Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation's mission is to Build Community, Enrich Lives, and Care for the Urban and Natural Environment. This report is a look back and summary of operations supporting our mission and promise of excellent services to the people of Lake Oswego
February 14 ushered in the first winter storm of 2025, bringing a powerful mix of snow, ice, and high winds to the region. As road conditions quickly deteriorated and travel became hazardous, City teams sprang into action to ensure public safety and maintain accessibility. The Parks team worked tirelessly to clear snow and ice from key city facilities, including City Hall, Adult Community Center, Library, and the Tennis Center, ensuring these essential spaces remained open and accessible to the community.
In addition to facility maintenance, the Parks & Recreation team played a critical role in keeping residents informed. Staff provided timely updates through social media and the department website, sharing real-time information on park closures and program cancellations.
Community Events
FARMERS’ MARKET
Over the past few weeks, significant progress has been made in preparation for the upcoming Farmers’ Market season:
Vendor Selection: Vendor applications have officially closed, and we have been actively interviewing potential new vendors to finalize this year’s offerings. We will have several returning vendors that we all know and love and also some exciting new ones! Staffing: We hosted interviews for the Assistant Farmers’ Market position and had one standout candidate who was a unanimous pick by the panel. We have offered her the position, and she has accepted She will be joining our team in late March
Sponsorships: Several sponsors have been secured to support the market this year. We are on target to significantly exceed the sponsorship dollars we brought in last year. Some sponsors include Alpenrose Dairy, Mary’s Woods, Fendon Properties LeafGuard, and more! We have over 12K in sponsorship committed so far!
Newsletter Launch: The first edition of the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market newsletter is set to launch in March, providing regular updates, vendor highlights, and exciting market news
JUNETEENTH
The event is coming together as well. The Keynote speaker will be Taylor Stewart of the Oregon Remembrance Project The Oregon Remembrance Project (ORP) was founded to help communities with truth and reconciliation projects about rectifying historical injustice. ORP connects historical racism to its presentday legacies in order to inspire contemporary racial justice. Emcee & DJs – DJ Ambush and Morgen Jones are returning to spin tunes and introduce performers
AANHPI
The event is shaping up nicely with a Keynote address from Connie Harrell – Belonging Coordinator of the School District Performers include the Chinese Friendship Association Dance Troupe, Chinese Traditional Fashion Show, Linfield College Polynesian Dance Team, World Champion Taekwondo martial arts demos, Anavai O Te Ora Tahitian Dance and White Lotus Foundation dragon & lion dancing Nonprofit vendors include LO For LOve, Respond to Racism, The Civil Right Unit, the Library, LO Chinese Council and Chinese Friendship Association of Portland.
Every year in the month of February, the events team partners with the Fire Department to teach hands only CPR to the community Over 70 community members came out to the learn the live saving skill over two days of trainings In addition to teaching hands only CPR, events & the fire department hosted a Survivor’s Breakfast to honor the survivors of cardiac arrest in the community. This gave survivors the opportunity to share their stories and meet the first responders in police and fire and 911 operators who helped save their lives!
CONCERTS
Our Wednesday Series at Foothills & Westlake have been booked The Community can look forward to hearing a wide variety of hit music from Stone In Love, Cloverdayle, Hit Machine, Petty Fever, Band After Midnight and More! Sunday concerts are almost fully booked. Guests can expect to see Sabrosa, Normal Sylvester, and Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters The Portland Festival Symphony will also be returning on Saturday, August 16th!
4THOFJULY
The concert & laser light show evening event on Independence Day will be headlined by Hit Explosion – the Hit Machine of Seattle!
Luscher Farm
Community Gardens: In the Community Gardens Program, I have assigned 12 open plots to gardeners from the request list and will be holding an in-person orientation for them on March 8th We have 2 full classes coming up in March on Garden Planning and Seed Starting which I have been preparing for. My next book club book is reading, “Farming While Black” and will also meet in March.
