


Hello, Community Members and Friends!
I am pleased to present the 2023 City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Fact Book. It highlights the vast array of programs, events, and initiatives that make our parks vibrant, welcoming, and vital hubs of community life. We remain true to our mission to provide excellence in building community, enriching lives, and caring for the urban environment.
As you page through, you will note the many facts and figures that are astounding for a department of our size with events that reached approximately 200,000 people, tens of thousands of volunteer hours with stewardship, events, health and wellness initiatives, and humans services, along with breaking ground on the City of Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center and Rassekh Park this past year.
We continued work on the Golf Course and rehabilitated the Clubhouse building, which will be home to programming and events in 2024, and get a new name, Oswego Hall.
We continue to strive for greater sustainability with more electric fleet equipment and vehicles, and our parks staff has spent countless hours caring for our parks and natural areas, along with maintaining buildings, facilities, fields, restrooms, and more.
One of the outstanding accomplishments this past year was that Parks & Recreation joined the ranks of elite agencies nationwide by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Read more about this on page 22.
The success of our department is a direct result of the collaborative spirit that defines our team. That includes the Lake Oswego City Council, the Parks, Natural Areas, and Recreation Advisory Board, the 50+ Advisory Board, and the citizens of Lake Oswego, plus the many dedicated staff members whose passion and tireless efforts have not only shaped our community spaces but have also left a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve enhancing the quality of life in our community.
With sincere appreciation,
The Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Department (LOPR), established in 1965, operates one of the most active parks and recreation systems of its size in the Portland metro area.
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Luscher Farm
Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center (Opening 2024)
Rassekh Park (Opening 2024)
www.lakeoswego.city/parksrec
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Mayor Joe Buck
Councilor Rachel Verdick Councilor Massene Mboup Councilor Trudy Corrigan
Councilor Ali Afghan Councilor Aaron Rapf Councilor John Wendland
The Park, Recreation and Natural Resources Board (PARKS Board) advises and assists City Council and Parks staff in the city-wide provision, operation, conservation and protection of the city’s parks, open spaces, recreation facilities, community centers, programs and opportunities, natural resources and environmental quality for the health and well-being of the residents of Lake Oswego.
The Parks Board meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m.
Parks Board Members
Councilor Trudy Corrigan, 2023 Council Liaison*
Jason Dorn, Co-Chair
Edwin Becker
Taryn Hatchel
Doug McKean, Co-Chair Gregory Wolley
Sarah Ellison Kara Gapon
Jennifer Mozinski Alternate – Matthew McGinnis
Youth Council Member: 2023 Spring - Ben Hovey, 2023 Fall – Diya Deepu
Youth Council Member: 2023 Spring - Eileen Koh, 2023 Fall – Zechariah Pressnell
* Term complete in 2023. Incoming Councilor for 2024 is John Wendland
The 50+ Advisory Board makes recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the needs, interests and quality of life of residents who are 50 years of age and over. The 50+ Advisory Board meets on the fourth Friday each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Current 2023/2024 Members:
Councilor Massene Mboup
Doug Corder – Chair
Susan Speer – Vice Chair
Leesie van Roon – Vice Chair
Betty Holladay
Linda Rountree
Ann Savage
Steven Unger
2022/2023 Members:
Councilor Ali Afghan
Erin Murphy – Chair
Karen Logsdon – Vice Chair
Susan Bailey
Doug Corder
Ann Savage
Susan Speer
Leesie van Roon
Ivan Anderholm, CPRE
Deputy Director, Parks & Sports Recreation
Jeff Munro, CPRP
Deputy Director, Recreation & Adult Services
Jan Wirtz, CPRP
Adult Community Center Manager
Maria Bigelow, CPRP
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation's mission is to provide excellence in building community, enriching lives, and caring for the urban and natural environment.
DID YOU KNOW?
