FACT BOOK 2024
MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR
Hello, Community Members and Friends!
Reflecting on 2024, I am thrilled to share the achievements of the City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Department. Together with our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, we have enriched the quality of life for residents while fostering connections and appreciation for our natural and recreational resources.
This year, we celebrated the progress of the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center (LORAC), Oswego Hall, and the 9-hole executive golf course. The course and LORAC will open in late winter/early spring 2025, ushering in an exciting new chapter for recreation in Lake Oswego.
We also opened the Rassekh Skatepark, with Phase 2 planned for 2025, adding a playground and picnic area. Our Farmers' Market welcomed over 138,000 visitors, while the Summer Concert Series attracted 70,000 attendees. Cultural events like the Cultural Xchange Festival and Juneteenth drew over 5,000 participants, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and community connection.
Stewardship volunteers contributed 1,173 hours, planted 39,000 shrubs, and helped preserve natural areas with efforts like shaded fuel breaks and a “Beaver Deceiver” water flow device. Our Fitness Division grew significantly, offering 255 programs with a 62% increase in outdoor fitness participation. New initiatives like teen programs and the Sensory-Friendly Santa event enhanced inclusivity and engagement.
The success of our department is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our team. This includes the support of the Lake Oswego City Council, the Parks, Natural Areas, and Recreation Advisory Board, the 50+ Advisory Board, other City departments, and the citizens of Lake Oswego. Together with our dedicated staff, whose passion and tireless efforts continue to shape our community spaces, we are leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, enriching the quality of life throughout our community.
As we transition into 2025, our dedication to creating opportunities, fostering connections, and enriching lives throughout Lake Oswego remains unwavering. We are excited about the opening of the LORAC and the new initiatives we have in store, and we look forward to your continued support and engagement.
With gratitude and excitement for the future,
Ivan Anderholm, CPRE Director, Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
LEADERS OF FUN
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Joe Buck
Councilor Ali Afghan
Councilor Trudy Corrigan
Councilor Massene Mboup
Councilor Aaron Rapf
Councilor Rachel Verdick
Councilor John Wendland
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
ADVISORY BOARD
The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Board (PARKS Board) advises and assists City Council and 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.
2024 PARKS BOARD MEMBERS
Jason Dorn, Co-Chair
Kara Gapon, Co-Chair
Edwin Becker
Sarah Ellison
Rebecca Greene
Patrick Gutierrez
Matthew McGinnis
Jennifer Mozinski
Gregory Wolley
Youth Council Members:
2024 Spring - Zechariah Pressnell and Diya Deepu
2024 Fall - Diya Deepu and Katherine Gragg
2024 Council Liaison:
Councilor John Wendland * Term complete in 2024.
Incoming Councilor for 2025 is Trudy Corrigan
LOPR'S MISSION
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation provides excellence in building community, enriching lives, and caring for the urban and natural environment.
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
Ivan Anderholm, CPRE
Deputy Director, Parks
Jeff Munro, CPRP
Deputy Director, Recreation & Adult Services
Jan Wirtz, CPRP
Adult Community Center Manager
Maria Bigelow, CPRP
LORAC Superintendent
Anthony Markey
Recreation Division
DID YOU KNOW?
The Parks & Recreation Department operates a wide range of systems and services to enhance the Lake Oswego community.
Parks Division
• Maintenance & Preservation: Ensuring parks and facilities remain safe, clean, and welcoming.
• Athletic Field Upkeep: Maintenance of sports fields and coordination of park and facility reservations.
• Natural Area Stewardship: Habitat enhancement and environmental preservation programs.
• Waterfront & Trails: Care for trails, pathways, and waterfront areas.
• Park Security: Park rangers provide education and ensure public safety.
• Community Services: Programs at the Adult Community Center include human services and rec activities.
• Sports: Sports leagues, drop-in activities, and camps.
• Enrichment: Adult and teen programs and camps with activities for all ages.
• Luscher Farm: Organic farming, botanical education, and agricultural programming.
• Community Events: Hosting cultural, special, and seasonal events.
• Outdoor Adventures: Facilitating outdoor experiences and activities.
• Golf: Golf rounds, lessons, and camps return in 2025!
