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LAKE OSWEGO
Administrative Draft Needs Assessment PARKS PLAN 2040
January 2024
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SUMMARY
LAKE OSWEGO
FOCUS GROUP OUTREACH - PHASE 1 PARKS PLAN 2040
OVERVIEW
To help assess needs and future opportunities associated with parks, recreation facilities,
and natural areas, members of the Parks Plan 2040 Team conducted small group
meetings with a variety of community members who represent specific neighborhoods,
interests, and perspectives. The project team met with 11 groups over the course of
approximately three months between October 2023 and January 2024. Groups
represented the following organizations and topics:
• Luscher area stakeholders •
• Pickleball players t.,
• Recreation and sports leagues T ,- � "�
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion Vi r (ft
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advocates •
• Youth Action Council
• Friends of Parks groups ,
• Natural resources and • '` �� ' zA \
sustainability advocates •
• Lake Oswego School District
• Accessibility advocates and
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• Youth Advisory Board members
• Youth Leadership Council Youth Action Council Focus Group
Each group discussed the following list of general topics, although specific discussion
questions and topics varied depending on the perspectives and interests of the
individual group. Questions generally centered around the following topic areas:
• Frequency and nature of use of local parks and facilities
• Challenges and needs facing the parks system
• Opportunities for specific improvements to facilities, amenities, and programs
• Partnership opportunities with community organizations
• Preferences around communication and engagement approaches
RECURRING THEMES
This first phase of focus group meetings yielded a wealth of information and ideas.
Summaries of each meeting are attached following this cover memo. Some of the
recurring comments or themes voiced at the meetings included:
• Focus on improving what already exists within the system
• Expand trail connectivity within and between parks
• Expand invasive species management in parks and natural areas
• Improve public information about parks, natural areas, trails, available programs
and events, and accessibility features, especially to youth audiences
• Improve access to parks, natural areas, activities, and services for people with
disabilities, older adults, and communities with language barriers
• Provide more year-round recreation opportunities (turf fields,
covered/shaded/heated spaces, etc.)
• Increase climate resilience in parks, the built environment, and operations
• Provide more unique and inclusive play opportunities
• Address the high demand for sports fields and courts, particularly for soccer
• Provide or improve other specific amenities, including:
o Restrooms
o Water access
o Pickleball
o Durable/easy to clean picnic tables
o Accessibility improvements (signage, parking, play equipment, etc.)
o Lighting
NEXT STEPS
The focus group meetings held between October 2023 and January 2024 were the first
round of small group meetings to be conducted as part of this effort. Information from
them will be integrated into the Parks Plan 2040 needs assessment task, as well as
recommendations for facility improvements. The project team also plans to conduct
similar meetings during subsequent phases of the project to solicit additional feedback
on specific recommendations for improvements to parks and facilities.
The City of Lake Oswego is committed to providing equal access to information and meetings. For
Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations or translations/interpretation services, please submit
your request at least four business days prior to the event by visiting
www.lakeoswego.city/accommodation or by phone at 503-635-0282.
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LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
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SUMMARY
LAKE OSWEGO
LUSCHER AREA STAKEHOLDERS PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: October 4, 2023
Time: 2-3:30PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Matt Hastie, Tiffany White-LaPierre, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart
Focus Group Participants: Nancy Gronowski, Richard Fiala, Stephanie Hallock, Gale
Wallmark, Randall Yamada, Nancy Sage, Rick Cook, Laura Masterson,
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How would you describe your role or your organization's role as it relates to parks and
recreation in the Luscher area?
• Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection (FRCC):
o Draw for Luscher Farm as a space for relaxation and nature access
o Water restrictions limit future growth
• Stafford Hamlet:
o Has been Involved with Luscher Farm for a number of years
o Aims to support agriculture and preservation of the urban rural interface
and rural nature of the Hamlet area
o Concerned by the potential to establish active recreation uses at Luscher
Farm in the future
• Friends of Luscher Farm (FOLF):
o Interested in preserving the historic and agricultural nature of Luscher
Farm
o Starting to play a stronger role in advocating for implementation of the
Luscher Area Master Plan (LAMP)
• Luscher Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program:
o Frequently work and partner with parks and recreation to provide
educational and agricultural programming opportunities
o Interested in seeing other kinds of agricultural programming
• Stafford Tualatin Valley CPO:
o Review planning and development applications to ensure zoning
conformance and preservation of historic character, natural areas, and
agricultural uses
o Have been involved with numerous projects in the Luscher Area
• Palisades Neighborhood Association:
o Adjacent to Luscher Farm and have been involved with or monitored
recent park and recreation developments
• Shipley-Cook Farmstead:
o Written response: Do not let it get turned into a mega sports and
recreation facility like the huge Tualatin Valley Parks and Recreation facility
on Walker Road
• All of the participants also have personal connections to Luscher Farm as long-
term residents of the area or as a space to work, volunteer, and/or recreate
2. How often do you work with park and recreation department staff in Lake Oswego? Who do
you typically work with to discuss improvements, ideas, or concerns?
• Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection:
o Great working relationship with park and recreation staff
• Stafford Hamlet:
o Most of their work has been with the mayor and other city departments to
preserve rural lands
o Have worked with Kyra and Ivan relating to Luscher Farm and other parks
and recreation developments in the area
• Friends of Luscher Farm:
o Positive interactions with City Parks and Recreation department, especially
since passage of most recent Clackamas County code amendments related
to LAMP
o Work closely with city staff (Angie and Jamie) to develop projects and
initiatives to support Luscher Farm programming
o Part of Harvest Donation Optimization Effort to secure more volunteers
and allow for community gardeners to increase donations from personal
plots
■ More than doubled amount of produce donated (-2,000 pounds)
o Restyled Harvest Scarecrows along with Library Initiative
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 2
o Work with the City and Lake Oswego School District to facilitate
educational opportunities and field trips
o Initiating Walks and Talks Program to help spread public awareness about
Luscher Farm
• Luscher Farm CSA:
o Day-to-day working relationship with the City
o Excited about what Luscher has to offer and looking forward to expanding
agricultural programming
• Stafford Tualatin Valley CPO
o Regularly work with the City and County on planning and development
reviews
• Palisades Neighborhood Association
o Focus group participant was recently appointed as the PNA Parks and
Recreation Liaison, so they have had some interactions with parks and
recreation
• Shipley-Cook Farmstead:
o Written response: Frequently, working with Ivan and Kyra
OPPORTUNITIES
3. What do you feel are some of the greatest existing assets related to parks and recreation in the
Luscher area?
• Local gem, nothing else like it in the Metro region
• Adopt-a-Plot program
• CSA
• Botanical garden
• Educational classes
• Demonstration garden
• Preservation of the area as an agricultural and historic resource
• Open space and agriculture
• 100+ acres located In the EFU zone (open space, natural areas)
• The land itself (agricultural use and preservation)
o Repeated as the strongest asset by numerous participants
4. Considering the recent adoption of Ordinance ZDO-286 by Clackamas County, what do you feel
are the greatest opportunities for the Luscher area in the next 5-10 years in terms of providing
parks recreation activities, and enhancing natural areas?
• Kyra provided clarification of ZDO-286 which aligns the County's code with state
regulations, as well as activities recommended in the LAMP, and will create a way
for the LAMP to be adopted and implemented on county land
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 3
o One participant noted that it will be critical to help folks understand the
significance of ZDO-286 and how it will impact future developments and
LAMP implementation
• Key question to ask over the next 5-10 years: How can we save this oasis for
future generations to learn about the natural world?
• Opportunities:
o To finally be able to implement multiple envisioned, and community-
driven components of the LAMP
■ Top LAMP priorities:
• New, safe public access and expanded parking, currently
dependent on original farmhouse driveway
• Expansion of agricultural programming
• Development and promotion of a consistent historical
narrative (signage, interpretive elements, etc.)
• Passive recreation areas (trail access, etc.) vs. active
recreation areas (sports fields, etc.)
o Agricultural lands
■ There needs to be a diversity of agricultural programming
opportunities (grain fields, animals, etc.)
o Educational opportunities
o Wetland restoration
o Oak Savanna restoration
o Focus on implementation of LAMP
o Making them legal, while preserving its natural character and keeping it in
agriculture
5. What physical improvements should the City prioritize for the Luscher area?
• Physical improvements that preserve historic structures and agricultural uses (will
also align with state land use regulations and ensure successful implementation)
o Restoration and preservation should drive all physical improvements
• New and safe public access
o Consider impacts to county neighbors in siting, consider access off Bergis
Road, rather than increasing traffic on Rosemont Road
• Increased parking capacity
• Wetland restoration
• Restrooms
• Internal pedestrian circulation (trails, pathways, etc.)
• Interpretive activities and associated improvements
• Addressing the compliance issues with buildings, ADA access to facilities, "make
Luscher legal"
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
6. Are there any specific opportunities or ideas you have for ways to improve recreation activities
in the Luscher area?