THE DEPARTMENT OPERATES SYSTEMS UNDER:
• Maintenance and Preservation of Parks & Facilities
• Athletic Field Upkeep, Parks & Facility Reservations
• Natural Area Stewardship & Habitat Enhancement Programs
• Waterfront, Trail & Pathway Care
• Park Security & Ranger Education
• Adult Community Center, Human Services & Recreation Activities
• Sports Leagues, Drop-In Activities & Camps
• Enrichment, Youth & Teen Programs, Fitness Classes
• Luscher Farm Organic Services, Botanical & Agricultural Education
• Community, Cultural & Special Events
• Outdoor Experiences & Activities
• Golf Rounds, Lessons, & Tournaments (returning in 2024)
• Tennis Reservations, Lessons & Programs
• Swim Park on Oswego Lake
• Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatic Center (coming in 2024)
• Skatepark (coming in 2024)
• Land Acquisition
• Planning & Project Management
• Administration Services
The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center (ACC) proudly serves all adults over 50 years of age, specializing in programs that promote growth, connection, and fulfillment. Recreational and educational opportunities, fitness, enrichment, and social programs are just a few offerings. A unique aspect of the ACC is we offer human services, such as Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, information and referrals, and much more. The amazing Lake Oswego Adult Community Center directly reflects the amazing Lake Oswego Community. This book serves as a testament to the power of community, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among its members.
30,062, number of participants that visited the ACC in 2023
Over 24,000 Meals on Wheels delivered
881 Units of human services provided
Trips - 436 Trip goers
First overnight trip to Leavenworth, WA
Honored Lake Oswego’s centenarians with the dedication of the Centenarian Plaza near Foothills Park and a celebration to honor community members
Hosted 45 people for the inaugural Lunch in the Park
144 days of respite provide for a total of 6,912 participant hours for caregivers caring for loved ones
$39,014 in donations to ACC programs
The Fitness Division ran 235 fitness and wellness programs with 1,910 participants, an increase of 63% from 2022! This includes a partnership with Every Body Athletics that provides fitness opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Virtual Programs: 29 virtual classes with 255 participants, including Yogalates, Butts & Guts, Meditation, and Yoga. We have intentionally scaled back on virtual classes post-COVID.
Outdoor Fitness Programs: 30 outdoor classes were offered with 294 participants, including BarreBQ in the Park, Park Walks, and various strength classes.
$105,362 gross revenue
The Enrichment Division offers diverse programming for all ages and abilities throughout the year, including art, music, dance, language, and more.
Programs Total: The Enrichment Division ran 445 classes and camps, with 2,839 participants.
Summer Camps: The Enrichment Division ran 96 camps, including art, music, dance, STEM, and computer camps. An impressive 1,250 kids, ages 3-17, participated in this Division’s camps at Forest Hills Elementary and George Rogers Park.
Indoor Playground: Indoor Play tallied 1,403 tiny visitors from September through May.
We continue to keep kids active physically and mentally with opportunities in 12 locations. We were excited to continue gathering in person and providing activities enriching the youth in our community.
Teen Service Corps: 77 teens participated in 2023 and completed over 900 volunteer hours.
The Jr. Camp Counselor Program, during the summer months, completed 2,944 volunteer hours with 65 teens accepted into the program.
The Teen Lounge was open for its 17th year of programs.
The Lounge had 5,006 visitors, hosted 5 facility rentals, 7 summer camps, 3 field trips, and a daily after-school program.
We had 333 visitors during our special summer hours, plus in October we greeted our 100,000th visitor.
The Youth Action Council had 22 students for the 2223 school year and hosted events like Outside the Art Room, Book Swap, Covers for Kids and the STEM Fair. YAC members volunteered
533 hours planning their own events as well as the Monster Mash Trick-orTreat event and the LO Family Dance.
Outdoor programs had 4,004 participants.
Hikes and Rambles led 101 hikes this year for 1,086 participants. As a group, they hiked 5,505 miles! With a top individual hiker going for 232 miles this year!
Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe held 3,183 rentals from its George Rogers Park Location and hosted 8 summer camps, with 107 youth participating in the camps. In total, Alder Creek helped create over 10,000 hours of time on the water.
Outdoor Summer Camps included programs at various locations, including Mary S. Young Park, George Rogers, and Iron Mountain Park. In total, the outdoor division held 36 camps with 420 participants.
In partnership with the LO Community Rowing Club, there were 41 adult and 44 youth programs at the Charlie S. Brown Water Sports Center, serving over 600 community members.
Sports and fitness camps had 120 programs offered with 1,971 participants! Camps included martial arts, fencing, biking, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, flag football, track and field, volleyball, and yoga!
High School City League was back on the courts with nearly 300 local high school players playing and having fun.
Adult Sports Leagues included:
Adult coed soccer ran 3 seasons with 623 players.
Softball ran in the summer with 700 players. Cornhole ran 3 seasons with 74 players.
Swim Park (Open July & August)
61 Swim Sessions Offered
57 Swim Sessions Held
47 Average Daily Number of Visitors 2,818 Total Number of Visitors
With over 6,486 youth and adults participating in various sports activities and recreational opportunities, many people live well in LO!
The Lake Oswego Tennis Center celebrated its grand reopening on January 28, 2023. The upgrades prioritized necessary ADA upgrades and more places for spectators to convene, with the bonus of natural light in the lobby and staff areas. We also renamed the courts to the Ellen MacPherson Courts in honor of our dedicated teaching pro, Ellen, who has worked with us for 50 years!
Our first Summer back in the facility was a huge success, with 8,752 participant hours across 61 camps and classes.
We were excited to welcome back the Special Olympics Tennis program and had a full roster every season this past year.
We also did a trial run of Spec Tennis, initially created as a fun social experience that uses a unique paddle, ball, and a smaller court size, which proved successful! We are now running 2 sessions a week.
Additional Tennis Programs at our facility:
32 City League Women’s Tennis teams
40+ U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) League teams
91 Seasonal reservation holders
1,200+ Individual Court Reserve Users
Luscher Farm’s volunteer garden program, Adopt-a-Plot, and members from community gardens collectively planted, maintained, harvested, and donated almost 2,000 lbs. of fresh produce to Hunger Fighters and Meals on Wheels programs—an increase from 700lbs the previous year.
Luscher held 12 farm field trips with over 500 students in attendance and 85 classes and camps for youth throughout the year.
Luscher offered programs for 1,400 participants and 127 different camps, classes, and workshops.
Community Garden members completed over 800 volunteer service hours and 20 work parties, rain or shine!
2023 marked the 30th Anniversary of the summer concert series with an exciting finale featuring Foreverland that included a sparkling cider toast, a photo booth, and additional festivities. The Summer of Music commenced in 1993 with 6 concerts on the water at the amphitheater at Roehr Park. Today, the series has grown to serve nearly 30,000 attendees over the season. This included the addition of a Portland Festival Symphony concert, which was hosted at Foothills Park for the first time in nearly ten years. The classical concert partnered with the Portland Festival Symphony and had nearly 2,000 attendees.
Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market remains a community staple at Millennium Plaza Park, with nearly 8,000 weekly visitors and over 80 weekly vendors. In its third year, the Farmers’ Market in Lake Grove (now called the First Sunday Market) was enhanced to include theme-based activities, including a Back to School theme, Barks & Brews, along with Bottles & Bites. These markets featured games, pet parades, beer & wine gardens, and more. This led to the largest crowds yet!
Inclusion continues to be an important focus for the Community Events team, with three large Cultural Celebrations held in 2023, including the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration, Juneteenth, and the Cultural Xchange, which include almost 5,000 attendees. This year’s Juneteenth event included the unveiling of the City Hall mural. The mural, by local Portland artist Sarah Farahat, is a colorful and celebratory piece, embodying aspirations for and by the community.
Over 60 community events were hosted in 2023, and nearly 1,000 hours were logged by volunteers to support the programs! 14.