• Tennis: Court reservations, lessons, and organized programs.
• Swimming: Swim Park access on Oswego Lake.
• Skatepark: Open for skating and recreational enjoyment!
• Fitness: Classes, group sessions, wellness, and workshops.
Exciting New Facilities:
Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatic Center (Opening in 2025)
Rassekh Park – Phase II (Opening in Summer of 2025)
ENRICHING LIVES
ADULT COMMUNITY CENTER
The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center proudly serves adults aged 50 and older, offering a wide array of programs designed to inspire growth, connection, and fulfillment. From recreational and educational opportunities to fitness, enrichment, and social activities, the ACC provides something for everyone.
What sets the ACC apart is its dedication to human services, including Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, information and referrals, and more—supporting the well-being of its members and the broader community. The facility stands as a testament to the power of community, fostering belonging, empowerment, and a shared commitment to enriching lives.
Outdoor Enhancements
The side yard was beautifully renovated, creating a welcoming space complete with an outdoor chess table for community use.
Engaging Activities
• 467 participants enjoyed 50 exciting trips offered throughout the year.
• Provided 1,250 round-trip rides to the Center for lunches and activities, ensuring accessibility for all.
Meals on Wheels Program
The Lake Oswego Meals on Wheels program prepared, served, and delivered an impressive 25,966 meals to individuals in need.
Supportive Services
• Assisted 382 riders with the grocery shopping program, supporting independence and daily needs.
• Dedicated volunteers contributed 10,844 hours during the fiscal year 23/24, making a tremendous impact on the community.
FITNESS
The Fitness Division continues to inspire the community to stay active and healthy with a variety of programs for all ages and abilities. In 2024, fitness and wellness offerings grew in both participation and scope, providing diverse opportunities to move, connect, and thrive.
REVENUE:
Fitness Activities generated $108,393 in gross revenue.
Fitness and Wellness Programs:
• Offered 255 programs with 1,956 participants, reflecting growth from 2023.
• Included a partnership with Every Body Athletics, providing fitness opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Virtual Fitness Programs:
• Hosted 15 virtual classes with 63 participants, including Meditation and Yoga.
Outdoor Fitness Programs:
• Ran 42 outdoor classes with 474 participants, a 62% increase from 2023.
• Featured diverse formats such as strength training, Tai Chi, Couch to 5K, and a community Thanksgiving Day workout.
ENRICHING LIVES
ENRICHMENT
The Enrichment Division provides a wide variety of engaging programs designed to inspire creativity, foster learning, and build connections. With offerings in art, music, dance, language, and much more, there’s something for everyone—regardless of age or ability.
Programs Total
The Enrichment Division offered 449 classes and camps throughout the year, with 2,841 participants engaged in creative and educational experiences.
Summer Camps
The Division ran 96 summer camps, featuring art, music, dance, STEM, and computer programs. These camps welcomed 1,263 kids, ages 3-17, at Forest Hills Elementary and George Rogers Park.
Indoor Playground
From September through May, the Indoor Playground attracted 1,431 tiny visitors, providing a safe and fun space for play and exploration.
Inclusion Services
Each year, LOPR ensures youth participants with disabilities or special needs have access to enriching activities. This year, the department provided 983 hours of one-on-one inclusion support during summer camps.
YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL ( YAC )
During the 2023-24 school year, 25 YAC members volunteered 753 hours, hosting events like the Outside the Art Room Teen Art Show, the YAC Book Swap, and the STEM Fair.
TEEN
We are dedicated to keeping kids active— both physically and mentally—through diverse opportunities offered across 12 locations. This year, we provided enriching activities that inspire creativity, connection, and growth in the youth of our community.
The Lounge
• Celebrating 18 years of programs serving the community.
• Lifetime visits have reached an impressive 107,113.
• Hosted 5,205 visits during the 2023-24 school year.
• Organized 8 camps and 2 trips for youth engagement.
• Hosted 7 rentals for community events.
• Welcomed an additional 412 visits during special summer hours.
TEEN SERVICE CORPS
• 87 participants contributed to the program.
• 1,000 hours of community service.