Adopt-A-Plot: Seed production has started for the Adopt-a-Plot season! Starts planted so far include peas, lettuce, leeks, snap dragons, onions, cabbage, broccoli, eggplants, peppers, and more. The Luscher & FOLF team are battling all the elements, from mice to power outages. Fortunately, there is still plenty of time to restart seeds should the seeds not make it
Field Trips: Field trips start again the last week of February! We are kicking off the year with a middle school group from Park Academy We have multiple field trips scheduled with Mitch Charter school, and are scheduling with Beaverton, Portland, Lake Oswego, and other private school districts.
Honey Bees: Luscher Farm staff are in negotiations with Raw Oregon Honey to provide honey bee boxes onsite We will be starting with about 5 hive boxes with the possibility of adding additional boxes in the future. These boxes will be on the Brock property, away from the main trail, but near a natural spring and blackberries for the bees We are excited to be able to supplement our bee classes with real bees and Luscher Farm honey!
Adult Community Center
HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED IN FEBRUARY
Our “Senior Scholar “program in partnership with the Library had 54 registers for a talk on “The Role of Immigration in Shaping Our Communities.”
We started open play ping pong on Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m.
A hearty group braved the weather for a migrating bird photography workshop.
We hosted the Library’s Lunar New Year
Below is a presentation on Ikebana, a Japanese art of flower arranging. (Featured at the ACC daily).
The Lake Grove Garden Club held their annual Spring Days, where they donate flowers to all Meals on Wheels recipients.
Participant quote: regarding our Senior Scholar Program -How AI is Shaping Our Future & Ethical Implications: “I want to commend you and the Adult Community Center for planning and arranging this presentation by Dr Alicia Patterson from OSU I didn’t know what to expect, except maybe a high-tech computer-oriented discussion. How pleasantly surprised I, and likely many others were, by her very timely and professional take on the ethics of AI and related topics. This was very possibly one of the best presentations I have attended in my nearly 20 years of participation at the center Bravo and well done and much appreciated”
Programs offered in February:
AARP Smart Driver
Herbal Medicine and Remedies
Lakewood Theatre/Noises Off Long Term Care Planning
Ping-Pong
SSP The Role of Immigration in Shaping Our Communities
The Increasing Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases
Trips:
Cafe Du Berry
Portland's Palette: A Gallery Tour of Artistic Treasures
Secondhand Safari: Thrift Store
Adventure
Migrating Bird Photography
Workshop
Movie Matinee Mates
The Hardware Store Speakeasy
Recreation & Aquatic Management
AQ Updates
Aquatics continues to prepare new staff for the building opening. In February, both Recreation Specialists, Colton Hite and Logan DeBusk obtained their CPO Certification (Certified Pool Operator) Additionally, Logan joined the team ranks and successfully became a certified Lifeguard Instructor for the American Red Cross.
Commissioning and Onsite Meetings
This month, I attended several commissioning meetings to facilitate the launch of the LORAC. Additionally, I participated in multiple onsite meetings to receive updates on the progress of the building.
Recruitment and Interviews
I was actively involved in the interview process for the Admin 1 and Admin positions. The candidates have now progressed to the reference check phase of recruitment
Membership Development
Efforts are underway to establish Silver Sneakers and Silver & Fit memberships for the LORAC to enhance community engagement and accessibility
Liquor License Completion
We are in the final phases of obtaining our liquor license, which will allow us to serve alcohol at the LORAC.
Prelaunch and Grand Opening Planning
Met with several of the Parks and Recreation team to discuss and plan the prelaunch party as well as the grand opening. We have a good idea of what we will be doing
Board and Section Meetings
I led the monthly board meeting for the aquatics section and conducted an aquatics section meeting for ORPA. Additionally, I attended the ORPA board meeting to stay engaged with broader organizational initiatives
Recreation Management Services
The February Programming Meeting featured a two-hour presentation on Child Safety and Mandatory Reporting, conducted by NW Cares. This training was designed to educate staff on best practices for preventing child sexual abuse within youth-serving organizations
Training Overview:
The facilitated session included:
Discussions on child safety and prevention strategies
Interactive activities and real-world scenarios
Handouts summarizing key concepts
An overview of child sexual abuse, including warning signs and risk factors.
Training Objectives:
Participants were expected to:
Understand how to reduce risks in LOPR's environment.