• Improve internal pedestrian access and circulation
• Explore ways to codify LAMP priorities (open space preservation and agricultural
uses)
• Develop a narrative that tells the story of the Luscher Area and its connections
with adjacent natural areas (Stevens Meadows, Cook Butte, etc.)
• The need for a functional Luscher Recreation Area Master Transportation Plan
• New funding to protect and enhance Pecan Creek's beauty, great educational
opportunity to partner with the Lake Oswego School District with Lake Oswego
High School so close
ISSUES/CONCERNS
7. Do you have any specific concerns related to park and recreation activities in the Luscher area?
• Destruction of the natural setting by over-building of "athletic facilities"
(ballfields, pickleball courts, etc.)
• Future development of active recreation uses (beyond Hazelia Field and Rassekh
Park)
• Ensure boundaries between adjacent active uses and rural areas, including
Luscher Farm, are maintained
• Impacts of traffic on Rosemont Road and Stafford Road
• Further urbanization on EFU lands
• Preservation of educational programming
• The potential for City annexation and any associated zone changes that would
expand urban uses and further impact rural uses in this area
• Time and funding capacity
• Balancing rural/agricultural nature with the desire to share this historic resource
with broader community
8. What should the City be preparing for in the Luscher area in order to best to meet the long-
term needs of the community?
• Find ways to ensure the LAMP Is resilient to future political and physical changes
o Explore possibilities for codification of LAMP (working lands conservation
easement, deed restrictions, etc.)
• Some participants worry that Luscher Farm is overlooked/ignored by the City
• Funding
• Find ways to address future Lake Oswego demographic changes in the Luscher
Area (as outlined in CAC Meeting #1 presentation)
o Consider passive recreational uses as Lake Oswego is an aging community
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 5
• Use of nature to help solve Greenhouse Gas emissions, not compound it by
increased traffic
• Create a carbon sequestration zone in the Parks 2040 Plan
9. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the Luscher area in the next 5-10
years?
• Preserving the LAMP
• Funding
• Traffic
• Keeping it as natural as possible, while complying with new ZDO-286, and not
turning it into a mega sports complex
OUTREACH
10. How can we work with you and other community members to continue to promote
engagement in this planning process?
• Update Parks 2040 website regularly
o Kyra followed up that it typically takes a few days to upload event
recordings
o Kyra confirmed that she will post a list of LO 2040 CAC members
• Randall Yamada stated that a focus group format that facilitates two-way
communication like this meeting is the best outreach format vs. a
PowerPoint/lecture format
11. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• Lake Oswego School District for student/youth participation
o Also engage elementary school teachers
• Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde (panel on the Hazelia Agri-Cultural
Heritage Trail)
• Neighborhood Associations
• Other community organizations/groups
12. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Focus group format that facilitates two-way conversations
• The more things you can do the better - employ a big toolbox of outreach
methods
• An unbiased survey that allows for out-of-the-box answers vs. guided answers
o Some concern over a city-sponsored survey vs. an independently
commissioned survey and bias in development of survey questions
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 6
o Matt stated that the project team Is happy to provide a copy of the survey
currently being administered; it Is being undertaken by an independent
survey research firm
o Kyra clarified that the statistically valid survey will be released to the public
in the coming weeks for additional opportunities for participation
• Written-in response: Be respectful, honest, and transparent in communication
with residents. Open dialog with meaningful positive outcomes. Respect.
Excellence. Trust. Service.
OTHER
13. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• Additional clarification on the area's water right issues and irrigation limitations
was provided
• What Is the timetable for applying for county LAMP adoption and
implementation?
o Kyra stated that the City is hiring a land use consultant to prepare the
application
o Kyra will provide an update once she has more information about the
timetable for that process
o The implementation timeline will depend on what projects/uses are
prioritized; it could take years for some of the recommendations to be
implemented
NEXT STEPS
Matt closed the focus group by thanking participants, providing an update on project
next steps, and encouraging participants to check out the Parks Plan 2040 project
website for information and future engagement opportunities.
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 7
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LAKE OSWEGO
PARKS PLAN 2040
FRIENDS OF PARKS
FOCUS GROUP
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Matt Hastie, Lauren Scott
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart
Focus Group Participants: Laura Tanz, Susan Yesilada, Amy Herman, Alan Dolby, Stephanie
Hallock, Debbie Craig, Cheryl Uchida
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How would you describe your organization's role as it relates to parks and recreation?
• Friends of Parks groups range in size.
• See one of their main goals as supporting parks department activities and carry out a lot
of stewardship and advocacy as it relates to their respective parks.
• A large piece of the work is vegetation management including invasive species removal
and native vegetation planting. Many groups host work parties several times a year.
2. How often do you work with park and recreation department staff in Lake Oswego?Who do you
typically work with to discuss improvements, ideas,or concerns?
• Groups are in frequent contact with a variety of City staff whether it's regarding Master
Plan implementation or vegetation management.
• General high level of satisfaction with City staff involvement and expertise.
OPPORTUNITIES
3. What are some of the biggest existing assets related to parks and recreation in and around Lake
Oswego?
• Variety of parks (developed and open space), recreation facilities, and recreation
programming.
• Creative, bold City staff.
• Unique assets like Luscher Farms.
• Active, engaged community and willing volunteers.
• Great infrastructure.
• Available park land.
4. What do you feel are the greatest opportunities facing Lake Oswego in the next 5-10 years in terms
of providing parks, recreation and natural area benefits and services?
• Acquiring more natural areas, particularly in the Stafford basin.
• Continuing to implement the Luscher Area Master Plan (LAMP) and preserving it as
agriculture and open space. Track potential opportunities to expand Luscher Farm with
adjacent properties.
• Building more pathways and trails.
• Projects detailed on the Metro Local Share webpage.
• Shifting to outreach and education versus solely focusing on removing invasive species.
• The City does appear to be seizing opportunities (e.g., building the aquatics center,
recreation programming).
5.Are there any specific improvements or ideas you have as we work through this process?
• Interested in creative ideas or incentives for invasive species management; could it be
expanded so that private property owners are involved?
• Open to recommendations and guidance on maintaining natural areas.
• Protecting and keeping the open space property we have.
• Improving pathways at West Waluga Park where roots have caused walkway hazards.
• A culvert at East Waluga Park is about to rust through.
• Luscher Farm needs better access and parking. Water rights needs to be addressed as
the site doesn't have adequate water.
• Need to increase land acquisition and creative programming.
• Lily Bay needs better access. Part of the purpose is to keep it protected but better
access and more outreach would bring awareness to its location. Coordination with the
other owner and adjacent railroad is needed for managing invasive species.
• The City's tree cutting ordinance prevents removal of invasive trees and managing fire
risk. There needs to be a coordinated effort to address that problem.
• Need innovative ideas for getting people out to parks. A nature scavenger hunt could be
one idea.
• A plan for a shuttle to the future Recreation and Aquatic Center facility.
• Need more indoor basketball courts.
ISSUES/CONCERNS
6.What should the City be preparing for,to achieve a parks system that meets the long-term needs of
the City?
• An aging demographic. The types of amenities desired in parks will change. The City will
also lose a large volunteer base.
7. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community?
• It's difficult to continue bringing younger people into the volunteer base. A majority of
people that show up at work parties are not from Lake Oswego. City is going to see a
decline in volunteers.
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
• Recognizing the impact of climate change on our natural environment.
• Tension between need for affordable housing and preserving open spaces. The core
park users will be aging and older if trends continue and younger people can't afford to
live in Lake Oswego.
• Need the City's help in addressing sustainability (introducing hardy plants), ensuring fire
safe parks, and attracting people to parks.
• Old and failing infrastructure in parts of the City.
• How to welcome a more diverse community.
• Legal challenges at Luscher Farms.
• Should consider the hamlet around Luscher Farms.
• Changes to the City's Charter Chapter 10 that restricts improvements at over a dozen
sites.
8. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that have unequal access to parks and
recreation? If so,what are they?
• People who don't or can't drive.
• Youth that live in apartments that aren't near parks.
• People with disabilities, especially concerning access to natural areas.
PARTNERSHIPS
9. How can the City work with you to build on or enhance your efforts to help maintain facilities or
provide programs related to parks, recreation and natural areas?
• Provide forums or information on what other parks providers are doing that's new and
exciting.
• At Luscher Farm it would be nice to have a real bathroom and an open-air classroom
that would allow for expanded programming.
• Need a good replacement for City staff who focused so much on outreach and
integration of community into the stewardship network.
• Change the tree ordinance.
• Ideas and creativity from City staff.
• Ensure that knowledge and outreach experience is not lost in staff changes.
• Have a designated employee active in educational support promote understanding of
natural environment.
• A Parks Fair to bring people out and learn more about parks and recreation offerings,
volunteer opportunities, etc.
10. Do you see any new opportunities for partnering with the City in the future to help address parks,
recreation and natural area needs and services?
• No new opportunities at this time that aren't already mentioned.
OUTREACH
11. How can we work with you and other community members to continue to promote engagement
in this planning process?
