Director Report
January 1 - 31, 2025
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
Exciting progress continues at the Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center as the facility takes shape, bringing us closer to opening day. The parking lot is partially paved, with ongoing work on curbs, gutters, and landscaping, adding some of the finishing touches to the outdoor spaces. Inside, the weight and cardio area is being prepped for fitness equipment, which will arrive in February, while the gymnasium floor is fully complete, showcasing fresh striping and the City logo. Both pools have been tiled, plastered, and filled in the Natatorium, with work on the spa and mechanical systems moving forward. IT infrastructure installation has begun, and the office area furniture arrives the first week in February. Across the site, landscaping, fencing, and pathways are being finalized, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. As the vision for LORAC comes to life, it’s exciting to see the transformation from construction to a nearly finished community hub that will soon welcome the community for recreation, fitness, and aquatic programs.
Community Events
FARMERS’ MARKET
Applications for the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market are in full swing! They opened to vendors on January 6th and will close on February 19th. To date we have received close to 220 applications and more come in every day There are some new and innovative products we are excited to try! Interviews and product demonstrations for potential new vendors will take place in February and March.
YOUNGENTREPRENEURPROGRAM
In January we hosted four orientation sessions for Lake Oswego students interested in participating in our 2025 Farmers’ Market Young Entrepreneur Program Approximately 30 young people were interested in the program which is double what we had last year. We are also fortunate to have several of our 2024 participants returning as well. Potential products range from artistic Japanese baked goods, handmade jewelry and ceramics, to homemade “fry sauce” and more All interested participants are in the process of completing their applications and interviews/product demonstrations will be held in March.
AANHPI
The planning committee has selected the keynote speaker for AANHPI Heritage month celebration. The speaker will be Connie Harrell, the Belonging Coordinator at LOSD. Emcees will be local LOHS student Ophilia & Jadyn, Connie’s Daughter Other performers confirmed are the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland Dance team and Fashion show.
JUNETEENTH
The planning committee has selected the keynote speaker for Juneteenth. The 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 present-day legacies in order to inspire contemporary racial justice.
MEMORIALDAY
The planning committee has selected the keynote speaker for Memorial Day Keynote: Captain Jonathan Puskas – Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Region Readiness & Mobilization Command Southwest.
Luscher Farm
Adopt-A-Plot: The Harvest Helpers team has generously volunteered to help us start seeds for the Adopt-a-Plot program again this year! Farm staff, alongside volunteers, will begin seeding produce in the Children’s Garden greenhouse in February The Adopt-a-Plot program teaches gardening to new gardeners, feeds children on field trips and in cooking classes, and donates thousands of pounds of food to the local food bank each year.
Community Gardens: In the community gardens re-registration is almost complete and it looks like we will be able to move ten new gardeners in from the waitlist. There are six current gardeners moving to new plots as well Saturday, February 1st will be our first community gardens book club meeting for the book, Healing Grounds.
Field Trips: 2025 Spring field trip applications are open! Luscher Farm offers a great opportunity to get outside, connect with food systems, and teach about the history of farming. Applications and more info can be found at https://wwwlakeoswegocity/luscher/chil drens-garden
Belmont Goats: Luscher Farm staff are in discussion to hopefully obtain livestock on the property. If successful, we will be the proud home to the famous Belmont Goats looking for a forever home We are excited about the possibility of expanding livestock at the Farm!
CSA: The facility use agreement was approved by City Council for the new CSA farmer, Wild Geese Farm Co They will be kicking off with the Summer 2025 CSA shares Members of the community can register for their shares at https://www.wildgeesefarm.com/.
Adult Community Center
Facilities & Operations
Anthony constructed a new hatch for our attic space, significantly reducing the strain on our HVAC system and improving overall efficiency
Programs & Community Impact
We received a heartfelt email from a caregiver in our respite program. “Hi Suzie: This is Jane John’s wife I wanted to let you know how much John seems to enjoy his Wednesdays at the respite program at the LOACC I was so impressed the day I visited with John, everyone is friendly, and the program is so engaging. Last Wednesday after I picked up John, he told me about who he talked to and some of the activities and was happy! He mentioned that he sat next to a tall man named LARRY from Ohio whom he enjoyed talking with and said he wanted to sit next to him next time I couldn't believe how much he told me! Usually, he is very quiet This has been such a positive experience for him, so I would like to put his name on the wait list for Mondays and Fridays if possible. Again, thank you for all you do with this program. You are appreciated!”