Identify healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors with youth
Learn effective communication techniques for addressing concerns
Gain confidence in speaking up using provided guidelines and tips.
This training reinforces LOPR's commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for youth participants
In February, all City employees were required to attend an Anti-Harassment Policy Training to reinforce the City's commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace
Training Overview:
The session focused on Personnel Policy 1-2 and covered:
Definitions of harassment and inappropriate conduct
Examples of prohibited harassment, including verbal, physical, and visual forms
Harassment by non-employees and expectations for handling such situations.
Reporting procedures, including how to file a complaint
Investigation process, outlining how complaints are reviewed and addressed.
Anti-retaliation protections to ensure employees feel safe reporting concerns
This training was designed to ensure all employees understand their rights and responsibilities, reinforcing the City's commitment to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination
Recreation Management Services
In February, LOPR was advised that the 2025 CAPRA Annual Report will focus on ensuring agencies continue to meet National Accreditation Standards by addressing partially met or unmet standards from their last visitation report. Agencies are required to provide the latest documentation, review updates, and Evidence of Compliance for the following standards to be reviewed in 2025:
2025 Standards for Review:
✅ 2.10 ADA Transition Plan
✅ 361 Records Disaster Mitigation and Recovery Plan & Procedures
✅ 473 Supervision and Evaluation of Volunteers
✅ 7.5.2 Preventative Maintenance Plan
✅ 10.1.2 Staff Training on How to Evaluate Programs, Facilities, and Services
✅ 103 Performance Measurement
Submission Requirements:
All Annual Reports and supporting evidence must be submitted through the CAPRA Application and Review Portal. Deadline: Friday, May 23, 2025
The Commission reserves the right to adjust the list of reviewed standards as needed.
Agencies should stay proactive in addressing these standards to ensure compliance and continuous improvement in daily operations
Programmers LORAC walk through:
On Friday, February 21, a guided tour of the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center (LORAC) was led by Jan The tour provided an update on the latest construction progress and offered programmers an opportunity to explore the facility's spaces.
Enrichment
FITNESS
Fitness equipment installed at the LORAC! All the weights and cardio machines look fantastic, along with the group exercise studio.
This month, the fitness instructors completed a full day training for the 2 LORAC member class formats.
TEENPROGRAMS
Lounge hosted a Family Feud event on the 21st.
The Teen Village Social Skills Group rented the Lounge for one of their Saturday socials get togethers
Finalizing summer offerings including 4 Fitness Camps, fitness events at Movies in the Park and concerts, AANHPI and Farmers’ Markets.
ENRICHMENT
The Summer Camp Guide is coming along nicely – with a release date of March 14!
New camps added are Spanish, DJ camp, and Advanced Robotics.
Indoor Playground and rentals are still going strong despite the nicer weather –averaging 40 tiny visitors each day
The department participated in the CARES NW Training
Staff is finalizing summer activities with plans for a white-water field trip, 8 camps, and several art and music options.
Jr. Camp Counselor applications and Youth Action Council applications are opening March 1!
OUTDOORPROGRAMS
Staff completed a contract renewal with Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe to maintain Willamette River programming and rental opportunities
Staff is finalizing summer details with plans to host well over 25 camps, multiple rafting community trips, and a family bike ride. In addition to high energy outdoor experiences, we will be offering educational opportunities like bird watching, nature walk and talks, and photography classes like “Fun with Flora” and an iPhone camera workshop for mobile picture takers.
After a snow related reschedule, Hikes and Rambles hosted their annual Leader Training Forum. This forum is an opportunity for hikers to learn and be trained in the role of hike leader An important role, leaders are responsible for planning, scouting, and being the head volunteer on all of the experiences offered by the group.
Communication & Sponsorship
Social Media
In February, social media efforts focused on key updates, awareness campaigns, and community engagement, including:
Job recruitment efforts for the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center (LORAC).
A partnership with the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD) to promote hands-only CPR awareness, including rescheduled classes due to the winter storm
Winter weather updates, including closures and program cancellations.
A new LORAC progress video created by Dave.