ENRICHING LIVES
OUTDOOR
Parks & Recreation brings the community together with a wide variety of outdoor programs that celebrate the beauty of our parks, trails, and natural spaces. From guided nature walks to engaging to kayaking on the Willamette, our programs are designed to inspire adventure, foster connection, and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle.
Hikes and Rambles
• 101 hikes offered throughout the year.
• Welcomed 1,069 hikers to explore the outdoors.
• Covered a combined total of 5,115 miles.
Alder Creek
• Facilitated 2,627 craft rentals, connecting participants to the water.
• Hosted 8 youth camps with 102 participants.
• Achieved an impressive 10,648 hours spent on the water.
Outdoor Camps (Excluding Alder Creek and LOCR)
• Held 29 camps tailored for outdoor exploration and learning.
• Engaged 296 participants in outdoor adventures.
OUTDOOR PARTICIPANTS
A total of 399 participants engaged in outdoor programs, excluding hikes, Alder Creek, and LOCR activities.
LUSCHER FARM
Luscher Farm serves as a cherished community hub, blending agriculture, education, and sustainability. The farm offers opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature, grow fresh produce, and engage in meaningful learning experiences.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
We feed the community! 2024 marked our 20th year providing fresh produce, in partnership with 47th Ave Farms, from the 12+ acres of CSA production fields at Luscher. 35,900 pounds of food were grown here and distributed to CSA members, with pickups happening weekly in the Summer and every other week in the Winter. We are excited for Wild Geese Farm Co. to continue this program in 2025!
Programs
• Hosted 12 farm field trips with participation from over 500 students and chaperones.
• Offered over 1,000 hours of programming across 250 different agriculture and nature-based camps, classes, and workshops tailored for all ages and interests.
• 230 gardeners participated in our Adopt-a-plot program or Community Garden plot program. And they brought their friends and family too!
Generous Harvests for the Community
Luscher Farm’s Adopt-a-Plot program and community garden members joined forces to plant, maintain, and harvest over 3,200 pounds of fresh produce. These donations benefited Hunger Fighters and Meals on Wheels, marking an impressive increase of 1,000 pounds from the previous year.
DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS
Community garden members contributed 800+ volunteer hours and braved all conditions to complete 20 work parties - rain or shine!
SPORTS DIVISION
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation offers dynamic sports programs for all ages, fostering skill development, teamwork, and fun. In 2024, 3,535 youth and adult participants engaged in sports camps, classes, and leagues, making Lake Oswego a vibrant hub for recreation and play.
Youth Sports Camps and Classes
• Served youth ages 2–13 years through 82 programs, with 1,924 participants and 28,032 participant hours.
• Camps ran during Spring Break, 10 weeks of Summer, and on “No School” days in the Fall.
• Programs included martial arts, fencing, biking, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, flag football, track and field, volleyball, cheerleading, and yoga.
Teen Sports
• High School City League returned with three divisions for boys and girls in grades 9–12, hosting 285 players.
Adult Sports
• Adult Coed Soccer League ran 2 divisions over 3 seasons, with 717 players and 1,056 participant hours.
• Summer Adult Slow-Pitch Softball League featured 6 divisions, 40 teams, 133 games, and 809 players, totaling 3,990 participant hours.
• Adult Cornhole League held 1 indoor and 2 outdoor seasons, engaging 74 players.
With opportunities for youth, teens, and adults, Lake Oswego continues to inspire the community to GO PLAY in LO!
GOLF
The Lake Oswego Public Golf Course continued to undergo a transformation, led by acclaimed golf architect Dan Hixson, renowned for designing courses that are both challenging and accessible for players of all skill levels. We are thrilled to unveil the newly renovated course, featuring an updated design and programming that will elevate community member’s time on the executive course. We also welcomed staff this year with expertise and are excited to open in 2025
Lake Oswego Public Golf Course Facts
• Holes: 9
• Total Yards: 1,599
• Par: 54
* Par 3 Holes: 6
* Par 4 Holes: 3
• Longest Hole: 309 yards
• Shortest Hole: 100 yards
• Driving Range Bays: 16
Eco-friendly practices such as electric mowers will reduce the environmental imprint.
