Recreation and Aquatics Center
Traffic Advisory – Stafford Road
Road construction on Stafford Road continues through December with lane changes/closures from Bergis Road to Overlook Drive.
Here's what's happening:
▶️ Near the Recreation & Aquatic Center: Crews are installing curb and gutter improvements, stormwater planters, waterlines, and the new pathway. Expect work to continue into late fall, with flaggers and cones directing traffic as needed. Work Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What to Expect:
- Temporary access closures to driveways or side streets as needed.
- Possible changes to traffic patterns.
- Pedestrian access is available via the pathway on the north side of Stafford Road.
Please Note: All work is weather-dependent, and schedules may change.
Exciting news! The new Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center, along with the golf course, is slated to open in Late Winter 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the big day!
Take a peek at the latest progress!
December 11, 2024
If you've driven past the Recreation and Aquatics Center on Stafford Road recently, you've likely noticed the bustling activity. Construction is moving briskly as we bring this vibrant community space to life. In the pool areas, steady progress continues, with tile work advancing in both the pool and spa areas. Plus, the slide is taking shape and being installed in the recreation pool! Meanwhile, wall preparation is nearing completion in the gymnasium, and the way for the flooring installation will be paved next month.
Crews are also finalizing utility work to connect permanent power to the facility, marking a significant milestone in the project. The front desk area is beginning to take shape beautifully, with intricate wood finishes added to enhance its design. Additionally, the maintenance facility's pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) is being constructed and rapidly coming together.
A New Recreation and Aquatics Center is Coming in February of 2025!
To view a video from March, 28, 2024, click here!
To view a video from the groundbreaking on March 15, 2023, click here!
To view a video from November 2023 showing the progress of construction, click here!
Public outreach conducted in June 2019 identified the center as a prioritization for a portion of the parks bond money. Read about the outreach efforts.
To meet this priority, the City is designing and constructing a facility on the Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course property. It’s centrally located and saves the cost of the City buying land. Updates on the golf course.
Project Background
To follow the progress of construction, please scroll down to Project Updates.
This intergovernmental project, a collaborative effort with the Lake Oswego School District, is part of the 2019 bond project that proposes a state-of-the-art recreation and aquatic center that includes a 12 lane competitive pool, a 4,500 square-foot recreational pool with three additional lanes for lap swimming, significant weight, and cardio area, a 7,250 square foot gym that will equip all types of activities and league play, locker rooms, multi-purpose group fitness rooms to hold education and outreach programs, and host events, along with a front desk for centralized check-in, including golf, scheduling and office space for staff.
After bids were submitted on November 17, 2022, the cost for the project presented a $3.6 million-dollar gap. The overall cost of the aquatic center is $46 million, including $36.5 million for construction. The budgeted dollars for the project are calculated at $43.3 million. Proposals for the project were significantly higher than anticipated due to rising construction costs caused by inflation and labor and materials cost escalation.
On January 3, 2023, the City Council approved the contract and awarded the project to Triplett Wellman Contractors. Triplett Wellman Contractors is the successful proposer based on a combination of their demonstrated experience, qualifications, and price. The contract amount is $36,445,587 for the construction and is slated to be completed late winter 2025.
The City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego School District continue looking into different ways to fund the shortfall by looking to value engineer construction without eliminating programs or square footage to reduce the overall cost, sourcing other revenue streams.
The Parks and Recreation Project Team is currently working on permits, and a timeline of construction will be forthcoming.
Community input over the last few years has been a benchmark for how the City is moving forward with the 2019 bond projects that continue to enhance residents’ and visitors’ livability and economic vitality. The community will receive projects worth over 60 million dollars, twice as much as the 2019 approved bond, by leveraging other funding streams from system development charges, general funds, and investment funds that have gone into the completed and in-work projects: Adult Community Center remodel, the addition of the Yates property to Hallinan Park to add natural area enhancement, soft trails and pathways, Tennis Center rehabilitation with a grand reopening slated in January, new restroom facilities with ADA access at George Rogers Park and East Waluga, the Water Sports Center dock replacement that added stability and longevity to that property, and the Golf Course, Driving Range, and Clubhouse rehabilitation to be completed in late winter 2025. The Land Use Application is now complete, and is currently in the review process.
Latest design concept perspectives for the Recreation and Aquatic Center.