Pathway changes on the north side of Stafford Road video
Skatepark maintenance updates
Promotion of the Go Live Well Dance event.
LORAC site safety reminders, emphasizing that the job site remains closed to the public.
Banner Program
Spring banner designs were finalized
Coordination with Public Works is underway to schedule deinstallation of winter banners and installation of spring banners
Sponsorships
Secured sponsorships for upcoming concerts, the Farmers’ Market, and the Star-Spangled Celebration. Outreach efforts are ongoing to fill remaining sponsorship opportunities, finalize contracts, and engage potential partners.
Website Management
The Parks & Recreation website was actively updated with essential information, including: Updates during the winter weather event on closures, program cancellations, and safety notices
Information on upcoming events and project updates. Collaboration with IT and Cyd continued for the LORAC group page, which centralizes all related information. The planned launch date has been adjusted to March
Spring/Summer Activity Guide
Content was created and layouts were done Final proof and print prep in March
Fact Book
Content and graphics complete The final version is scheduled for printing in March.
Parks Board
Attended the Parks Board meeting on February 19 Took notes and participated in discussions
Parks Plan 2040
Continued collaboration with the Planning and Projects team reviewing the draft plan.
Recreation Scholarship Program
Final reports were generated from Survey Monkey
Currently collaborating with the administrative team to compile data for finance
Checks will be issued to individuals requesting refunds, while many have generously donated their credits.
Social Media Form
Partnered with IT to develop a department-wide social media request form, streamlining content gathering and scheduling.
Communication & Messaging
Ongoing content development for Hello LO and LODown newsletters
Coordinated messaging efforts with the Communications team, including weatherrelated posts and updates from Public Works.
Attended the monthly Communications team meeting
Community Inquiries
Handled a record number of inquiries regarding LORAC memberships, golf programs, and facility amenities, reflecting strong community interest.
Job Recruitment Campaign
Working closely with the LORAC supervisor and aquatics team on a multi-faceted job recruitment campaign, which includes:
Advertisements in the Lake Oswego Review
Banners, posters, and promotional materials
Expanding outreach to local schools and job fairs.
Purchased targeted Facebook and Instagram ads
LORAC Lauch and Grand Opening
Ongoing preparations for the LORAC launch events and opening, including:
Selecting event dates
Developing invite lists
Coordinating speakers
Securing rental equipment
Organizing swag and tour options
Uniform Collaboration
Worked with the team to finalize sizing, merchandise selection, and designs. Orders are in progress, with delivery expected in March.
Parks Planning & Projects
CAPITALPROJECTS
Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center (LORAC) Update
Building C is fully completed and cleaned Building B is scheduled for cleaning
Locker rooms are nearly finished, with water now running in showers and restrooms.
Artwork installation is underway along the main hallway
Weights and cardio equipment are being installed
The punch list review for Building B is set for February 25.
Work on Building A continues.
Anderson Pools has multiple outstanding items requiring immediate attention, per Sebastian
Painting is ongoing throughout the natatorium.
Golf Course Update
The maintenance building is now fully roofed and enclosed, with interior work progressing Conducted an on-site meeting with Milroy to review the final punch list items for project completion. Verified the locations of both the water and power sources for the golf ball machine installation
Oswego Hall
The punch-list walk-through was held in early February, and the project received substantial completion in late February 2025. A final inspection walk-through was completed on February 25 with one requested modification to the height of the hand sink in the servery The sink is being lowered on February 27 and a second final inspection will be scheduled for the first week of March. A walk-through with a locksmith was held on February 27 to discuss re-keying the building to a sub-key of the LORAC building.
Rassekh Park
An amendment to add the scope for Phase 2 to the existing construction contract with Paul Brothers, Inc was authorized by City Council on February 4. A kick-off meeting with the contractor was held on February 18. The contractor is beginning to mobilize on site and has installed erosion control and tree protection measures Fine grading is expected to begin the first week of March With the initiation of Phase 2, the grand opening for Phase 1 has been postponed and staff will hold a joint grand opening for the skatepark and play area in early summer 2025
Parks Planning & Projects
CAPITALPROJECTSCONTINUED
Willamette River Greenway Trail (between Roehr and George Rogers Park)
A submittal for Metro Local Share funds for this project is being prepared for Lake Oswego City Council and Metro Council review and approval in early 2025. A scope and contract for a consultant to prepare a land use application, design and engineering documents, and provide permitting and construction support is underway and staff expect to have a land use application submitted in spring 2025.