SPORTS DIVISION
TENNIS
The Lake Oswego Tennis Center had a banner year on 2024, with youth and adult programs thriving and new offerings expanding. With thousands of participants and hours of engagement, the Tennis Center continues to be a hub of activity, fun, and community connection.
Youth Programs:
• 1,924 youth participants in camps and classes, totaling 28,032 participant hours.
Adult Programs:
• 1,785 adult participants, logging 11,698 participant hours.
Special Olympics:
• Welcomed 22 participants per season, contributing 528 participant hours, with over 500 volunteer hours.
Spec Tennis:
• Expanded to 3 weekly sessions, engaging 642 participants with 803 participant hours.
Women’s City League Teams:
• Hosted 15 teams in 2024.
U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) League Teams:
• Supported 40+ teams in 2024.
Seasonal Reservation Holders:
• 145 reservations, serving 580 participants with 32,480 participant hours.
Individual Court Reserve Users:
• Over 1,000 users utilized individual reservations.
The Tennis Center remains committed to growing its programs and providing exceptional opportunities for players of all ages and abilities!
ACHIEVING NATIONAL EXCELLENCE: CAPRA ACCREDITATION
In October 2023, the City of Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation earned a distinguished honor by receiving accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This prestigious recognition, awarded during the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, places Lake Oswego among an elite group of park and recreation agencies nationwide.
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, signifying excellence in operations, management, and community service. By meeting rigorous national standards, this achievement reflects Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation’s commitment to providing outstanding lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services to the community.
The accreditation process involved a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by trained evaluators, and a hearing with the commission to finalize the decision.
To maintain this distinction, Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation must annually review and update numerous documents, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with CAPRA standards and retain accreditation.
BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION
For Our Community:
• 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 For the Parks & Recreation Department:
• 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 proud to be the 6th agency in Oregon and one of only 215 park and recreation agencies in the United States to achieve CAPRA accreditation.
Learn more at www.lakeoswego.city/capra
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
EVENTS
Lake Oswego celebrated another remarkable year of community events in 2024, bringing residents and visitors together to enjoy music, culture, and cherished traditions. These events reflect the city’s commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community.
Farmers Markets for Sustainable Food Systems
• The Saturday Farmers Market at Millennium Plaza Park welcomed 138,000 visitors across 22 market dates, featuring an average of 80 vendors weekly and 211 accepted vendors throughout the season.
• The First Sunday Market in Lake Grove hosted 4 markets (August–November), attracting over 3,500 attendees with approximately 30 vendors each week. Themes included Pet-a-palooza, Back-toSchool Block Party, Sip n’ Shop, and Fall Harvest.
A Summer of Music in Lake Oswego
The Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays and Sundays drew over 70,000 attendees in July and August.
• Hit Machine at Foothills Park, with a recordbreaking audience of 3,000.
• Stone In Love at Westlake Park, with over 5,000 attendees—the largest crowd in the park’s history.
• The Portland Festival Symphony returned to Foothills Park, featuring a stunning performance with 3 Leg Torso.
Cultural Celebrations – A Focus on Inclusion
The Community Events team hosted 4 major cultural celebrations with a combined attendance of 5,000+.
• AANHPI Heritage Month: Featured martial arts, dance, music, a keynote address by Coach Cho, food vendors, and artisans.
• Pride Flag Raising: Partnered with LO for LOve’s Pride LO Festival, including a proclamation reading and flagraising ceremony.
• Juneteenth: Included a keynote by Libra Forde, a performance of the Black National Anthem, and a youth panel led by Lakeridge High School BSU students.
• Cultural Xchange Festival: Showcased a diverse lineup of performances, including indigenous storytelling, Chinese traditional dancing, lion dancing, flamenco, and mariachi music.
Holiday Magic in Lake Oswego
• The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Plaza Park set a new attendance record with over 4,000 attendees, who enjoyed cocoa, roasted nuts, baked goods, and the magic of the season as the Millennium Tree lit up the night.
• Sensory-Friendly Santa: For the first time, Lake Oswego hosted an inclusive Santa experience for children with special needs, creating a calm and welcoming environment that was praised by families.
Volunteer Impact
• Over 1,400 volunteer hours were contributed across 60+ events, making these beloved traditions and new initiatives possible.