• Continue to update the City website and coordinate within City departments.
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
• Face to face interactions are the best ways to build out the network.
• One-on-one meetings with decision makers.
• Parks fair or other community event with outreach boards.
• Presentations in schools.
• Reach out to business groups, rotary clubs, etc.
• Parks scavenger hunts.
• Most people are receptive to emails.
• Neighbors Night Out is very popular. Should build on similar events that have a large
draw.
• Chamber of Commerce planning to have a wine walk out near Waluga.
• Engage businesses on frontage plantings.
12. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• School District
• Stafford Hamlet
• Neighborhood Associations
OTHER
Is there anything else you would like to share?
• Chapter 10 of the City Charter added a number of parks to this section that precluded
the City from adding parking or making other types of improvements.
• Rogerson Clematis Garden collection is nationally recognized. Its visibility should be
elevated.
• Monitor native plant species that are not hardy/resilient to changing climate.
• Recognize opportunities for fire resistant/tolerant landscaping.
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
The City of Lake Oswego is committed to providing equal access to information and meetings. For Americans with
Disabilities Act accommodations or translations/interpretation services, please submit your request at least four
business days prior to the event by visiting www.lakeoswego.city/accommodation or by phone at 503-635-0282.
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LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
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SUMMARY
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LAKE OSWEGO
PARKS PLAN 2040
PICKLEBALL FOCUS GROUP
Date: October 24, 2023
Time: 1 - 2:30 PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Matt Hastie, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart
Focus Group Participants: Bob Mulvihill, Dan Boone, Doug Anderson, Steve Thompson,
Ed Becker, David Dunning, Mark Cywinski, Bob Mensel, Mike Rudarmel
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How do you feel the demand for pickleball in Lake Oswego has changed over the last 5 years?
• Five years ago, Pickleball was growing at 20-25% year making Lake Oswego one
of the most active clubs in the nation
• Demand has skyrocketed in the last five-years, partially due to COVID as it
provided outdoor recreation opportunities when indoor recreational
opportunities were shut down
• Lake Oswego Pickleball Club (LOPC) membership has at least doubled in size
during the last five years
• Demand has dropped in last few years due to public courts being removed
o Demand has not decreased due to public interest but due to the lack of a
place to play
2. How do you feel the demand for pickleball in Lake Oswego will change over the next 15 years?
• Expect demand to increase exponentially over the next 15 years due to increased
national exposure (celebrity investors and teams), increased national
demand/popularity, accessibility to all age and fitness levels, and the many social
benefits
• Expect youth participation to increase as it will likely become a school sport in 5-
6 years
o The Lake Oswego Pickleball Club sees this as an opportunity to build
partnerships with the Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) and expand
pickleball opportunities at school tennis courts
o LOPC is willing to help support educational opportunities with the LOSD
• Pickleball demand will increase even further if it becomes an Olympic sport
3. How do you feel about indoor pickleball courts?
• Would like to see the Indoor Tennis Center available for pickleball
• More supportive of covered outdoor pickleball courts rather than the
development of an indoor facility due to expense and operational needs
o Indoor facility would be expensive to develop and operate
• A combination of covered and open-air facilities would be preferrable
• Interested In a regulation surfaced courts (gym/wood floors are not ideal)
4. How do you feel about outdoor pickleball courts?
• Outdoor courts are the best but are dependent on weather, Lake Oswego needs
covered courts to allow for year-round use
• Outdoor courts need to be covered and have a regulation surface, as well as
some way to abate/minimize noise
• LO High School has been generous with their courts during summer months
(temporary nets and tape lines) but the community will need more options for
next season
5. How do you feel about single pickleball courts in the context of Lake Oswego?Clusters of 2-4 pickleball
courts?Regional pickleball facilities with 5-12+courts?
• Need a combination of a larger facility (6-8 courts) and another facility with 3-4
courts in another part of town
o George Rogers had 6 courts and was always full, especially in the mornings
o George Rogers was the perfect layout
• Multiple locations with 1-2 courts does not fulfill the social aspects of the game,
although the more courts the better
• Rarely see single courts and don't make a lot of sense, given how people play
and gather to play pickleball
• Minimum number of courts at a facility should be 4-6 courts
• Sweet spot is 6+ courts which allows a group of 24+ to play at once
• Two locations with numerous courts would be great but at least one large, nice
facility is needed
• It would be nice to have a facility with a center court that can sponsor regional
tournaments
o Includes space around the court for bleachers or concrete viewing steps
o Great economic opportunity
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
• The playtimescheduler.com app works well for scheduling courts
OPPORTUNITIES
6.Are there any specific ideas you have for ways Lake Oswego can provide access to pickleball over the
next 5-10 years?
• New facility
o Replace or supplement dog park off Stafford Road with pickleball facility
(Hazelia Field)
■ Palisades Neighborhood has stated that they are against this
proposal
• Multiple venues to play both indoors and outdoors
• Should look to create 4-6 court-sized facilities in commercial or industrial centers
or other locations where noise is not going to be a factor. While not in Lake
Oswego, the area in Tigard by Costco, Walmart, and WINCO have open areas that
could easily be converted. And being in proximity to services would be a win for
businesses, especially restaurants.
7.Are there any specific ideas you have for ways Lake Oswego can provide access to pickleball in the
near term?
• Need to identify available and suitable land for pickleball facilities ASAP
• Pursue public/private partnerships for future pickleball opportunities
• Explore partnerships with LOSD properties (implement defined hours)
o See if permanent lines are possible at LO High School for summer outdoor
play
o See if tennis court use can be limited to allow for both sports to be played
simultaneously
• Implement paddle and ball requirements that are monitored by City staff to
reduce noise and ease negative externalities for residential areas
• Add noise mitigation measures to fences around courts
• See comment under Q6 about creating 4-6 court-sized facilities in commercial or
industrial centers.
• Pursue partnerships with school and church gyms even though gym/hardwood
surfacing is not ideal
ISSUES
8. What should the City be preparing for to achieve a parks system that meets the long-term needs of the
City in regards to pickleball?
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
• Need courts as soon as possible (60% of folks who played at George Rogers are
no longer playing)
• Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country so now is the time to plan for
multiple locations
• Share Pickleball Task Force survey
• Stop looking at existing parks for future courts, think outside existing park
structures and look to unique spaces where sound will not be an issue
9. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community in regards to pickleball?
• City Council does not appear to be in favor of pickleball despite the Park board's
efforts to maintain courts at George Rogers; need more of the pickleball
community to show up at city events to advocate for pickleball interests
o Pickleball Club should sponsor these efforts and promote advocacy
opportunities across social media
o Other cities In Oregon are expanding their pickleball infrastructure
■ Eugene, Oregon is considering a 24-court complex adjacent to the
Lane Community College. Palm Springs, California is finalizing plans
to add 12 new courts at Demuth Park, bringing the total there to
24. Closer to home, West Linn, Tualatin, Portland, ALL do a better
job of anticipating growth in demand for pickleball.
• Pickleball noise has been the biggest issue so far, so court locations need to be
selected accordingly. Hours can be set to respect neighbors need for sleep and
relaxation after work.
PARTNERSHIPS
10. How can the City work with you or other organizations to enhance our efforts to provide facilities or
programs related to pickleball?
• Explore public/private partnerships to develop future facilities; could help grow
community support and secure funding
• Explore solar panels on court covers to help support funding and maintenance
• Explore partnerships between LOSD and the Lake Oswego Pickleball Club
o The Lake Oswego Pickleball Club is willing to provide human capital to
support maintenance, operations, and educational opportunities
o Utilizing the school district tennis courts would provide more than enough
courts
• Keep an open dialogue between the city and the local clubs which include the
Lake Oswego Pickleball Club, the Willamette River Club and the Columbia River
Pickleball Club
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
11. Do you see any new opportunities for partnering with the City in the future to help address the need
for pickleball in Lake Oswego?
• Specific partners to pursue:
o Pickleball Club (Doug Anderson and Steve Thompson)
o United States Pickleball Association
o LOSD
o Anyone with a gymnasium
• The Lake Oswego Pickleball Club has some funds available which potentially
could be used to partner with the City in promoting opportunities for pickleball in
Lake Oswego
• Look to what other cities have done
OUTREACH
12. How can we work with you and other community members to continue to promote engagement in
this planning process?
• Be proactive about relationships with City Council and other city staff to help
build pickleball support
13. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• Carl Schmits - Head of the National Pickleball organization (started the LO
Pickleball Club)
• LO Police, Fire and other City Departments
o Organize tournaments between city departments to get more folks playing
pickleball
• Pat Hogan and Beth Corey have both done a tremendous job of organizing
introductory pickleball clinics for teens with Down Syndrome at Hammerle Park in
West Linn and Rolling Hills Church. Both have been very successful. It's a perfect
example of a community outreach program to promote the sport, give back to
the community, and help a specific group become active in pickleball.
14. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Email
• Surveys
• Occasional group meetings
• Continue to provide updates on city website
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
OTHER
15. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• Not a fan of multi-court lines, would prefer dedicated pickleball courts
NEXT STEPS
• Just finished statistically valid community survey, survey is now available for
community responses on the City website through November 10th
• Community Open House scheduled for November 14, 4:30-6:30 at the Adult
Community Center
• In the process of finishing Focus Group meetings
• Regularly meeting with CAC and PNRAB
• Parks Plan 2040 website provides updates and project documents
• Kyra mentioned that City Council directed the Parks and Recreation Department
to explore solutions for pickleball as part of Parks Plan 2040
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 16
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SUMMARY
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LAKE OSWEGO
NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS PLAN 2040
SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS GROUP
Date: October 27, 2023
Time: 1 - 2:30 PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Lauren Scott, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart
Focus Group Participants: Kara Orvieto, Megan Hill, Terri Preeg Riggsby, Mark Puhlman,
Rebecca Crosby, Stephanie Wagner, Kathleen Wiens, Jack Halsey
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How would you describe your organization's role as it relates to parks, recreation, and natural areas?
• Sustainability Advisory Board - supports the city's parks, recreation, and natural
area related-work in an advisory capacity.
• Tryon Creek Watershed Council - supports habitat restoration efforts and helps
convene interested stakeholders.
• LO Sustainability Network - partners with the Lake Oswego Watershed Council;
recent parks and recreation related projects include helping transition the City to
electric landscaping equipment, and the upcoming tree Summit.
• Oswego Lake Watershed Council - helps support efforts to improve the health of
the Oswego Lake watershed.
2. How often do you work with park and recreation department staff in Lake Oswego? Who do you
typically work with to discuss improvements, ideas, or concerns?
• Sustainability Advisory Board - works with Park staff through the Board's City
Liaison
• Tryon Creek Watershed Council - works with City habitat restoration team
• LO Sustainability Network - partners with Lake Oswego Watershed Council
• Oswego Lake Watershed Council - recently developed a MOU with the City
OPPORTUNITIES
3. What are some of the biggest existing assets related to parks, recreation, and natural areas in and
around Lake Oswego?
• Intact and unique natural ecosystems that are owned and managed by the City
(Ex: Oregon White Oak)
• Strong habitat management relating to invasive species
• The system includes a large number of natural areas for folks to experience and
connect with nature
• Habitat Enhancement Program (HEP)
• Existing canopy cover within natural areas
4. What do you feel are the greatest opportunities facing Lake Oswego in the next 5-10 years in terms of
providing park, recreation, and natural area facilities and services?
• Expand invasive species management and habitat restoration efforts in parks,
natural areas and right of ways across the City (especially in areas that have not
had as much focus in recent years)
o Secure funding and support for invasive species management and removal
• Support habitat connectivity efforts (Ex: expanding wildlife corridors)
• Communicate information about Emeral Ash Borer and be proactive
• Continue partnerships to get restoration work done
o Green Teams
o Friends Groups
• Utilize electric equipment across parks and recreation facilities
• Fully vet development and construction projects to consider all environmental
impacts
• Preserve natural areas to increase climate resilience
• Consider climate resilience when selecting plant species
• Do not use pesticides and herbicides
• Think through artificial turf and understand negative consequences
• Tap into top-down federal funding (Ex: fish passage barrier removals - Atwater
Road culvert replacement)
• Develop more covered recreation areas to support safe year-round recreation
o More natural shade
o Covered areas for outdoor activities like small markets, multi-use
programming, recreation classes and play
• Provide more accessible areas to gather and combat social isolation (especially
for older adult communities and multi-family areas)
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
• Support park connectivity, consider integration with the broader multi-modal
transportation system to expand equitable park access
5.Are there any specific improvements or ideas you have as we work through this process?
• Incorporate Oregon White Oak management throughout the City (school district,
city-owned property, private property, and business owned property)
• Expand natural area access for those of varying ages and abilities
o Expand invasive species management efforts
• Expand invasive species management efforts
• Increase information sharing relating to the Emerald Ash Borer to be proactive
(currently located In Washington County)
o Create an inventory
o Develop management polices
o Identify other species that could replace the Ash
ISSUES
6. What should the City be preparing for to achieve a parks system that meets the long-term needs of the
community?
• Protect existing parks and natural areas
• Prepare for climate change and how it will affect Lake Oswego's parks and natural
areas
o Loss of Ash and Oak Trees to invasive species
o Bigger storm events
o Maintain healthy shade tree systems
o Plant climate resilient plants
o Add solar panels to parking lots
• Protect and appropriately delineate wetland areas to protect overall watershed
health
• Establish wildlife corridors
• Address light pollution due to its negative impacts on wildlife
• The Parks and Recreation Department should participate in the current housing
planning process to advocate for preserving natural areas and incorporating
access to nature into future housing developments
• Expand community garden access (partner with school district and local
businesses)
• Ensure adequate materials and staffing for climate-related emergencies (extreme
heat, smoke, etc.)
• Improve stormwater infrastructure to protect against flooding
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
• Expand access to water for recreation
• Ensure sufficient long-term maintenance staff and funding to care for existing
and future park investments
• Provide adequate public restrooms and trashcans
7. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community?
• Increasing population density that could threaten natural areas
• Maintaining what we have in a healthy way
• Funding and capacity
• Climate Change
• Invasive species
• Altered fire regime - restricted historic fire pattern
8. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that have unequal access to parks and
recreation?If so, what are they?
• Ensure there are no park deserts In Lake Oswego
o Look into more pocket parks, green boulevards, and community gardens
to fill any potential gaps - especially in areas with limited land availability
o Prioritize investments in dense areas that may lack access to green space
• Provide access to natural and cultural resources for Indigenous communities
• Provide multi-modal access to parks
o Encourage multimodal access and transit access to parks and natural areas
• Find ways to make parks feel safe for all communities regardless of identity or
ability
PARTNERSHIPS
9. How can the City work with you to build on or enhance your efforts to help maintain facilities or
provide programs related to parks, recreation, and natural areas?
• Continue existing partnerships
• Continue HEP funding
• Think of the Watershed Council as a group that has greater ability to support
work on privately owned and HOA-owned properties
• Expand partnerships and equitable engagement efforts with immigrant and
refugee communities, Indigenous nations, and other historically underserved
groups
o Include as many diverse voices and perspectives as possible
• Implement a mechanism to recognize and manage existing partnerships that
helps establish roles, expectations and responsibilities
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
• Bring back the Natural Resources Advisory Board
• Convene a round table with the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department
and involved organizations
• Support cross-pollination among city advisory boards (currently only meet once a
year)
• Encourage board members to attend other board meetings on a quarterly basis
• Develop more neighborhood specific engagement and programming
opportunities
o Like Portland's neighborhood block parties and Sunday Streets/Parkways)
o Smaller scale community events
■ Will help foster neighborhood-scale community resilience
10. Do you see any new opportunities for partnering with the City in the future to help address parks,
recreation, and natural area needs?
• Collaborate with existing partnerships on grant opportunities to allow funding to
work on private and public lands
• Hire a City Wildlife Manager/Natural Resources Planner to focus energy and to
manage sustainability and natural resource related resources, partnerships and
programs
OUTREACH
11. How can we work with you and other community members to continue to promote engagement in
this planning process?
• Continue social media engagement through city and partner platforms
• News publications (Hello LO, Lake Oswego Review)
• School district communications
• Reach out to HOAs
• Continue forums with multiple organizations to foster collaboration and new
ideas
• Work with the LOSD to create youth engagement opportunities
• Gain community feedback on project deliverables throughout the project
• Offer engagement opportunities at different times and days of the week that
provide childcare and food
12. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• Equity Groups:
o LO for Love
o Respond to Racism
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
o LOSD social workers
o Hunger Fighters
• High School Green Teams - youth perspective
• Youth engagement through LOSD
o Projects that students can bring home
o Outreach events at Elementary schools
• Metro (regional park provider)
• Oak and Prairie Working Group
• Oregon Department of Transportation
• Tualatin Riverkeepers
• Clackamas Water Environment Services
• PCC Sylvania
• Friends of Tryon Creek
• Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde
• Aging and Disability Advocacy Groups
13. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Provide more specificity when asking folks to come to an event to provide input
OTHER
14. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• How will Parks Plan 2040 incorporate the Natural Areas Habitat Management
Plan?
o Kyra stated that Parks Plan 2040 will reference the Plan but will not provide
the same level of site-specific recommendations
NEXT STEPS
• Just finished statistically valid community survey, survey is now available for
community responses on the City website through November 10th
• Community Open House scheduled for November 14, 4:30-6:30 at the Adult
Community Center
• In the process of finishing Focus Group meetings
• Regularly meeting with CAC and PNRAB
• Parks Plan 2040 website provides updates and project documents
• Feel free to follow-up with Kyra with any additional comments
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 6
V O.
SUMMARY
LAKE OSWEGO
SPORTS & ACTIVE RECREATION PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: November 9, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Tiffany White-LaPierre, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart
Focus Group Participants: Lisa Decker, Josh Jaster, Theresa Nute
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How would you describe your organization's role as it relates to parks and recreation?