PLANNING&POLICYPROJECTS
Parks Plan 2040
Preparation of the final plan document is underway and a final joint Parks Board and CAC meeting to review the draft is scheduled for March 18, followed by a resolution to adopt the plan at City Council in April Subsequently, the project team will review and may ultimately recommend changes to the Parks SDC methodology based on the 15year CIP included in the plan; this information would be presented as a separate adoption package
Luscher Area Master Plan Implementation
Preparation of a land use application package including narrative, traffic impact analysis, local park master plan, and exhibits is underway and is expected to be submitted in early 2025. If approved, the first project staff would undertake is needed safety and accessibility improvements to Luscher Farm’s driveway and parking area, leveraging Metro Local Share dollars as approved by Lake
West Waluga Park Neighborhood Connector Trail
Scoping and design for this project, which emerged as a community priority during the Metro Local Share community engagement process, is expected to begin in early 2025. The project will connect neighborhoods north and south of West Waluga Park to each other and to the park’s amenities via a boardwalk trail between Royal Oaks Drive and Oakridge Court or Yorkshire Place.
Athletic Field Requirements Study Update
As a sub-project to Parks Plan 2040, staff are undertaking an update to the 2019 Athletic Field Requirements Study to affirm the need for additional athletic fields to serve local residents A first draft of the report is being reviewed by the project team and the study is expected to be complete by mid-March The results of the study will help inform the prioritization of projects in Parks Plan 2040.
Tennis, Golf & Sports
TENNISCENTER
Program Updates
February was a fantastic month at Lake Oswego Tennis Center, filled with energy, growth, and strong community engagement! Our Winter session continues to thrive, with classes maintaining high attendance across all levels It’s been exciting to see players progress and develop their skills, and the enthusiasm from both our coaches and participants has been outstanding. In addition to instructional programs, competitive play has been in full swing USTA Winter Leagues and City League have been running smoothly, bringing a lively and competitive atmosphere to the courts. Players have shared positive feedback about their experiences, and we are proud to see LOTC’s teams representing our facility with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Spring & Summer Program Development
With Spring Break right around the corner, we are finalizing details for an engaging and well-rounded camp experience The program is designed to balance instruction, fun, and competition while ensuring players of all levels feel challenged and supported. Looking ahead to summer, we are actively working on expanding our program offerings to provide even more opportunities for players to learn, improve, and enjoy the sport. Our focus remains on curriculum innovation, optimizing scheduling, and ensuring we have a strong coaching staff in place to deliver high-quality instruction throughout the summer months
Staffing Updates
Facility & Operations
This month, we’ve made strides in improving facility efficiency and customer experience. The front desk team has helped streamline communication processes, making it easier for customers to register, ask questions, and stay informed As we move into March, we are excited to continue fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all players.
We were thrilled to welcome new instructors, Bobby Thurston, Joe Erichsen & Avery Liening, to our coaching team this month! Their experience, energy, and passion for teaching have already made a noticeable impact They have been instrumental in supporting our junior and adult programs, and we are excited to see them continue to integrate into our LOTC team.
Additionally, our front desk operations continue to improve, with Sherri Sacconaghi and Heather Dudley settling into their roles seamlessly. Their contributions have helped enhance customer service, streamline day-today operations, and improve communication between staff and patrons. Their friendly and professional presence has been a great asset to the team!