The success of projects and programs goes beyond bricks, mortar, gravel, and dirt. It's a testament to the strong sense of community that drives our Parks & Recreation vision and mission forward. In 2023, we started updating the long-range plan for parks, recreation, and natural areas. This plan, called "Parks Plan 2040," assesses demographic shifts in the community, addresses changing needs and preferences, and establishes a community vision for parks and recreation in Lake Oswego through the year 2040. It builds off the current long-range plan, Parks Plan 2025, which was adopted in 2012.
During the fall of 2023, we began work to engage the community through participation and input by way of surveys, in-person community outreach, and listening sessions with groups such as Friends of Parks, accessibility advocates, DEI advocates, youth, and other community groups. The feedback will help formulate, goals, policies, and projects over the next 15 years. Work will continue throughout 2024 with additional community engagement and outreach, and the final plan will be presented to the City Council in early 2025. More information is available at www.lakeoswego.city/parks-plan-2040
• 1,183 survey responses
• 10 focus group meetings
• 4 Community Advisory Committee & Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board Meetings
• 1 community open house
236 “3-hour block” Picnic Shelter Reservations
*George Rogers #2 was closed for the season due to reconstruction
76 Premier Park reservations (does not include City or Parks & Rec programs, events, or classes)
19 Special Event Permits issued
7 Block Party Permits issues
This accounts for City athletic fields only, including East Waluga, George Rogers, Hazelia, and Westlake Parks.
** Note: LOPR did not support/permit LOSD Elementary and Jr. High School fields in 2023.
Total fields use hours by LOPD, LOSD, Recognized Local Youth Sports Organizations, private organizations/clubs, and rentals: 10,167
2023 spring and fall recognized local youth sports organization participants equated to 4821
*Does not include LO Youth Soccer Club high school aged participants playing with the Oregon Premier Football Club organization.
• Natural Areas Habitat Management Plan is being implemented as Park workers continue their restoration and shaded fuel break work
• The Multiple Site landscape service contract helps maintain neighborhood City parks is required to use primary electric equipment
• The focus continues on sustainability and clean power initiatives by increasing the inventory and use of electric equipment across the parks system
Here are the new additions in 2023:
Ford F-150 lightning | TORO Revolution Riding Mower for use at Foothills Park
TORO Greens Master Riding Mower for use at the City Golf Course
Cushman Hauler Pro Utility cart for use at Westlake Park
3 Blowers | 2 Hedge Trimmers | 2 Walk behind Mowers | 1 Chain Saw | 1 String trimmer
Improvements and repairs:
8 Buildings at Luscher Farm were painted | The Smelter at GRP was cleaned
The New shelter at GRP is finished | Construction has begun for the Skate Park at Rassekh
300 feet of chain link fence was removed from the Yates property at Hallinan Park
Staff removed 3 miles of tree protection fencing at the newly remodeled golf course
We now have 31 cameras in our parks to help reduce vandalism around the City.
McNary Dog Park is now a fully enclosed off leash area
• Parks Staff Highlights:
2563 hours caring for parks athletic fields | 1763 hours supporting reservations
2216 hours maintaining facilities/amenities | 1722 hours spent on irrigation
3208 hours spent on parks projects | 1517 hours spent on path/trail maintenance
1693 hours spent cleaning restrooms | 3887 hours spent on landscape bed maintenance
1341 hours spent picking up trash and litter | 180 playground inspections were completed
The Invasive Removal Program and Habitat Enhancement Program have funded restoration in the City's Natural Areas since 2011. With the help of contractors, Friends Groups volunteers, and City staff, 380 acres are being restored and stabilized. To enhance these efforts, the Natural Areas Habitat Management Plan was developed and adopted by the City Council in December 2022.
The Plan focuses on improved ecological resiliency for 27 of the City's natural areas already in restoration and provides a framework for managing other City-owned natural lands. This Plan seeks to achieve an overarching management goal to enhance and restore Lake Oswego's natural areas to provide safe and healthy ecosystems.