Front Entry Concept
Plaza Concept
Aerial Golf Side Concept
Aerial Front Concept
Conceptual Floor Plan revised 12/8/21
Thank you to those that attended the Neighborhood and Community meetings. Download the latest conceptual elevations, front entry view, and building plan.
In May and early June 2021, public surveys with close to 300 responses showed a desire for a large facility, with clear preferences for:
- Designs allowing the largest pool capacity
- Plenty of space for recreational lap swimming
- A competition pool with the swim direction the same for both practice and meets
- Adequate space for fitness classes
- Adequate parking for all uses and events
In June 2021, City Council voted to pursue a larger facility. The larger facility includes:
- A 4,000 sf recreational pool (from 3,000 sf) including an additional lane for lap swimming
- An increased Weight and Cardio area (3,750 sf)
- And an increased Multi-Purposed Group Fitness room (2,000 sf)
These adjustments support what has been heard from the community, increases revenue which supports long term operation and creates a balanced facility with amenities that serve the aquatic, fitness, active recreation and passive recreation needs of the community in a cost-effective manner.
Survey responses also showed concern about traffic volumes, especially about difficulty in turning left onto Southbound Stafford Road. We’ll address this in further designs.
In July of 2021 a second meeting with competition pool stakeholders was held including preferences for:
- North-South lane orientation as the primary course layout with bulk head (dividing the pool) located to maximize flexibility and allowing competition and practices to occur without moving it often.
- Spectator seating for 300 perpendicular to the North-South lanes with the option to move it for east-west meets or water polo competitions.
- Consistent and deeper pool depth across the majority of the pool.
November 8, 2024
Construction at the Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatic Center has made significant progress recently. The pools are being prepped for tile work, marking an exciting step in transforming these spaces into functional aquatic areas. Photos from the site reveal updates to the front reception area, where ongoing efforts are refining its welcoming design. In the gym, new basketball hoops have been installed, and floor preparation has started, with the goal of laying down the flooring in December. Meanwhile, ceiling work in the natatorium is underway, and exterior siding installation continues, moving the project steadily forward.
September 19, 2024
Construction continues to make significant strides, with several key milestones recently achieved. The exterior siding is nearing completion, while inside, the office spaces, gym, fitness center, and multipurpose rooms are being finalized with paint, electrical installations, and utility work.
This week, the competition and recreation pools underwent thorough testing to check for leaks in the concrete structures, a crucial step before moving on to the next phase of pool construction and finishing.
On the exterior, work along Stafford Road is ongoing and will continue through the end of the year. Crews are laying the groundwork for critical infrastructure improvements to manage traffic effectively once the facility opens. ADA-compliant outdoor pathways will soon be installed around the property, and final grading is set to begin in preparation for paving the parking lot. Additionally, the maintenance building pad has been excavated, with installation planned for the coming months.
August 13, 2024: This week, we are excited to see the siding going up on the front of the LORAC. Check out the photo below and stay tuned for more progress in the coming weeks.
August 9, 2024: Construction of the Recreation & Aquatic Center is advancing rapidly. The concrete stadium steps in the plaza area are taking shape, and significant progress is being made inside the facility. The ceilings are being framed, the Gyp board is installed in the locker rooms, and the concrete slab has been poured in the event hall, restrooms, storage/custodial room, and multi-purpose event space. Additionally, rebar installation for the spa is now complete and ready for the concrete pour.
June 30, 2024: Construction on the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center is advancing smoothly. The walls in the competition and recreational pool areas are taking shape, while the main entrance and office sections are nearly finished with drywall and paint. Workers are concentrating on completing the roof and exterior walls of the locker room section. Significant progress is being made on plumbing and electrical systems, and the pool areas are advancing with mechanical installations. The project remains on schedule for opening later this year.
May 28, 2024: Exciting developments continue at the LORAC with the PEMB (pre-engineered metal building) where the roof is nearing completion, covering the competition and recreation pool areas. Inside, the transformation is equally dynamic, with the office space taking shape as taping and painting continue. The vision for this facility is rapidly coming to life, marking significant milestones each day.