• Little League mostly utilizes Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) softball fields
but is hoping to utilize Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation (LOPR) fields more due
to raising school district field fees and limited LOSD field time due to competing
school uses
• Lakeridge Youth Football utilizes multiple LOPR sport fields and LOSD properties,
including: Hazelia Field, George Rogers Park and Lakeridge Middle School among
others
o Lakeridge Youth Football is moving away from utilizing natural grass fields
to turf fields
o Turf fields in the City are in high demand and highly competitive to book,
this has resulted in some sports and teams traveling outside of the Lake
Oswego community to meet demand
• Ultimate goal of all represented organizations is to get kids involved with sports
and to promote positive sport experiences for youth in the Lake Oswego
community
2. How often do you work with park and recreation department staff in Lake Oswego? Who do you
typically work with to discuss improvements, ideas, or concerns?
• Scheduling and field rental support from Jean Ostrander
o Appreciates that LOPR prioritizes field uses for LO families and kids,
especially due to proximity to West Linn
• Rarely interacts with the Park Ranger to help with lighting and/or storage needs
OPPORTUNITIES
3. What are some of the biggest existing assets related to sports and recreation facilities in and around
Lake Oswego?
• LOSD elementary school grass and turf fields
• Hazelia Field
o Faces high demand and very competitive scheduling (everyone wants to
use this facility)
o The City needs additional turf field capacity to meet current and future
demand and to provide year-round recreation opportunities
• Outside of Lake Oswego:
o Frequently go to West Linn for baseball fields
o Horizon Christian School in Wilsonville, especially for soccer
• Little league utilizes covered areas In the City
• Rent Riverdale and Mountain Park Church for gym use
4. What do you feel are the greatest opportunities facing Lake Oswego in the next 5-10 years in terms of
providing sports and recreation facilities and programs?
• More community-wide turf fields
o Multi-use fields are great but high demand sports competing over them
o Consider turfing more natural grass fields to allow for year-round
recreation opportunities
• Find a more dynamic way to allocate assets and schedule fields to promote
higher utilization of the system's high demand assets
• Pursue further partnerships and collaboration with LOSD to take advantage of
existing undeveloped land for additional sport fields and to improve scheduling
o Ex: Large field next to Lake Oswego High School
• Provide more equitable scheduling and access for girl's sports
• Develop a multi-use indoor community field house that can be rented out by
community leagues/individuals/etc. and provide year-round recreation
opportunities which is a lacking resource in Lake Oswego
• Specific Aquatic and Recreation Center needs and opportunities:
o Basketball courts
■ 33 teams serving 350-400 kids
■ Currently rent space from local church and local school properties
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
o Year-round recreation opportunities
• Rethink and refocus who and how LOPR schedules field space, consider
prioritizing field times for community based athletic programs over private club
programs
o Make sure community-based programs are being served and getting the
space they need
5.Are there any specific improvements or ideas you have as we work through this process?
• LOSD improvements:
o Field improvements to underutilized LOSD assets
o Scheduling
■ Current frustration that they have to advocate to use their own
schools which should act as an accessible community resource
ISSUES
6. What should the City be preparing for to achieve a parks system that meets the long-term needs of the
community?
• Develop programs and facilities to prepare for a family-oriented, kid heavy
community
o Pursue expanded and additional youth athletic and recreational
opportunities
• Balance youth related activities with opportunities for Lake Oswego's aging
community
• Provide opportunities for pickleball
o There is shared frustration over the removal of public pickleball courts at
George Rogers Park
• Pursue partnerships with the LOSD to provide additional field space and
recreational facilities to meet unmet demand which is expected to increase over
the next 15 years
o De-silo LOSD and LOPR to be highly efficient about available land in the
community
• Provide 30% more multipurpose turf fields to allow for year-round recreation
opportunities and to meet unmet demand
o Example: City of Canby
• Create easier and more efficient scheduling system that enables multiple sports
to share spaces dynamically so that no space is wasted
7. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community?
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
• Housing
• Wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
• Transportation infrastructure
• Utilizing unused LOSD assets
8. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that have unequal access to sprots and active
recreation facilities and/or programs?If so, what are they?
• Sports and recreation programs can be cost prohibitive
o Want to expand messaging that there are scholarships available to allow
kids to participate for free
■ Would appreciate any field rental price cuts the LOPR can give to
community sports organizations so that they can support more
scholarships to expand youth sport access in the community
• Equitable access for gir'Is sports
• Prioritize Lake Oswego non-profit service organizations that provide affordable
sports activities vs. for profit club sports
• Prioritize in-season sports
o Frustration over soccer (and other year-round club sports) taking over field
capacity for single season sports
PARTNERSHIPS
9. How can the City work with you to build on or enhance your efforts to help maintain facilities or
provide programs related to sports and active recreation?
• Would appreciate to have a direct city touchpoint/liaison
• Provide a welcome package/cheat sheet with key information to community
sports organizations that include relevant city contacts and field scheduling
resources to help remove the barriers to entry and improve communication
pathways
• Prioritize Lake Oswego community sports organizations and consider subsidizing
rates further and/or raising rates for outside organizations and club teams to
ensure access for underserved community members
10. Do you see any new opportunities for partnering with the City in the future to help address sports and
active recreation needs?
• Pursue further partnerships with LOSD to take advantage of underutilized assets
and ensure future developments are right-sized to meet sport needs and be
useable to the community
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
OUTREACH
11. How can we work with you and other community members to continue to promote engagement in
this planning process?
• Make sure to broadly share opportunities for community feedback throughout
the Parks Plan 2040 process
• Provide engagement materials with community sports organizations to share on
their social medias and active parent email lists
12. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• LOSD
• Neighborhood Associations
o Kyra confirmed that she is reaching out to the City's neighborhood
associations
13. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Social media and email list blasts
OTHER
14. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• Need a better way to turn on field lights outside of office hours when they are
not scheduled
o Potentially consider an onsite key or lockbox to be able to turn on field
lights vs. something that needs to be coordinated with the city during
office hours
NEXT STEPS
• Just finishing statistically valid community survey
• Community Open House scheduled for November 14, 4:30-6:30 at the Adult
Community Center
• In the process of finishing Focus Group meetings
• Regularly meeting with CAC and PNRAB
• Parks Plan 2040 website provides updates and project documents
• Feel free to follow-up with Kyra with any additional comments
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
4A
O
11. n
SUMMARY 0REGOH/,
LAKE OSWEGO
ACCESSIBILITY PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: November 30, 2023
Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Lauren Scott, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart
Focus Group Participants: Steve Unger, Georgena Moran, Lisa Strader
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How often do you visit Lake Oswego's parks, natural areas, or recreation facilities?
• Visit different places based on recommendations
• Go to parks more often in the summer
• Specific sites frequented include:
o George Rogers and Luscher Farms, but not everyone of varying mobility or
ability is able to use those sites
o Attend summer concerts at Westlake Park
o Tried to go to Stevens Meadows but there was no off-street parking and
unable to use ramp to access park
o Foothills Park and the paved paths
o Not familiar with many of the trails in the City but willing to go and visit
them
2. How often do you interact with park and recreation department staff in Lake Oswego? Who do you
typically work with to discuss improvements, ideas, or concerns?
• Staff at the Adult Community Center
• City ADA Coordinator
• Parks and Recreation Director
• Other general City staff and volunteers for questions
ISSUES AND NEEDS
3. What should the City be preparing for to achieve a parks system that meets the needs of community
members who are experiencing a disability or caring for someone with a disability?
• A 72-hour accommodation request timeline is not enough and does not allow for
people with disabilities to decide to attend events without planning days in
advance.
• Start at the entrance of the site. Examine and provide information about whether
there is accessible parking and restrooms, signage with information about the
site/trail, benches, etc.
4. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community regarding accessibility in
Lake Oswego's parks, natural areas, or recreation facilities?
• Biggest obstacle is the lack of information ahead of time (e.g., accessible parking,
restrooms, benches along the trail, how muddy it is likely to be, etc.)
• Another obstacle is signage at the site which doesn't give people with disabilities
enough information about what they might encounter once they are on the trail
or have traveled down it for some distance (e.g., steep grades, lack of benches or
shade, narrow paths)
5.Are there any specific needs or improvements you would like to see?
• Informational signage about the site (e.g., for trails include the steepest grade,
average and minimum tread width, surfacing, overall length, seating areas)
• Information about City parks and trails should be posted online in accessible
formats (e.g., parking, restrooms, seating, trails)
• Mapping on websites is not accessible to assistive technology, alt text can be
added to describe content and provide contact information
• Add programs and events for reflective, quieter recreation; could also consider
adding quiet zones in parks and other outdoor spaces
• Create differences in trail surfacing so you know when you're on a trail versus
when you are not, but be careful of curbs and edges which are barriers to those
with limited vision
• Add trail markers showing distance
• Connection between Foothills Park and Tryon Creek State Natural Area should be
improved
• Add benches or other accessible seating along trails and in parking lots at pickup
spots/zones
• Improve drainage on paths and trails to reduce mud
• Add durable and washable picnic tables
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
OPPORTUNITIES
6. What are some parks or recreation facilities, in Lake Oswego or elsewhere, that work well in terms of
accessibility?