Invasive Removal Program (IRP) and Habitat Enhancement Program (HEP)
Restoration work continues in Natural Area Parks by controlling invasive species and planting new native species. 37 park sites supported by funding.
• 380 acres in restoration • 32,000 bare root native shrubs planted
• 10,000 bare root native trees were planted • 30lbs of wildflower/grass seed were spread over 3 sites
A HEP grant provided funding to Oswego Lake Watershed Council, Tryon Creek Watershed Council, and Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District to support restoration work on private and right-of-way land in Lake Oswego.
Two awards for Woodmont Park Natural Area:
• Award of Excellence, which is the top award given in the general design category
• Green Ribbon Award for Climate Action, due to its light touch on the land, enhancement of native ecosystems, and reuse of natural materials.
Lake Oswego celebrated its 34th year as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City
This program provides our community with the framework to maintain and grow tree cover and the mission of environmental change, benefitting our urban environment.
Lake Oswego is now a designated Bee City
We became the 197th affiliate out of 202 throughout the US to commit to conserving native pollinators by increasing native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides.
662 Stewardship Volunteers
55 Stewardship events occurred
36 Friends of the Parks work parties
With over 460 acres of park natural area, Parks Stewardship is mostly volunteer based including all ages, families and groups. With that, over 1393 volunteer hours were clocked in 2023!
60 Volunteers from NLYM spread 40 yards of gravel on the trails at Bryant Woods
134 Children/Parents/Teachers learned about nature at Springbrook Park Preschool Nature Walks
21 Lake Oswego students and leaders removed invasive species on Community Service Day
49 Volunteers from Common Ground (adults who are physically diverse) helped at Rossman Park for their 6th year.
31 Oswego Garden Club members worked in the Campbell Native Pollinator Garden at Iron Mt. Park
27 Boy Scouts of America volunteers helped with trail maintenance at Springbrook Park
20 Girl Scouts of America volunteers helped with the pollinator garden
14 Volunteers helped to maintain the bike trails at Sunny Slope
22 Teen Service Corp. volunteers helped at Springbrook Park
20 Work parties partnered with SOLVE
7 Youth Groups restored the natural habitat including, BSA, GSA, LLC, NCL, NLYM, YMSL, TSC
The vision to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike has been met with success, thanks to a series of transformative projects that have taken root and blossomed over the past 12 months, thanks to the 2019 Bond.
Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatic Center (LORAC) and Oswego Hall (formerly the Clubhouse)
This intergovernmental project broke ground on March 17, 2023, with City officials, Lake Oswego School District board and administration, contractors, the public, and staff.
With a commitment to promoting health and wellness, this facility will have over 65,000 square feet of recreation space, including a recreational and competition pool, gym, meeting spaces, a spa, and cardio and weight areas that will cater to the diverse interests of our community members. The projected opening is late 2024.
Dan Hixson, the renowned NW golf course architect, worked his magic throughout the year by designing the 9-hole executive course to be like none other. From creating each hole through working with equipment directly on the site rather than on paper, he created a course that will appeal to the seasoned pro or novice golfer. The redesigned course promises an enjoyable and challenging round, surrounded by breathtaking views that showcase the natural beauty of our community. The opening will coincide with the LORAC in late 2024.
Rassekh Park
Phase 1 groundbreaking was held on September 28, 2023, with skate enthusiasts, community members, City officials, contractors, desingers, and staff. This first phase of construction includes the skatepark completion, the public right-of-way improvements, parking areas, utilities, a new access road, and the restroom facility. The skatepark will open in the summer of 2024. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are continuing funding strategies for completion.
Work continued for this 2019 bond project. Concrete was poured, and the structure was completed. Final work will be done in early 2024 to add the picnic tables, BBQ, BBQ, and landscaping, with the shelter open in February.
