Oswego Lake

Updates

4/15/25

Following Council Council direction under Resolution 25-18, the City Manager has adopted Park Rules related to boating and swimming from the Oswego Lake access point at Lower Millennium Plaza Park. 

4/1/25

On March 31, 2025, City Council held a special meeting to discuss recent litigation regarding access to Oswego Lake. Thank you to the community for sharing your input to guide this important decision.

City Council voted not to pursue an appeal of the Clackamas County Circuit Court judgment related to public lake access from City park property. Council voted in favor of directing the City Manager to adopt City Park Rules and identify other actions available to the State, County, City, and Lake Corporation in managing public access.

We recognize there are questions from the community regarding how public lake access will be executed and overseen moving forward. The City of Lake Oswego remains responsible for Lower Millennium Plaza Park, and overseeing it as an entry point to the lake in light of the judgment. Other elements of water safety, maintenance and quality remain in the jurisdiction of our State, County, City and local partners.

We have addressed some frequently asked questions and will provide regular updates on our progress as we work with our government partners and community stakeholders on finding solutions. We are committed to working together to navigate this transition in a positive and productive manner.

FAQs – updated 4/1/25

Does Judge Steele’s ruling allow access to the lake via Millennium Plaza Park?
Yes. Judge Steele ruled that the City cannot prohibit entry into Oswego Lake from Lower Millennium Plaza Park.

Who owns the Lake now?
Under phase one of the trial, the Oswego Lake water was deemed public, meaning the State of Oregon owns and manages the Lake in trust for the public, similar to the Willamette River. Lake Oswego Corporation remains the private owner of the beds and banks of Lakewood Bay.

Can the City alone address the impacts from Judge Steele’s ruling?
No. The State, County, City, and Lake Corporation each have unique responsibilities for safety, law enforcement, water quality, and lake maintenance.

Here is an overview of the jurisdiction of these entities:

• The City of Lake Oswego is responsible for the regulating the public entry point at Lower Millennium Plaza Park, including signage and park rules.
• The State of Oregon is the legal trustee of the water in Oswego Lake, responsible for maintaining water quality and ensuring safe use for recreation and fish habitat.
  • The Oregon State Marine Board is responsible for setting in-water rules for recreation, such as boat navigation routes and safety requirements.
  • The Department of Land Conservation and Development is responsible for issuing permits for water-related development.
  • The Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for developing rules that protect water quality.
• Lake Oswego Corporation owns the beds and banks of Lakewood Bay and has historically assumed financial responsibility for monitoring the lake’s infrastructure and water quality.

What safety plans are in place to keep the Lake safe for all users?
State Marine Board rules govern public recreation on public waters, and there are rules specific to Oswego Lake. Oregon State Police and the Clackamas County Sherriff’s Department can enforce laws and rules on the water. The City is working collaboratively with our Police Department, Clackamas County Sherriff’s Department, State Marine Board, and the Lake Oswego Corporation to determine the best ways to keep the community safe.

What steps are being taken to facilitate access to Oswego Lake?
Following Council’s direction on March 31, 2025, the City Manager is evaluating reasonable safety measures and park rules at the access point. Because the park was not designed for lake access, certain steps must now be taken to mitigate safety risks under the ruling.

Some of the measures could include:

• Art installation removal
• Installing signage at Lower Millennium Plaza Park, notifying the public that water entry is at their own risk.
• Adopting Park Rules regulating public water access hours, requiring boats to be a certain size or smaller to reduce the risks of introducing invasive species into the Lake, and prohibiting motorized watercraft.
• Collaborate with the State, County, City, Departments and Lake Corporation to mitigate negative impacts on public safety and water quality.

Anyone using the water must follow Oregon State Marine Board Rules, including rules specific to Oswego Lake.

There is still an appeal of the judgment from the Lake Corporation. Why is the City proceeding with certain actions?
On March 3, 2025, the Clackamas County Circuit Court released a judgment requiring the City of Lake Oswego to allow public access from an entry point at Lower Millennium Plaza Park. We respect the Lake Corporation’s decision to proceed with an appeal, however it does not change the City’s responsibility to proceed with the legal requirements to begin facilitating immediate access.