• George Rogers paths, one route makes a short circle while another provides a
longer route
• Parking in multiple places (e.g., Westlake Park has parking by both the diamonds
and playground and George Rogers Park has parking above and below)
• Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a good example of how to provide trail
information without liability issues
• Things that don't work well include:
o Access to Nansen Summit (HOA Park) where you must walk up the steep
street to get to the park
o Tryon Creek (state-run) has a path that goes down to the creek but it is
too steep and there's no signage to say otherwise
7. What do you feel are the greatest opportunities for Lake Oswego in terms of providing accessible
parks, natural areas, and recreation opportunities?
• If there are multiple parks in one area, focus on making one of them accessible
(e.g., improve parking, add accessible features)
OUTREACH
8. What types of information do you find most useful to determine the level of accessibility of park,
natural area, or recreation facility?How do you prefer that information be provided?
• See previous comments on site signage and website information
• If you do put phone numbers up online, make sure they go to a person rather
than automated machine
• Organize information by categories: location and arrival; amenities and features;
trail characteristics; signage and wayfinding; operations and maintenance
• Add dates of when information was last updated
• Website should have a map of the park and should be designed so that it is easy
to download and print maps; on the maps show:
o Icons for restrooms, transit links, parking
o Site hours and contact info
• Interpretive displays work
o Add one-liners to displays in braille to at least provide a summary of
information shown
• Make sure communications are effectives for all community members (e.g.,
braille, tactile, etc.)
• Potential for audio on website
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
9. How can we work with you and others to continue to promote engagement in this planning process?
• Give status updates on project progress and ways to stay informed
• Visible way for people to give comments during and after Parks Plan 2040
• Make it relational not just transactional; make sure that you are providing
something of value to the groups that you are tapping into for assistance or
information to help give them incentives to help out
• Offer merch or gift cards for participation
10. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Virtual opportunities (like this focus group)
• Online surveys
• See other responses for additional specific recommendations
11. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• Target organizations that support people with disabilities
o Independent Living Resources
o Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection
o Empowering Access
o Adventures Without Limits
o Oregon Commission for the Blind
o Senior Living Centers in City
o Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Use Adult Community Center as a base and have input and sign up come
through them
OTHER
14. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• Make implementation/construction of the trail connection between George
Rogers and Foothills happen sooner; that trail connection will have a big impact
on how people in other parts of our region view Lake Oswego
• The more diverse and welcoming Lake Oswego can be, the better it is
• People who feel marginalized or unsafe going anywhere unknown need to feel
welcomed and have the information needed to visit and attend parks and events
• Companion seats next to benches
• Create comfortable trail widths so people can pass and walk together easily
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
4A
\REGOH/,
SUMMARY
LAKE OSWEGO
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: December 5, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Virtual, Zoom
ATTENDEES
MIG: Tiffany White-LaPierre, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart, Guilian del Rio
Focus Group Participants: Sarah Ellison, Molly Rodrigano, Pat Ginn, Michael Harrison,Jennifer
Mozinski, Greg Wolley
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How often do you visit Lake Oswego's parks, natural areas, or recreation facilities?
• Many participants are frequent users (daily, weekly)
• One participant does not visit the City's parks and facilities since they do not live in the
City
2. How often do you interact with park and recreation department staff in Lake Oswego?Who do you
typically work with to discuss improvements, ideas, or concerns?
• A few participants communicate directly with Ivan Anderholm (Director of Parks and
Recreation) about issues and concerns
• Some participants have communicated with park maintenance staff about broken
playground equipment
• Partnerships between their organizations and Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation (LOPR)
• A few participants interact with LOPR landscapers/maintenance staff and feel they do a
great job maintaining the system's parks and facilities
• One participant is neighbors with someone who supports the City's LOPR events
• Park Ranger at Luscher Farm
• A few participants interact with the folks who operate the Farmers Market
ISSUES AND NEEDS
3. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community when it comes to diversity,
equity, and inclusion in parks and recreation?
• Until recently, the City had less cultural events. Moving forward participants hope that
the City will continue to increase citywide cultural events
• Ensuring that the City's parks and facilities are safe and welcoming to everyone, and that
this is promoted through inclusive communication
• Ensuring multiple language and translation options (events, signage, rules)
• Providing more information about resources and accessible spaces for folks with
disabilities and mobility concerns
• Park, natural area and program access for kids with disabilities and/or mobility concerns
o Accessibility issues:
■ Bark chip surfacing
■ Lacking variety
■ Inaccessible play features
o Accessibility improvement opportunities:
■ More inclusive play structures (Example: Harpers Playgrounds)
■ More information on parks, trails and natural areas that are handicap
accessible
■ More nature play areas
■ More programming and play opportunities to promote positive and
collaborative interactions
■ Greater play structure variety
• More scholarships or subsidized options for recreational programs to expand youth
access and provide as much access as the community needs
• A few participants feel that the City's programming is exclusionary to certain
communities due to cost barriers, types of programs options, and scheduling conflicts
for working parents (need for all-day youth programs)
4. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that have unequal access to Lake Oswego's
parks and recreation?If so, who are they?
• Youth with disabilities
• Individuals with mobility concerns
• Programs for neurodivergent youth
o The City's programs do not currently provide the level of access and support
needed
OPPORTUNITIES
5. What are some of the greatest existing assets related to parks and recreation in Lake Oswego?
• The natural environment itself, access to natural areas and extensive tree canopy
o Associated health benefits
• Safety across the City's parks and natural areas due to high usage and high level of
maintenance and cleanliness
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
o Participants feel this contrasts with some other regional communities that face
safety and maintenance concerns in their parks and natural areas
• Citywide proximity to parks and natural areas
• Opportunities for solitude within the City's natural areas
• The City's parks and natural spaces spark different experiences for everyone
• Access to plenty of dog waste bags
6. What do you feel are the greatest opportunities facing Lake Oswego in the next 5-10 years in terms of
creating an equitable and inclusive park and recreation system?
• Focus on serving lower income populations through programming and events
• Subsidize access to programming
• Improve language and translation
• Expand recreational program schedules
o Provide full-day youth programs for working parents
• Reach communities that the City is not currently reaching
o Consider communities that may be directly adjacent to City limits
o Migrant communities
• Provide true barrier free access to all spaces and programs
• Expand culturally appropriate programming
• Expand nature play opportunities (Example: sand and water play)
• Expand public access to Oswego Lake
• Provide more interpretive elements that shares Indigenous history
• Provide more accessible parks and programming for youth with disabilities
o Consider specific programs to encourage a safe and supportive environment
• Add splash pads
o Some participants leave the City for water access that is not a large water body
that poses safety concerns for young children
• Expand financial access to recreational programs
o Scholarships
o Multi-child discounts
o Scholarship fund donation opportunities
• Expand outreach to and access for foster families in the area
• Consider multi-modal access to parks and recreational opportunities
• Plan a Pride event like what other cities in the area are doing
7.Are there any specific improvements or ideas you have to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in
Lake Oswego's park and recreation system?
• Diversify the LOPR workforce through recruitment, employment and retention of
individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Implement contract equity for capital Improvement projects (hire women and minority-
owned businesses)
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
• Find ways to promote inclusive, positive and sustainable experiences for all community
members and across socioeconomic levels
• Provide programs for youth and adults with disabilities
PARTNERSHIPS
8. How can the City work with community groups or organizations to make Lake Oswego's park and
recreation system more equitable and inclusive?
• Continue to develop an inventory of community groups
o Maintain long-term relationships to build trust between community members
and the City, especially underserved groups
o This is a great first step to address DEI concerns within the City
• Hire multilingual staff
9. Do you see any new opportunities for partnering with Lake Oswego Parks& Recreation in the future to
help address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues or needs?
• See bullets above
OUTREACH
10. How can we work with you and other organizations to continue to promote engagement in this
planning process?
• Participants gave kudos to staff members Emily Liu, Jamie Inglis, and Cydny Fletcher for
inclusive outreach and meeting diverse community needs
11. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• Specific organizations to reach out to:
o Ethnic Chambers of Commerce
o Native American Chamber of Commerce
o Asian American Business Alliance
o Adelante Mujeres
o Culturally specific places of worship
o Parents for Kids with Special Needs Advisory Group
o Harpers Playgrounds
o LOSD staff and councilors (represents a cross section of the community)
• Specific communities to reach out to:
o Youth and student organizations/clubs within the City's schools
o Parents
o Low-income communities
12. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
• Directly ask the community what they need, especially underserved communities
(surveys, interviews, etc.)