Currently, we have 18 families on the waitlist for the respite program, highlighting its growing demand To accommodate this, we’ve posted for two new on-call positions to expand our offerings
In a unique situation, a woman mistakenly dropped off by a cab at the ACC expressed her gratitude via voicemail, commending Guy for the compassionate care she received during her unexpected visit. Our staff went above and beyond to ensure that a participant using a wheelchair could join us for lunch The caregiver later called to express her heartfelt appreciation, noting that the day was incredibly special for them
Programs & Participation
The Senior Scholar Program recently hosted a talk on AI, its future impact, and ethical implications, attracting 97 participants with an additional 20 on the waitlist showcasing the community’s enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
Bridge classes remain a standout success, continuing to draw enthusiastic participation week after week
A total of 51 tickets were utilized for the Lakewood Theatre dress rehearsal of "The Maltese Falcon," providing our community with access to enriching cultural experiences.
Transportation Team
Our transportation team received feedback about improving pick-up locations for participants Demonstrating their commitment to service, they promptly visited the site, conducted thorough research, and identified better options to enhance the experience for our riders. Their responsiveness is greatly
Safety & Security
We have enhanced safety measures by securing our outdoor power shut offs with locks, preventing accidental power loss and safeguarding our refrigerated and frozen goods
Recreation & Aquatic Management
LORAC REPORT
Branding and Uniforms for the LORAC
Work continues on developing the branding and uniform designs for the LORAC Efforts are being made to ensure consistency and professionalism in the branding elements, aligning with the overall vision and mission of the organization.
Operational Planning
Significant progress has been made in planning operational aspects of the LORAC Strategies are being developed to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall efficiency.
Marketing and Outreach - Job Recruitment
To increase awareness and engagement, flyers have been distributed at various locations, including:
The Library
The Adult Community Center (ACC)
The CCP Teen Lounge
Additionally, a collaboration with Lakeridge High School's Career Center has been established to distribute flyers for the LORAC These efforts will extend further as the information is set to be included in one of their upcoming newsletters, broadening our reach to students and families in the community.
Upcoming Plans
Starting to develop our plan for our member/tour day and grand opening plans. Overall, these initiatives aim to enhance visibility, prepare for operational success, and ensure a strong community presence for the LORAC.
AQ Updates
In January, the Aquatics Department welcomed 2 new, full-time, staff members Colton Hite and Logan DeBusk are joining the LORAC team as Aquatic Recreation Specialists. They have been familiarizing themselves with Lake Oswego and are eager to dive right in to work!
AQ Supervisor Kelly B, recently completed her Lifeguard/LG Instructor recertification and is looking forward to offering Lifeguard classes with her team to the Lake Oswego area. She is continuing to prepare for the LORAC opening by ensuring it is stocked with equipment and supplies to train staff and safely respond to any emergencies that arise
Recreation Management Services
Budget Work- January began with Department leads for the process of submitting budgets for the various Divisions Reports and worksheets were distributed for update and review by the Director
Admin Assistant Application Review199 Applicants were received for two positions that will be Front Desk and Registrar leads at the LORAC.
NRPA Matrix info submitted for the Department Information gleaned for the report is used to compare to national data and LOPR will receive a completed report just for our agency.
Transition of the Arts Council of LO liaison to the City Manager’s Office began with meeting about the Repair and examination of the damaged sculpture “Fairy Tree” at George Rogers Park The artwork for the LORAC responsibility remains with LOPR until the building and artwork installations are complete.
Supervisor Orientations for two new Supervisors occurred in January with the City Manager’s Office and HR Director. One for Dina Balogh, Administration Supervisor and one for Emily Liu, Events and Luscher Farm Supervisor
Personnel Performance reviews were conducted for the Enrichment and Outdoor Program Supervisor, the Administration Supervisor, the Recreation Deputy Director, and the ACC Manager using the new City approach based on the City’s values and questions related to work goals and accomplishments.
