerts, cultural celebrations, and holiday programming serving over 220,000 attendees annually. 8. SPORTS,GOLF&TENNIS OVERVIEW Golf Staff reported that the golf course has generated approximately$1 million in revenue since reopening. City of Lake Oswego Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Advisory Page 2 of 5 Board Minutes March 18, 2026 Discussion points included: • Revenue performance is strong but expected to stabilize after initial high demand ("new facility" effect). • Weather conditions positively impacted usage. • Operational challenges included unexpected equipment needs, maintenance costs, and temporary closures affecting revenue. • Staff emphasized that financial performance must be evaluated alongside maintenance and operational expenses now that the course operates within the General Fund. • Additional programming(lessons,tournaments, leagues) is expected to support future growth. Board discussion included questions about future revenue projections, with staff noting that it may take 2-3 years to fully stabilize financially. Sports Programming Staff reported expanded programming due to the LORAC facility, which allows use of a dedicated gym rather than relying on school district facilities. Key points included: • Expanded access to youth,teen, and adult sports programming. • 77 youth programs with over 800 participants and diverse offerings beyond traditional sports. • Growth in teen sports, including long-standing City League Basketball (35+years) • New programs introduced, including rugby, skateboarding, and pickleball. Additional discussion included: • Increased availability of indoor pickleball,though demand for dedicated facilities remains. • Continued community interest in pickleball expansion. • Clarification that the city is not currently pursuing new outdoor pickleball locations. Adaptive Sports Staff reported: • Partnership with Adaptive Sports Northwest provides inclusive recreation opportunities. • Equipment such as sports wheelchairs is available for participants. • Programs offered at no cost with growing participation. Tennis Staff presented updates on tennis programming and facility performance. Presentation included: • Revenue of approximately$884,000 year-to-date, exceeding prior year performance. • Structured youth development pathway supporting long-term participation. • Strong adult programming including classes, leagues, and social formats. • Approximately 50 USTA teams and multiple city leagues. City of Lake Oswego Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Advisory Page 3 of 5 Board Minutes March 18, 2026 Special Olympics Program Key points included: • Program has operated for over 20 years. • Approximately 24 participants annually supported by volunteers and staff. • Nearly 1:1 volunteer-to-participant ratio. • Newly secured sponsorships will support equipment and volunteer recognition. • Program operates Saturdays from 4:00—5:00 PM. 9. WILLAMETTE GREENWAY TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE Kyra Haggart presented an update on the Willamette River Greenway Trail project. Key details included: • Approximately 877 feet of new pathway connecting existing trail segments. • Project will create over 2 miles of continuous riverfront pathway. • Includes sections across park property and easements through private properties. • Installation of fencing, signage, and access gates for adjacent property owners. • Trail design includes a 10-foot-wide paved path with gravel shoulders. Project timeline: • Permitting: March-April 2026 • Bidding: April 2026 • Construction: May/June through October/November 2026 Discussions included: • Trail accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists. • Safety features including railings and slope compliance. • Temporary construction impacts and park access disruptions. • Coordination with neighborhood associations and property owners. Funding sources include: • Parks& Recreation funds • System Development Charges • Metro Local Share funding • Mt. Hood Territory grant 10. STAFF& BOARD UPDATES Staff updates included: • A new memorial installation at Foothills Park is planned for Memorial Day. • Announcement of Erik Hirshberger as the new Parks Superintendent. • Hiring of two full-time aquatics recreation specialists to support expanded pool operations. • Introduction of Lynn Peterson as interim City Manager. Board announcements included: City of Lake Oswego Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Advisory Page 4 of 5 Board Minutes March 18, 2026 • The next meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026 (joint meeting with Sustainability Advisory Board). • Group photo requested following the meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:05 PM. Prepared by, Dina Balogh,Administrative Supervisor City of Lake Oswego Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Advisory Page 5 of 5 Board Minutes March 18, 2026