• Social media platforms, especially to connect with youth
• Maintain long-term relationships, not just one-time points of contact
OTHER
13. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• N/A
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
4A
\REGOH/,
SUMMARY
LAKE OSWEGO
YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: November 28, 2023
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Location: LO Teen Lounge
ATTENDEES
MIG: Lauren Scott, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart, Cydney Fletcher, Jordan Morales
Focus Group Participants: Youth Action Council (YAC) Members and Teen Lounge Participants
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. How often do you visit parks or recreation facilities(tennis center, swim park, etc.)in Lake Oswego?
• Most participants frequently visit parks and recreation facilities
o Some visit parks and recreation facilities more often in the summer
• Frequently visited sites include:
o Dog park at Waluga
o Swim Park (lots of participants mentioned)
o Luscher Farm
• Some participants work at the Teen Lounge
2. How often do you participate in parks and recreation programs(summer camps, classes, events, etc.)
in Lake Oswego?
• Frequently visited parks, facilities, and programs:
o Farmers Market (nearly every participant mentioned)
o Youth Action Council
o Teen Lounge
o Summer Camps (themselves and their younger siblings)
o Junior Camp Council
o Oswego Lake
o JCC
o ACL
o Concerts in the Park (multiple participants mentioned)
o Tennis lessons at Indoor Tennis Center
o Rowing at Water Sports Center
• Other non-Lake Oswego facilities:
o Mountain Park Rec Center (HOA owned)
o Sellwood Park is the new "cool" teen hangout
OPPORTUNITIES
3. What are some of your favorite parks or recreation facilities in Lake Oswego?
• Swim Park
o Lake access
o Good place to hang out with friends
• Farmers Market
o Enjoy the involvement with local businesses
o Liked the trial spring and fall Farmers Markets
o Good community
o Really fun
• George Rogers
o Lots of memories from summer camps
4. What do you see as opportunities or ways we could improve parks and recreation in Lake Oswego in
the next 5-10 years?
• More stuff at the Bike Skills Park at East Waluga
o Jumps
o Balance obstacles/activities
• New, varied, and unique play structures, not traditional play equipment
• The dog park at Waluga doesn't have enough things for dogs to do
o Agility
o Tunnels
• Workout equipment at Waluga needs some updating, especially for those who don't
have a gym membership
o More variety
o Obstacle courses
• More volleyball and tether ball like at the Swim Park
o Currently some participants shared that they have to bring their own volleyball
net to other parks
o Volleyball nets at Foothills
• More basketball courts
• Add diving board and slide to Swim Park
• More installation like activities
o Cornhole
o Updated exercise equipment
• Fishing programs
o Lake management/rules has blocked fishing programs in the past
o Safety issues around docks
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
o Roehr is the only park you are currently allowed to fish at
o No fishing allowed at Foothills or the Water Sports Center
5.Are there specific projects or ideas you have?
• See bullets under Question 5 above
ISSUES
6. What, if any, issues related to parks and recreation do you think we will be facing in the next 5-10
years?
• Bathrooms
o Bathrooms need fans to mitigate smells; especially at Farmers Market
o Sometimes bathrooms lack soap or paper towels
• Water fountains, and maintaining existing water fountains
o Need more water bottle filling stations
• Parking
o Parking spaces near water access points
o Need more parking at the Swim Park
• Improve the ramp at George Rogers Park
• More covered/shaded play structures
o Including covered places for parents to sit
• More seating and picnic tables that aren't wood for greater cleanliness and durability
• More nature play that is different than traditional play structures
o Ex: Memorial Park in Wilsonville
• Pigeon poop at Tryon Cove, Lake Grove Swim Park and George Rogers
• Wasp nests
• Trash cans at Waluga
• Update asphalt paths around Waluga
• More music programs, especially for youth
• More ways for people to experience music
7. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community in general?
• Lake Access
o Parking
o Nothing to do in the summer if you don't have lake access
• Involvement in recreation programs and events, especially after COVID
o Need to make sure the word is out so that people will come
• School District Swim Park Access
o Selective to who is allowed to get into the park (have to live in the area)
• River Access
o George Rogers
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
o Roehr
o Foothills
■ Can't go to the docks
■ The beach is gross
• Difficult to walk places in the City
o Narrow roads
o Crumbling or lacking sidewalks
• Affordable housing
• Lacking jobs for youth
o Businesses are not interested in hiring youth
o Hard to find jobs they are interested in
• Invasive species on school campuses and across the community (Ex: Ivy)
8. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that lack access to parks and recreation?If so,
who are they?
• More nature play that is different than traditional play structures
PARTNERSHIPS
9. How would you describe Youth Action Council's role as it relates to parks and recreation
• Help create experiences for all people in the community
• Help reach every segment of the community (all ages)
• YAC's projects range from events for specific communities to events for the whole
community
• Examples of YAC projects:
o Living Wellness
o Tree lighting
o Halloween Trick or Treat
o Blanket and Pet Toy Drive (made and donated)
o Stem Fair, partner with Stem Clubs and Robotic Teams at local high schools
o Youth Art Show (Outside the Art Room), gives local students the opportunity to
sell and showcase their art
o Cooking classes at Luscher Farm
10. Do you have any ideas for how we can work with you(the Youth Action Council)or other youth
organizations to improve parks and recreation in Lake Oswego?
• Projects YAC wants to do or are planning to do (opportunities to support):
o Kick ball
o Amazing Race: Participants would race to participating local businesses
■ The goal would be to support local businesses and promote exercise
■ Proceeds would go to Non-Profit of their choice
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
o Book Swap
o Pool Tournament with local youth and seniors
o Interested in more volunteer opportunities
o Interested in more sports leagues
■ Potential to partner with Friends of Parks
■ More accessible sports leagues and open recreation time/field access
opportunities are a frequent request of local youth, parents and
community members
OUTREACH
11. Do you have any ideas for how to engage Lake Oswego's youth in this project?
• Larger social media presence
o Community polls
o Find ways to get more people to follow social media accounts
o Improve Instagram account
o Reels
• Interactive pop-ups at school events
o Prize wheel
o Swag/Incentives
■ Fidget activities
■ Candy
■ T-shirts
• Continuity of people at events
12. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• Green Teams at both schools and other student environmental clubs
o LOHS Green Teams do Thursday lunches
• PTAs
• Volunteers
• Program contractors
13. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Social media (Instagram,Tik Tok)
• Promotional/Informational materials with QR codes at indoor recreation facilities and
other community spaces
• Not as interested in email (lots of youth don't use)
• Most were not aware of the city website
o One participant suggested there should be better optimization on the website
because it can be hard to find things
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
OTHER
14. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• N/A
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040
0�11
SUMMARY
LAKE OSWEGO
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: December 6, 2023
Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Location: Lake Oswego Main Fire Station Conference Room
ATTENDEES
MIG: Lauren Scott, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart, Quin Brunner
Focus Group Participants: Youth members who sit on the following City Advisory Boards:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Library; Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources;
Sustainability
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. What are some of your favorite parks or recreation facilities in Lake Oswego?
• Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation (LOPR) parks and facilities:
o Swim Park
o George Rogers Park (most popular across participants)
■ Especially the trail connections in the area
o Woodmont Nature Park
o West Waluga Park
o East Waluga Park
o Westlake Park
o Foothills Park
o Indoor Tennis Center
• Non-City Owned Parks:
o Tryon Creek State Natural Area
• Most participants go to the parks that are close to home and that they can walk
to
• Many participants use trails, especially those that connect to other key places
o One participant frequently run at the trails by George Rogers
3. How often do you visit parks or recreation facilities(tennis center, swim park, etc.)in Lake Oswego?
• A few participants go to the Indoor Tennis Center, either for classes or
volunteering/working
• A few participants go to the Swim Park
4. How often do you participate in parks and recreation programs(summer camps, classes, events, etc.)
in Lake Oswego?
• Popular programs:
o Farmers Market (visit and volunteer)
o 4th of July Light Show
o Summer Concerts at Westlake Park
o Siblings have done rowing programs at the Water Sports Center
o Tennis summer programs
o Movies In the park
o Tree Lighting (especially when younger)
o Winter Fair
• Many participants have not interacted with LOPR programs recently and
sometimes feel that they (and other youth) are not aware of all the programming
options that are available
OPPORTUNITIES
5. What do you see as opportunities or ways we could improve parks and recreation in Lake Oswego in
the next 5-10 years?
• Improving connections and access to parks
o Sidewalks
o Trail connections
o Ex: George Rogers Park, especially over Highway 43
• Increasing access for communities with disabilities
o Access to ramps that are located in easily accessible areas
o Improve public information about accessible parks, facilities, natural areas,
and trails
• Providing more sports fields
o Multiple participants noted that they see people at Hazelia Field (and
other fields) late at night and feel that more sports fields could help meet
demand and reduce late-night youth practice times
o Most fields are fully booked and can be difficult to schedule
o Address parking issues
• Finding ways to alleviate traffic concerns around the new Aquatic Center (LORAC)
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 12
6.Are there specific projects or ideas you have?