April 22, 2024: The LORAC Is undergoing exciting updates with the installation of the PEMB (pre-engineered metal building), marking significant progress in its construction. Alongside this, the first layer of gypsum board has been installed in the office section, with plans for an additional layer for enhanced soundproofing to be installed next month. Notably, the gym and the front of the building have glass installed, adding to the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space. Plus, the bird-deterrent fritted glass in select project areas has been installed demonstrating a thoughtful consideration for the building's surroundings and maintenance.
March 14, 2024: Here is a pictorial progress report of how the construction is coming along.
February 8, 2024: Roof work is being done, along with interior framing, and the competition pool walls were poured.
January 16, 2024: Continued progress is being made with interior framing and door casing work in the lobby, staff offices, storage, and gym/fitness areas. CMU (concrete masonry unit), a type of construction made from precast concrete blocks, is being utilized in the men’s and women’s locker room areas and will be completed soon. There is rough grading at the recreational pool, and formwork for the competition pool walls is in place and ready for concrete.
December 15, 2023: Over 400 cubic yards of concrete were poured into the competition pool for the flooring. This equals 50 trucks of cement! Work continues on the roof and framing of the locker room area, along with interior work on the lobby and office area.
November 28, 2023: Excavation continues on the recreation pool while the walls are being constructed in the office area, lobby, gym, and program rooms. Stay tuned for the roof, which will be erected in the next few weeks. The locker room concrete floors will be poured next week.
October 6, 2023: It is an exciting time as the walls and roof trusses go up. The weather has been cooperating, so work has been moving along. You can see the building design in the office and gym area where the walls are. In addition, work continues on both the pools.
September 20, 2023: The concrete pads are almost complete in the office, recreation, and gym areas. Once this is complete, work on the walls will begin.
August 17, 2023: This week, we started pouring the slab. It is exciting to see the shape of the building coming to life. Once the concrete is complete, framing will begin.
August 11, 2023: Prep work continues on the LORAC site, installing rebar in buildings B and C. This ensures that the site is properly prepared for the slab pour. Concrete will be poured in the next few weeks and will need to cure sufficiently before moving into the next phase of constructing the walls. For previous updates, please scroll down the page.
July 21, 2023: The foundations for the project's recreation and office area are in. Both pools are now dug. The maintenance sewer line is close to competition, and work is continuing on forming for concrete work that will begin next week.
June 23, 2023: The footings and deep trenching are underway. Excavation of the pools has begun and the footprint of the building is outlined with the sub-grade prep and footing trenching. For previous updates, please scroll down the page.
June 8, 2023: The work continues, and it is exciting that the site is taking shape. The footings and the storm and sanitary pipes are going in. Trenching will begin in the coming days, along with digging the pools.
April 26, 2023: The Recreation and Aquatics Center continues progressing with site grading and will continue for the next few weeks. In addition, trenching for piping will start soon, and prep work is ongoing to rock the pad, which will outline where the building will be located and constructed.
April 7, 2023: Work continues on the site with mass grading and stockpiling topsoil while permits are being finalized. The maintenance building has been taken down, and the general contractor has subs in place.
March 15, 2023: The City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego School District celebrated the launch of the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 15th. As the skies cleared and the sun shined, Mayor Joe Buck, City Manager Martha Bennett, LOSD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele, and Parks & Recreation Director Ivan Anderholm presented to the crowd and thanked the community for their support through the bond measures passed. In addition, the ceremony was highlighted by recognizing City Councilors, School Board members, contractors and design partners, staff, and many more associates for their skills and support.
March 13, 2023: Starting this month, the multi-use pathway on the northwest side of Stafford Road will be closed between the Oswego Pioneer Cemetery and Overlook Drive. Pedestrians and bicycles will be re-routed to a temporary asphalt path along the southeast side of the roadway.
To ensure public safety, marked detour signs will be visible from both directions along the multi-use pathway and a temporary midblock crossing will be installed to direct pedestrian and bicycle traffic to the new pathway on the southeast side of Stafford Road. The midblock crossing will be controlled via a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (“RRFB”), activated by a push button on either side of the crossing. The RRFB uses flashing yellow lights to alert motor vehicles to stop and direct pedestrian and bicycle traffic when it is safe to cross. Other safety features will include:
- Water-filled “jersey barriers” separating the road from the path,
- ADA-compliant temporary pathway and landings,
- Pedestrian countdown timers at the midblock crossing and intersection with Overlook Drive,
- Marked crosswalks and asphalt paved surfaces, and
- Expanded existing shoulder to accommodate a wider temporary pathway.