Preproduction for Summer 2025 Activity Guide kicked off to start planning for programs including new aquatics programs at the LORAC.
Enrichment
FITNESS
Planning 4 teen fitness camps for this summer, these will be the first fitness camps LOPR has offered The new LORAC weight room will be put to good use! Also, planning fitness events that coincide with summer concerts, movies, AAPI, and Farmers’ Markets
Current classes are off to a great start! We have 10% higher enrollment this January from January 2024.
OUTDOORPROGRAMS
Winter/Spring Bird Watching kicked off with a group of 10
Staff is in communication with contractors to offer several camps this summer Ideally offering well over 25 camps!
Spring trips like rafting and snowshoeing are seeing high levels of enrollment. Excited to see those offered soon!
ENRICHMENT
The January Go Live Well Dance had a record attendance on January 10 The Youth Action Council sold refreshments, and everyone danced the night away!
We hosted our first Stained Glass class with a new contractor – Hypmatizarism Glass!! Students gathered at the ACC to make “impact droplets” in what the instructor called “diet-stained glass”. More on the way! (pics)
Summer Camp planning is underway!
TEENPROGRAMS
Lounge returned from winter break with a big month of activities! We hosted a hot cocoa bar night on 1/17 and a game show style minute to win it event on 1/31
Our new club lineup for winter started, including a return of members favoritecooking club!
Staff had several consultation conversations with leaders at a youth services organization in Washington about the structure and challenges of hosting a daily afterschool program
Staff has planned all volunteer visits for this summer’s Teen Service Corps. Overall, we will be offering 8 dedicated Teen Camps this year
The Youth Action Council delivered 50 fleece blankets to Clackamas Children’s Center.
Parks Planning & Projects
CAPITALPROJECTS
Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center (LORAC) Update
The parking lot is partially paved, with ongoing work on curbs, gutters, and additional paving scheduled through February.
Landscaping has begun around the building, Oswego Hall, and along the paved sections of the Stafford pathway and roadway
In Building C, cleaning continues in preparation for office furniture delivery in early February.
The weight and cardio area is being cleaned and prepped, with fitness equipment arriving next month
The gym floor is complete, including striping and the installation of the City logo. Work continues on installing cubbies and wall pads.
In the Natatorium, both the recreation and competition pools have been tiled, plastered, and filled with water Tile work is progressing in the spa area.
Mechanical systems in the Natatorium continue to be installed.
The IT team has begun setting up infrastructure, a process that will continue through February
Work along Stafford Road is progressing to facilitate the removal of the jersey barriers next month.
The maintenance building is receiving sidewall installations, with roofing work pending favorable weather conditions
Railing installation is underway along the Clover Leaf pathway, and fencing has been completed.
Golf Course Update
Triple Wellman is finalizing grading and hardscape to allow Milway to complete final grading around LORAC and Oswego Hall
Additional ceiling heaters are being installed, and the ball machine is set for installation in February. Final landscaping work will continue in the
Oswego Hall
In January 2024 freezing temperatures caused a water pipe to burst in the attic of the building, causing significant water damage to the building Repair work is complete and punch list work is underway and expected to be complete in February 2025 The building will open in conjunction with the LORAC. Once open, it will be used as programming space and also be available for meetings and community rental space
Rassekh Park
Staff received Notice to Proceed from the Local Government Grant program to begin work on Phase 2 A permit revision was approved in November and the finalized plan set was provided to the contractor for pricing in December. A contract amendment will be presented to City Council for approval on February 4 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 the late spring or early summer of 2025. We received approval to open the restrooms!
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 consultant support in preparing plan documents and a land use application 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
A community meeting was held on December 3 to share information about the draft local park master plan and the results of the traffic impact assessment with stakeholders and interested parties. A subsequent focus group meeting is being scheduled to hear specifically from local area farmers 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
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 The results of the study will help inform the prioritization of projects in Parks Plan 2040 The study is anticipated to be complete in March 2025, prior to a final draft of the plan document.
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.
Tennis, Golf & Sports
TENNISCENTER
Program Updates
January marked the beginning of Winter/Spring classes, officially starting on January 6th The winter session is in full swing, and our instructional programs continue to see strong participation across all levels.