Lake Oswego’s 2024 community events highlighted the city’s dedication to fostering connection, inclusivity, and joy through music, culture, and celebration.
CARING FOR THE URBAN AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Lake Oswego’s parks, natural areas, and stewardship programs are vital to preserving the city’s beauty, fostering community connection, and encouraging outdoor exploration. Through thoughtful care, innovative projects, and dedicated volunteers, these spaces continue to thrive as places where residents and visitors alike can enjoy recreation, relaxation, and the wonders of nature.
Stewardship
The stewardship program brings the community together to care for our parks and natural spaces. With the help of dedicated volunteers, impactful events, and innovative programs, we continue to enhance local habitats, foster environmental education, and celebrate the natural beauty that defines our city.
• 1,173 volunteer hours contributed by dedicated community members.
• 506 stewardship volunteers participated in enhancing local parks and natural spaces.
• 181 children, parents, and teachers explored nature through Springbrook Park Preschool Nature Walks.
• Hosted 23 stewardship events to foster environmental engagement.
• 26 Lake Oswego students and leaders removed invasive species on Community Service Day.
• Organized 14 Friends of the Parks work parties and partnered on 14 events with SOLVE.
• 14 Boy Scouts of America volunteers assisted with trail maintenance at Springbrook Park.
• Created 5 “Tree of the Week” videos, highlighting species like the Pacific Yew and Star Magnolia.
• Celebrated our second year as a Bee City with the introduction of Polli, a new gnome friend.
• Recognized 35 years as a Tree City with 8 Arbor Day events and 4 Eagle Scout projects completed.
STEWARDSHIP
Props quotes from citizen about stewardship
Natural Areas
Lake Oswego’s natural areas thrive through dedicated restoration efforts, habitat enhancements, and sustainable practices. From planting thousands of trees and shrubs to addressing storm damage and fostering healthy ecosystems, these initiatives ensure the preservation and beauty of our cherished green spaces.
• Planted 39,000 shrubs and 12,095 trees in natural areas through HEP, Arbor Month, and Stewardship efforts.
• Continued implementing the Shaded Fuel Break in 17 natural areas with invasive removal, debris cleanup, and fire wise planting.
• Addressed storm damage by clearing 400 trees and conducting tree inventories in 11 parks.
• Installed a Beaver Deceiver water flow device to balance habitat needs with stream flow.
• 400 acres are in active restoration.
• Grants to Oswego Lake Watershed and Tyron Creek.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
• Collaborated with Parks, Planning, and Public Works to prepare for EAB impacts.
• In progress inventory of ash trees using Tree Plotter.
• Working on permitting for areas of ash trees in sensitive areas and installed EAB traps.
Luscher Highlights
• Replaced the well pump at Luscher Farm and welcomed a new CSA farmer.
Dedicated Parks Staff in Action
Lake Oswego Parks staff worked tirelessly throughout the year, dedicating thousands of hours to maintaining facilities, supporting community needs, and ensuring the city’s parks remain safe, clean, and welcoming for all.
• 1,665 hours spent responding to the 2024 Ice Storm EO9006.
• 3,758 hours maintaining athletic fields and 2,108 hours supporting reservations.
• 2,325 hours maintaining facilities/amenities and 1,737 hours on irrigation.
• 2,368 hours on parks projects and 1,622 hours maintaining paths/trails.
• 2,436 hours cleaning restrooms and 5,544 hours on landscape bed maintenance.
• 2,504 hours picking up trash and litter, with 180 playground inspections completed.
CARING FOR THE URBAN AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Park Reservations
• 285 “3-hour block” picnic shelter reservations (excluding events, camps, and classes).
• 73 premier park reservations (excluding City or Parks & Rec events).
• Issued 16 special event permits and 6 block party permits.
Athletic Field Reservations
• 10,205 field use hours by LORYO, LOSD, youth sports organizations, private clubs, and rentals.
• 4,621 participants joined spring and fall youth sports programs. (Excludes LO Youth Soccer Club high school programs.)
Park Projects
Completed improvements and repairs:
• Swim Park deck repair and George Rogers Park arbor repair.