Tennis, Golf & Sports
Youth Sports Classes and Camps
This month we began offering Introduction to Acrobatics and Tumbling with our newest partner, Tilton’s Gymnastics! For other sports news, Skyhawks began an indoor volleyball class with 8 participants and indoor basketball classes for ages 2 years to 12 years old with a total of 24 participants. Oregon Fencing Alliance ran a successful Intro to Fencing class with 16 participants as well
Spring Break camps are currently open for registration! Three sports Spring Break camps including fencing, multi-sport (basketball, baseball, soccer), and Play Fit Fun’s campgames style camp are available
Adult Sports
Upcoming Spring leagues and adult pickleball classes are available for registration Spring adult leagues include Spring Adult Cornhole League and Spring Adult Soccer League New adult sports opportunities including Adult Basketball League and Adult Cornhole Tournaments begin this Summer. Other opportunities, such as Adult Volleyball League, will be available in the Fall
We introduced a new way for the community to share their sports programs interests using our Player/Team Interest Form.
Teen Sports
The 2024-25 season of High School City League Basketball is coming to an end on March 2nd. To close it out a playoff tournament will be held at Lakeridge Middle School to determine the champions of the Boys Freshman/Sophomore division, the Girls 9-12 division, and the Boys Junior/Senior division. A total of 20 out of 27 teams will come out to play for the title and championship t-shirts.
Sports Newsletter
LO Sports has a new way to get information to the community Subscribe to the Lake Oswego Sports Newsletter www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/lo-sportsnewsletter
Parks
Staffing Updates
Beloved Senior Park Specialist, Kurt Minges, announced his retirement after 26 years. with the City of Lake Oswego. Continued interviews for Park Ranger and Admin Specialist positions are ongoing
Park & Natural Area Projects
All hands-on deck for winter storm response Parks crew cleared walkways for safety at City Hall, the Library, and the ACC Staff spent time preparing for the event by winterizing restrooms & fountains, tuning up equipment, and getting vehicles snowready
Staff across all parks are working on winter pruning projects, blackberry removal, pathway clearance, canopy lift, and equipment maintenance.
Put down chips on the access path at the North end of the field at Hazelia.
Repaired and did improvements on the hose bib and drain at the active dog park
Fixed leaking water fountain valve at Westlake Park.
Decoy coyotes were placed at Foothills Park. GRP restrooms adjacent to the athletic fields are opened back up now that the threat of hard freeze has passed
All Roehr restrooms are open again
In preparation for the opening of the LORAC facility, “We’re Hiring” promotional fliers have been posted at park restroom facilities throughout the City.
The ADA parking sign was reinstalled at East Waluga Park
Despite recent inclement weather, all construction projects occurring around the Sandbox at George Rogers Park are coming in ahead of schedule and under budget.
Had a gravel work party on 2/1 with the Lakeridge basketball team with nearly 50 volunteers at Springbrook Park
We are now fully caught up with chipping from invasive tree removals and storm trees from last winter.
The team has a long list of Arbor month activities and events planned for April and going through September
Planted the landslide area in Iron Mountain
Planted the frontage area at Springbrook Park near the tennis center where hazardous trees were removed.
Completed plantings in the Bay Creek Natural Area
Completed the BEE City USA 2025 report and presented it to Parks Board
Met with a local bee keeper to potential house honey bee hives during the summer with the option to program educational courses around the topic
We started filming for our Tree of the Week videos
Equipment & Facility Maintenance
Installed two security cameras at Rassekh Park
Rassekh restrooms now open
Worked on details of 2024 winter storm with Nell Diamond & FEMA.
Staff Training & Safety
All staff attended EEO, Anti-harassment, non-discrimination training
New soccer goals are set at Westlake Athletic field (soccer goal size 24x8)
New Soccer goal installed at East Waluga (soccer goal size 7x21).
Continued maintenance of synthetic and natural fields.
Lime application on all athletic fields
Fence repair at Hazelia athletic field
Continued equipment maintenance
Met with Wilbur Ellis to go over soil samples and nutrition needs of natural turf grass.
Pacific Sport Turf inspected synthetic field top dressing and de-compacted fields.
Facility & Rental Reservations
Parks began accepting Premier Park Reservation applications on February 3 for Foothills, Millennium Plaza, and Roehr Parks
Online reservations for Picnic Shelters for the 2025 season (April 1 – Sept. 31) also opened on February 3. With the opening of 2025 park reservations, we are starting to receive Special Event Permit applications We’ve currently received applications for 6 returning events and 2 new ones The P id F