Additionally, the second half of Seasonal Reservations, City League, and Winter USTA leagues commenced this month, bringing competitive play and community engagement to the courts The reservations and leagues have contributed to increased court usage and an energetic atmosphere at the facility.
Spring & Summer Program Development
As we prepare for the upcoming months, our focus has been on restructuring and refining the curriculum for the Spring Break and Summer Youth Programs The goal is to enhance our offerings to better serve young players, emphasizing skill development, match play, and an engaging, progressive approach to learning.
For Spring Break, we are working on a refreshed program structure that ensures a balanced mix of instruction, fun drills, and competitive play, catering to all skill levels. Looking ahead to summer, we are focusing on curriculum innovation, staffing needs, and scheduling logistics to maximize participation and provide high-quality instruction
Facility & Operations
The restructuring of front desk operations continues to be a priority, with an emphasis on streamlining communication, improving customer service efficiency, and adapting to extended facility hours. These operational improvements aim to create a more organized and accessible experience for both staff and patrons
As we move forward into the next few months, our focus remains on program growth, staff training, and maintaining a high standard of service for our members and players
Staffing Updates
This month, we welcomed two new front desk members, Sherri Sacconaghi and Heather Dudley, to the LOTC team Their presence will play a key role in streamlining daily operations, enhancing customer service, and providing essential administrative support. With their expertise and commitment, we anticipate improved communication, greater efficiency, and an overall enhanced experience for both our staff and patrons
Tennis, Golf & Sports
SPORTSDIVISION
Youth Sports Classes and Camps
This Spring, Oregon Fencing Alliance invites intermediate fencers to take their skills to the next level! If you've participated in a fencing program with LOPR or elsewhere, you're eligible to join this exciting class.
The Spring sports lineup also includes a fantastic selection of programs from Skyhawks Sports Academy, which is currently offering a special discount use code “LakeOswego10” to save on classes and camps! Additionally, our partners Soccer Shots, Play.Fit.Fun., and Lacrosse NW are bringing a variety of engaging classes to multiple locations, offering options for different ages, skill levels, days of the week, and class durations
Looking for Spring Break sports camps? Check out our offerings, including fencing, multi-sport (basketball, baseball, soccer), and high-energy PE-style games
Adult Leagues and Classes
Spring adult sports are coming up and we have many competitive and recreational programs with open play opportunities for volleyball, basketball, and pickleball, as well as Spring Adult Soccer League, and Spring Adult Cornhole League (stay tuned for more details)!
We’re always looking for players and team managers across all sports! Plus, we want to hear from the community on ideas for future leagues and sports through our Player/Team Interest Form. Get involved and help shape the next season of play!
High School City League Basketball
The Lake Oswego tradition of High School City League Basketball is in full swing! Now four weeks into the season, games are going strong, and the energy on the court has been incredible With 28 teams and over 260 players competing across three divisions, Sunday afternoons and evenings at Lakeridge Middle School are packed with excitement.
As the season progresses, tournament details are in the works, setting the stage for an exciting finish Come cheer on local studentathletes as they showcase their skills, teamwork, and passion for the game! Details will be on our website.
Parks
Staffing Updates
We are excited to welcome Brandon Bolen, our new Park Specialist, who will be working at Westlake and East Waluga Parks.
Our valued Administrative Specialist, Kelsey Lamotte, is pursuing a new opportunity We will greatly miss her contributions, and interviews to fill her position are currently underway. The hiring process for a new Park Ranger/Natural Areas Park Specialist is in progress, with interviews currently taking place
Park & Natural Area Projects
Work parties at Hazelia Park focused on tree and shrub pruning, leaf cleanup, chipping, and raking.
Volunteers assisted in an invasive species management effort at the golf course. Ongoing winter maintenance included leaf cleanup at Westlake and East Waluga Parks and winter pruning, blackberry removal, and equipment maintenance across all parks
Arborist contractors addressed safety concerns at Rossman Park, trimming large fir trees at the request of an adjacent property owner
A new memorial bench was installed on the pathway above the river at George Rogers Park.
Parks
Equipment & Facility Maintenance
The failed soccer goals at Westlake Athletic Field were removed and replaced with a new set
Holiday decorations were carefully removed, cleaned, and stored following the Millennium Holiday Display. Ongoing maintenance continued for synthetic and dirt athletic fields
Soil sampling was completed across all athletic fields to monitor and improve turf health.