• Freepons amenities painted and Jarvis Garage door replaced.
• Melrose Bank at Westlake Park renovated and Hazelia Athletic Field entrances updated.
• East Waluga Synthetic Field partially renovated.
• Resurfaced all park restroom floors and completed Water Sports Center emergency repairs.
• Installed 5 memorial benches and replaced 1 mile of fencing along Rosemont Pathway.
• Replaced 57 bollards in parks and natural areas, with Phase 1 bollard replacements completed.
• Rebuilt the Roehr Path stairway and replaced Westlake Playground shade cover.
• Opened George Rogers Park shelter and replaced the Foothills dock log boom.
• Painted all park parking lots with updated ADA markings and signage.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: PARKS PLAN 2040
2024 saw significant progress on a major update to Lake Oswego’s long-range plan for parks, recreation, and natural areas. The update builds off the current long-range plan, Parks Plan 2025, which was adopted in 2012. Over the past year Parks Plan 2040 has taken a thorough inventory of existing assets, assessed demographic shifts in the community, considered changing needs, trends, and preferences in recreation, and established a community vision for parks and recreation in Lake Oswego through the year 2040. Once adopted, the Plan will serve as a roadmap for the next 15 years, establish a vision, goals, and strategies and directing future funding and capital investments.
The planning process was designed to provide many different types of opportunities for community members to provide input to ensure that all community voices could be heard. To date, this has included two surveys available online or by hard copy and translated in three languages, seven meetings each with the CAC and PRNRAB, two City Council briefings, 10 community focus group interviews, one in-person open house, four in-person neighborhood workshops held on Friday afternoons at local parks, and numerous pop-up events at farmers markets, concerts, and cultural events. The final plan will be presented to the City Council for adoption in early 2025.
More information is available at www.lakeoswego.city/parks-plan-2040.
• 2 surveys totaling 1,906 responses
• 10 focus group meetings
• 7 meetings each with the Community Advisory Committee & Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board
• 4 neighborhood workshops at local parks
• 1 community open house at the Adult Community Center
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PROJECTS
A Year of Vibrant Growth and Progress – 2024
The commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Lake Oswego residents and visitors remains stronger than ever. Over the past year, remarkable progress has been made through transformative projects, many of which were made possible by the 2019 Bond. These initiatives reflect a shared dedication to growth, innovation, and excellence, creating vibrant spaces and opportunities that enrich the community and inspire connections every day.
Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center and Oswego Hall
The intergovernmental collaboration between the City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego School District reached a major milestone on March 17, 2023, when construction officially broke ground. In 2024, the project saw remarkable progress as the facility began to take shape, with key areas such as the pool spaces, gym and fitness areas, and front desk and office spaces coming to life. This marks an exciting step forward in creating a state-of-the-art community resource designed to serve residents for generations to come.
Highlights include:
• A recreational and competition pool
• A gymnasium
• Meeting spaces
• A spa
• Cardio and weight areas
• Fitness Studio
• Area for golf check in
• Oswego hall for programming and event activities
These amenities are tailored to serve the diverse needs and interests of Lake Oswego residents. The facility, golf course, and Oswego Hall will debut late winter 2025 delivering an exciting new hub for recreation, fitness, and community connection.
This state-of-the-art facility, designed to promote health and wellness for all, will feature over 65,000 square feet of recreation space.
Golf Course
Dan Hixson, the renowned Northwest golf course architect, designed a truly exceptional 9-hole executive course, carefully crafted to captivate both seasoned pros and novice golfers. Taking a handson approach, Hixson shaped each hole directly on-site, ensuring the course harmoniously blends playability with the natural beauty of Lake Oswego. The result is a thoughtfully redesigned course that offers a fun, challenging, and visually stunning golfing experience.
In 2024, significant progress was made, with extensive work completed on the fairways and greens, as well as the installation of sand areas and replanting trees to enhance the design. The driving range is now equipped with netting and enhanced spaces for golfers to hone their skills.