Click here to view the pedestrian change map.
February 1, 2023: The project is currently in permitting process.
January 3, 2023: City Council approved the contract to Triplett Wellman.
October 27, 2022: Th
e Request For Proposals (RFP) is out to proposers. Mandatory Pre-Bid meeting completed on 10/26. Bids due 11/15.
October 2022: A RFP to solicit contractors is under preparation.
May 2022: The Land Use application is now complete. The link to the application is locate on the right under Related Links.
April 2022: Final Traffic Impact Analysis has been received, this is located on the right side under Other Materials.
March 2022: The PAC #7 Meeting was held on March 9, 2022.
January 2022: Land Use Application will be submitted the week of 1/3/2022. 100% Design Documents have been received by staff and the project will be moving into construction documentation. The City will be publishing a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for prequalification of contractors for the project. The current schedule can be found under "Other Materials' in the side links.
November: The second pre-application conference with the City planning department was held October 21. Project Advisory Committee Virtual meeting was held October 26 from 4 - 6 pm on Zoom. Second Neighborhood Meeting Online (Virtual) was held on Tuesday, November 2, 6 - 8pm. Competition pool stakeholder meeting was held November 9 from 6pm. Second Community Meeting Online was held on Wednesday, October 10, 6-8pm.
September 2021: Parks Director Ivan Anderholm presented a project update to City Council on September 21.
August 2021: The design team and parks representatives met with the Lake Oswego Arts Council to discuss opportunities and the process for incorporating art into the building and landscape.
July 2021: Project staff presented to the Lake Oswego City Council, and Council approved moving forward with a larger facility to best serve the needs of the community. PAC members toured the site with the project team, providing an exciting opportunity for PAC members to visualize options and see firsthand how they will fit within the site.
June 2021: Thank you to those that participated in our open house survey. The survey is now closed, however, you can still view the open house to view plans and continue to learn more.
May 2021: The City and School District want your feedback! Learn more about the plans for the new center and help refine designs through our online open house. This virtual community event is open now until June 4, after that visit you can still visit the open house to view plans and continue to learn more. LORAC Open House Schematic Design phase is complete and preliminary cost estimate is being developed. Plans will be presented to the City Council in June.
March 19, 2021: The PAC will hold their next meeting via Zoom on April 8, 2021 at 6:00PM. To view this meeting please use the link in the attachments on the right side.
March 10, 2021: The first community meeting was held in February. You can view the video and meeting summary. They are located in the right column.
March 4, 2021: Thank you to everyone who participated in the Dry Recreation Survey. The survey is now closed.
February 9, 2021: PAC meeting #2 will be held via Zoom on February 10, 2021 at 6:00pm. You can view this meeting using the public link. Agenda and Meeting Materials can be found in the Notices section on the right side.
February 2, 2021: Thank you to those that completed the Recreational Pool Survey. This survey is now closed.
January 29, 2021: The first Community Meeting will be held online on February 25 at 6pm. More information and link to come.
January 15, 2021: Please take a few minutes to take the Recreational Pool Survey. The recreational pool is only one part of the recreation and aquatics center. The survey is the first of a number of methods we will use to gather input on the design of the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center. Click HERE to fill out the survey by January 31, 2021.
January 7 2021: The PAC will hold their first meeting via Zoom on January 14, 2021 at 6:00pm. To view this meeting please use the link in the Notices section on the right side. Opportunity for public input will be requested through surveys, and attendance to online community and neighborhood meetings. Please stay tuned for updates on meeting dates and ways to get involved.
December 2020: The PAC has been selected for the project. We are in the process of finalizing the public engagement schedule, so stay tuned for ways to provide input and get involved.
November 2020: The PAC application process has closed and representatives from the LO School District and LO Parks & Recreation are in process of reviewing the applications.
October 2020: The City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Department has acquired the services of Scott Edwards Architecture LLP and are currently in the preliminary design phase for the Recreation & Aquatic Center.
Bruce Powers, RLA
Park Analyst / Project Manager
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 369
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Phone: 503-697-6575
Email: bpowers@lakeoswego.city
For More Information on Fees and Memberships
Architecture and Engineering Request for Proposals
Land Use Application LU 22-0002