• Needed amenities:
o More drinking fountains
o More access to water and swimming opportunities
■ Designated swimming dock on Willamette River
o More seating areas along paths/trails and viewpoints
o Electric vehicle charging stations
o More bike racks
• Needed programs:
o More short-term vs. long-term programs
■ Provide a combination of short and long-term camps
o More programming options for teens
• Ensure parks and park amenities are equitably distributed throughout the City's
parks and facilities
• Expand outreach about the City's available programs and volunteer
opportunities; many youth don't know about current LOPR options
ISSUES
7. What, if any, issues related to parks and recreation do you think we will be facing in the next 5-10
years?
• Managing greater volumes of people visiting a select few community parks
(George Rogers and Foothills) and managing park use at popular parks
o Ways to manage park crowding in the future:
■ Diversify amenities and community events across the city's smaller,
less popular parks (especially areas further from downtown)
■ Expand community-wide access to community events and
programs
• Preparing for climate change and implementing future sustainability and climate-
change related policies that will likely be mandated by the State and City in the
future
o Implement sustainability and climate change related policies, programs
and plans now if the resources are available rather than down the road
o Prepare now rather than later
• Addressing water-waste issues (sprinklers, irrigation systems, etc.)
o Potential solutions (one participant's school engineering project):
■ Moisture sensors that allow sprinkler systems to only turn on if
ground moisture is below certain levels
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 13
• Expanding language and translation services
o Provide multilingual program options
o Provide more culturally relevant programs and events
8. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community in general?
• Equitable access to parks and programs for populations with disabilities
• Climate change
• Access to recreation and programs for folks with language barriers, especially
older adults
o Solutions:
■ Providing accessible multilingual information
■ Having staff who speak multiple languages at events and programs
to help build relationships and create welcoming environments
• Finding ways to connect multiple generations, especially ways to bridge younger
and older populations
o Ex: Youth Action Council's pool tournament for youth and older adults
9. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that lack access to parks and recreation?If so,
who are they?
• People with language barriers
o Provide accessible signage
■ Icon based signage
o Asked if QR codes are a good way to provide language translation
■ One participant raised the concern that those with language
barriers may not be able to access QR codes, especially older adults
• Older adults
• All the different cultures in Lake Oswego
o Other possible cultural events:
■ Provide greater Hispanic representation (Hispanic Heritage Month)
in the City
PARTNERSHIPS
2. How would you describe the Youth Advisory Board's role as it relates to parks and recreation?
• Multiple of the boards that Youth Advisory Board members sit on regularly
interact with Parks and Recreation
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
• Two participants are on the Parks Board, others sit on Sustainability, Library, and
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion which also overlap with parks and recreation
facilities/projects/programming
10. Do you have any ideas for how we can work with you(the Youth Advisory Board)or other youth
organizations to improve parks and recreation in Lake Oswego?
• Provide questions/agendas for in-person and virtual events ahead of time
• Keep including parks and recreation staff across the City's various boards
OUTREACH
11. Do you have any ideas for how to engage Lake Oswego's youth in this project?
• See bullets below
12. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• School clubs (Green Team, National Honor Society)
13. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Implement a monthly LOPR update about upcoming events and current projects,
will help expand public Information
o Share through emails, board email groups
o City website Is difficult to navigate, needs an overhaul
o Flyers with links and QR codes distributed across community spaces and
schools
o Social media accounts
• Email
• Social Media
• School google classrooms
• Provide incentives to gain feedback
o Food to encourage event participation.
o Merch/T-shirts for passive advertising
o Spinning wheels
OTHER
14. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• N/A
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 15
41,A f�
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SUMMARY
�REGO%
LAKE OSWEGO
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL PARKS PLAN 2040
FOCUS GROUP
Date: January 10, 2024
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Lake Oswego Maintenance Center
ATTENDEES
MIG: Lauren Scott, Jessa Miller
City of Lake Oswego: Kyra Haggart, Jamie Inglis, Quin Brunner, Massene Mboup (City
Councilor), Joe Buck (Mayor)
Focus Group Participants: Youth Leadership Council Members
DISCUSSION
IN GENERAL
1. What are some of your favorite parks or recreation facilities in Lake Oswego?
• See below.
2. How often do you visit parks or recreation facilities(tennis center, swim park, etc.)in Lake Oswego?
• Very often, especially in the summers
o One participant visits parks multiple times a day in the summer
o Not as much during the school year or winter months
o Parks act as a rendezvous point for friends
• Popular parks and facilities to visit:
o George Rogers
o Westlake
o West and East Waluga Parks
• Bike Skills Park
o Indoor Tennis Center, especially during the winter months
o Hazelia Field
• Club sports
o Farmers Market
o Luscher Farm
o Iron Mountain Park for trails
3. How often do you participate in parks and recreation programs(summer camps, classes, events, etc.)
in Lake Oswego?
• Parks and recreation programs:
o Concerts and movies in the park
o Junior camp counselors
o Youth camps at Luscher Farm
o Farm Plot at Luscher Farm
• Other activities:
o Willamette River
o Picnics at George Rogers
o Dog walking
o Meeting up with friends
o Biking
o Blackberry picking
OPPORTUNITIES
4. What do you see as opportunities or ways we could improve parks and recreation in Lake Oswego in
the next 5-10 years?
5 Are there specific projects or ideas you have?
• Extend Farmers Market further into the fall or even year-round
• Add a new, lighted turf field to meet demand and reduce scheduling conflicts
between sports
• Improve maintenance at the Bike Skills Park in East Waluga Park (trash, damaged
jumps, etc.)
• Integrate more native plantings to encourage wildlife (Ex: a wildflower field)
• Add more covered, and heated picnic and seating areas
o Millenium Plaza
• Expand youth marketing for parks and recreation programs and events (Ex:
Movies in the Park)
• Update playgrounds
o Ideas for playground Improvements:
■ More activities for teens, not just young children
■ Specific play equipment:
• See-saws
• Swings (for multiple ages)
• Rock climbing wall
• Obstacle course
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 2
• Super tall tunnel slides
• Trampolines
• Water slide/splash pad
• Provide more winter events and programs
• Involve youth in the planning for youth-targeted events (Ex: let youth choose the
music for the laser light show during the 4th of July)
• Improve the Swim Park
o Facilities are outdated
o Needs more places to gather/hangout and better signage
o Instead of the Swim Park, participants go to a club pool, a friend's lake
easement, or George Rogers Park for water access but they would be
interested in going to the Swim Park if it was improved
• More designated swim areas
o Bigger dock at Foothills
• More animals at Luscher Farm
o The chickens are very popular
• Improve transit access to the City's parks and facilities
o Provide a bus in the summer that stops at parks and downtown
• Add more basketball courts
• Improve pedestrian connections and pathways to, between, and within parks
• Provide more covered bike parking throughout the system
• Create a bike path map that shows city bike routes, parks that provide bike paths,
and dangerous bike areas
o Spread awareness of bike manners for drivers (Ex: share the road
campaign)
ISSUES
6. What, if any, issues related to parks and recreation do you think we will be facing in the next 5-10
years?
• Outdated playground equipment
• Neglected swim and aquatic areas
• Swimming and jumping safety issues on the Willamette River (rusty pipes, wood
pilings)
o Make a smaller dock where people can safely jump off
• Better lighting, especially in the winter within parks and in parking lots
o Ensure lighting improvements prevent light pollution for wildlife
• Lacking sidewalks and pedestrian connectivity in certain areas of the City
• Trash management
o Organize volunteer pickups and partner with the school Green Teams
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 3
7. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the community in general?
• Climate change
• Invasive species
• Safe multi-modal connectivity
8. Do you feel there are any segments of the community that lack access to parks and recreation?If so,
who are they?
• Some areas by Lakeridge
PARTNERSHIPS
9. How would you describe the Youth Leadership Council's role as it relates to parks and recreation?
• To provide a platform for youth voices and feedback to be heard and to inform
future change.
10. Do you have any ideas for how we can work with you(the Youth Leadership Council)or other youth
organizations to improve parks and recreation in Lake Oswego?
• Partner to help spread awareness across youth audiences
o Social media (Instagram and Tik Tok)
OUTREACH
11. Do you have any ideas for how to engage Lake Oswego's youth in this project?
• This question was not asked due to time constraints
12. Are there other people or groups who we should hear from?
• This question was not asked due to time constraints
13. What types of communication and engagement processes work well for you and others?
• Social media platforms:
o Instagram (more Important than Tik Tok, better for information sharing)
■ Collaborative posts with local schools and youth organizations to
expand social media reach
o Tik Tok
• Platforms that do not work well:
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 14
o Website
o Emails
• More direct partnerships with the schools (Ex: advisory slideshows, assemblies,
announcements, flyers, newsletters, etc.)
• More physical posters/signs/banners around the City and within parks and
facilities
• Remind App that sends one-time text reminders leading up to events
• Parks and Recreation Department app or citywide app with a parks page
o Would be more popular than the city website
OTHER
14. Is there anything else you would like to share?
• N/A
LAKE OSWEGO PARKS PLAN 2040 I 5