George Rogers Picnic Shelter
The George Rogers Park Lower Picnic Shelter Replacement Project, part of the 2019 Parks Bond initiative, was completed to address significant structural issues and improve accessibility. Originally built in 1976, the shelter had deteriorated due to dry rot and aging materials. The new shelter features 780 square feet of covered space, ADAaccessible picnic tables, a direct accessible path, and a gravel seating area with basalt benches. Located in Lake Oswego’s premier park with stunning Willamette River views, the shelter remains one of the most popular community rentals, hosting events from summer camps to family celebrations.
Looking ahead to early 2025, final touches will include the installation of ball machines, benches, and signage, setting the stage for the course’s grand debut.
The eagerly awaited opening of the golf course will coincide with the launch of the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center (LORAC) in late winter / early spring 2025, ushering in an exciting new era of recreation, leisure, and community connection for Lake Oswego.
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PROJECTS
Rassekh Park
In June 2024 the new skatepark at Rassekh Park opened to the public, drawing a small crowd of excited local skaters. While work on the rest of the park continued through October, the skatepark was opened early—just in time for the last day of school—to maximize its use over the summer. In addition, the George Rogers picnic shelter was completed.
Meanwhile, Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation staff collaborated with the Palisades Neighborhood Association to obtain a $1,000,000 grant through the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department’s Local Government Grant Program to partially fund the next phase of development: the playground and picnic shelter. Work to construct these exciting new amenities will begin in early 2025 and a joint grand opening for Phases 1 and 2 are being planned for late spring/early summer of next year.
Once Phase 2 is completed, Rassekh Park’s amenities will include:
• 1,000 square feet of covered picnic shelter
• 15 different play elements, including climbing, balance, slides, swings, spinners, musical/auditory, and nature play
• 10,000 square feet of concrete skatepark
• 4 gender-neutral restrooms
• 16 parking spaces
• 52 new trees planted
In 2019 Lake Oswego voters passed a $30 million parks bond. Bond dollars were used to fund ten projects:
3.
4.
1. Adult Community Center Rehabilitation (Complete)
2. Indoor Tennis Center Rehabilitation (Complete)
George Rogers Park Restroom Replacement (Complete)
Water Sports Center Dock Rehabilitation (Complete)
5. East Waluga Park Restroom Replacement (Complete)
6. Hallinan Woods Yates Property Acquisition (Complete)
7. Municipal Golf Course Renovation (Opening 2025)
8. Recreation and Aquatics Center Design and Construction (Opening 2025)
9. Rassekh Park Design (Complete. Phase 2 Opening in 2025)
10. George Rogers Park Picnic Shelter (Complete)
UNDERSTANDING LOPR FINANCIALS
As a resident of LO, the cost to maintain LO Parks & Recreation services is $576.20 per year, per household, based on average home value of $580,000.00
Recreation, Golf and Tennis operations costs $72.31 per year, per household for a wide array of healthy classes and activities for all ages and abilities at facilities.
Supporting LOPR’s Management and Acquisition breaks down to the amount of $86.62 per household per year to provide trail and park land purchases, planning efforts and oversight of operations.
The investment to keep the parks, pathways/trails, athletic fields and natural areas in tip top shape costs each household $354.93 per year.
The LO Adult Community Center’s activities and other essential service programs support older adults at the cost of $62.34 per household, per year.
Thank you to our amazing partners for their generous support to help provide quality activities and events to our community.
Al’s Garden and Home | Alpenrose | Amy Kane – John L. Scott Realty
Arts Council of Lake Oswego | Cedar Mountain Advisors | Charles Schwab
Champions | Chinese Friendship Association of Portland | Chiro One
Cottage Care | David Shin State Farm | Drawn2Art | Elite Homes PDX
Farmers Insurance | Fendon Properties | Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Portland
Ketzel Martial Arts | Kiddie Academy of Tigard | Lake Oswego Public Library
Lake Oswego Review | Linda Heinrichs | LO Chinese Council
LO for LOve | Metke Remolding & Luxury Homes | Metro
Mountain Park Church | Orangetheory of Lake Oswego
OnPoint Community Credit Union | Renewal by Anderson
Respond to Racism | Ron Tonkin INEOS | Rotary Club of Lake Oswego
Safeway | System Pavers | The Stafford | Waldman James Realty | Trader Joes
www.lakeoswego.city/parksrec