Another 2019 bond project was completed in 2023, with a grand re-opening of the Tennis Center held on January 28, 2023. This project made way for a new lobby, ADA access, viewing areas, bathroom upgrades, court resurfacing, and office space. The total budget for this project was $2,377,471.26. Since this is an enterprise facility, it is self-supporting and utilizes funds from programs, reservations, and other revenue streams. Check out more information on page 12 highlighting the 8,752 participant hours that were achieved over the past year.
Visit our webpage at www.lakeoswego.city/parksrec/parksrecreation-projects to keep up-to-date with the progression of projects and planning developments.
1. Adult community Center Rehabilitation (Complete)
2. Indoor Tennis Center Rehabilitation (Complete)
3. George Rogers Parks Restroom Replacement (Complete)
4. Water Sports Center Dock Rehabilitation (Complete)
5. East Waluge Park Restroom Replacement (Complete)
6. Hallinan Woods Yates Property Acquisition (Complete)
7. Municipal Golf Course Renovation (Ongoing)
8. Recreation & Aquatics Center (Ongoing)
9. Rassekh Park (Ongoing)
10. George Rogers Park Picnic Shelter (Complete)
The City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies nationwide by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in October.
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency's overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. This distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards for managing and administrating lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services.
The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained volunteers that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation.
• Demonstrates that the department meets national standards of best practice
• Recognizes the community as a great place to live
• Helps secure external financial support and reduce costs for the community
• Holds the park and recreation department accountable to the public and ensures responsiveness to meet their needs
• Ensures that all staff are providing quality customer service
• Provides positive public and political recognition
• Proves to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public that your department is operating with the best practices of the profession
• Increases credibility and can improve internal and external funding
• Improves overall operations and increases efficiency
• Enhances staff teamwork and pride by engaging all staff in the process
• Creates an environment for regular review of operations, policies and procedures, and promotes continual improvement
We are thrilled that we are the 6th agency in Oregon and one of the 205 agencies throughout the United States. More information at www.lakeoswego.city/capra
As a resident of LO, the cost to maintain LO Parks & Recreation services is $584.79 per year, per household, based on average home value of $580,000.00
Recreation costs $54.60 per year, per household for a wide array of healthy classes and activities for all ages and abilities.
Supporting LOPR’s Management and Acquisition breaks down to the amount of $161.50 per household per year to provide trail and park land purchases, planning efforts and oversight of operations.
The LO Indoor Tennis Center and the *Golf Course and Driving Range is supported with $20.43 per household, per year to provide specialized recreation services and facilities.
The investment to keep the parks, pathways/trails, athletic fields and natural areas in tip top shape costs each household $277.94 per year.
The LO Adult Community Center’s activities and other essential service programs support older adults at the cost of $70.32 per household, per year.
*Golf Course and Driving Range were closed for FY 21/22, operations include maintenance of properties.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors for their generous support to help provide quality activities and events to our community
100% Chiropractic | Aldrich Advisors | Al’s Garden and Home
Amy Kane – John L. Scott Realty | Arts Council of Lake Oswego
Bernette Jenkins-Pleas | Body 20 | Charles Schwab | Edward Jones – Eric Weberg
Eleete Real Estate | Granite Transformations | Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Portland
Lake Oswego Public Library | Lake Oswego Review | Lakeside Bicycle
Leaf Filter | Leaf Guard | Linda Heinrichs – Keller Williams Realty
Lumen | Luxe Forbes Global Properties | Metke Remodeling & Luxury Homes
Metro | Miller Paint | Mountain Park Church | Mt. Hood Territory
Orange Theory of Lake Oswego | Oregon Laser Lipo | Oswego Wealth Advisors
Pacific West Bank | Planet Fitness | Renewal by Anderson | Respond to Racism
Ron Tonkin Grand Turismo | Rotary Club of Lake Oswego | Safeway
System Pavers | The Stafford | Trader Joes | Waldman Realty Group
Waterproof Decks of Oregon | Will Fendon Properties