The roof over the driving range at Oswego Hall was cleaned and cleared of debris. A new fence and gate installation was completed on the Banyan side of the golf course
Athletic Field Use & Reservations
The Annual Fields Use Meeting was held on January 8 for Category 2 field users (Recognized Youth Sport Organizations and LOSD). All organizations had a representative in attendance Discussions covered:
Field maintenance and reservations
Athletic Field Reservation Policy & Procedures
Spring field allocations
Requirements for maintaining "Good Standing" in Category 2
Category 1 (LOPR & City) Athletic Field Requests were due in early January, and field allocations were made before Category 2 applications were processed. Spring field use (March 1 – May 31) was allocated to Category 2 users by January 23
Online reservations for available field space for Category 3 & 4 users opened in the last week of January.
Staff Training & Safety
Staff participated in the monthly safety meeting, focusing on safe chainsaw practices.
Team members attended a Turfgrass & Landscape Pesticide CEU Training to enhance knowledge and compliance.
Facility & Rental Reservations
Reservation websites for Picnic Shelters, Premier Parks, and Special Events were updated with new applications and information in preparation for the February 3 launch of online picnic shelter reservations and Premier Park rental applications.
New rental information flipbooks were created and published for Premier Park Rentals at Foothills, Millennium Plaza, and Roehr Parks
Communication & Sponsorship
Social Media
Throughout January, social media content was strategically developed and managed across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Nextdoor.
Posts, graphics, and reels promoted events and provided key updates. Highlights included:
"Go Live Well" Month campaign
Young Entrepreneur Program at the Farmers' Market
Job recruitment efforts for LORAC
Stewardship opportunities
Indoor Play scheduled closure notification
Partnership with LOFD for hands-only CPR awareness in February
A total of 14 updates were published
Banner Program
Spring banner designs are in development
Additionally, discussions with Public Works are ongoing to determine whether future installations will continue with an external vendor or transition back to in-house installation
Sponsorships
Sponsorship decks were reviewed, proofed, and are now available on our website. Efforts are focused on:
Meeting with potential sponsors
Sending activation letters to confirm returning sponsors
Engaging new sponsorship inquiries
A significant improvement this year has been the use of Canva for sponsorship decks, enabling real-time sharing and edits, making collaboration more efficient compared to PowerPoint.
Website Management
The Parks & Rec website was consistently updated with essential information, including:
Park closures
Upcoming events
Project milestones
Collaboration with IT, administrative staff, and Cyd continued for the LORAC group page, which centralizes all related information. The planned launch date has been adjusted to February.
Fact Book
Content is compiled and working with Dave on graphics The final version is scheduled for printing in February.
Spring/Summer Activity Guide
Initial planning and meetings have begun Efforts are focused on integrating calendars and content with the City website.
Parks Board
Attended the Parks Board meeting on January 15 Took notes and participated in discussions.
Parks Plan 2040
Continued collaboration with the Planning and Projects team, attending the January 21 City Council meeting and reviewing the first draft of the 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
Exciting news: The Rotary Club has approved a $1,500 grant to support the scholarship program
In recognition, they will receive mentions on our website, Active registration software, and Robin will present to the club in the coming months to express appreciation and highlight the program
Communication & Messaging
Ongoing content development for Hello LO and LODown City publications to ensure timely and relevant community outreach and information.
Job Recruitment Campaign
Ongoing collaboration with the LORAC supervisor, aquatics team, and digital graphic specialist to execute a comprehensive job recruitment campaign
Key elements include:
Advertisements in the LO Review
Banners and posters
Promotional materials including posters
Thinking outside the box to work with school districts
Working on February campaign ideas with outside entities such as Chamber, businesses, Rotary, etc.
This campaign will run indefinitely to meet staffing needs.
Community Inquiries
Handled a record number of inquiries regarding LORAC memberships, golf programs, and facility amenities, reflecting strong community interest.
Uniform Collaboration
Working with various Parks & Rec staff to establish a cohesive uniform program for LORAC, ensuring consistency and professionalism across divisions.