DIRECTORREPORT DIRECTOR REPORT
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.
March has been a busy and productive month for Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation as we prepare for the spring and summer seasons.
Community engagement is on the rise, with 30 new volunteers joining our existing group of 45, and there is strong momentum building for our signature events such as the Farmers’ Market and the 2026 Summer Concert Series.
Our parks and natural areas are thriving, with seasonal maintenance in full swing, amenities reopening, and volunteers actively participating in stewardship efforts throughout the system.
This month, we also submitted applications for the National Gold Medal Award and the NRPA Innovation in Equity Award, highlighting our dedication to accessibility and excellence.
Significant projects are progressing, with funding approval for the Willamette River Greenway Trail
We remain committed to providing high-quality experiences and maintaining parks, programs, and spaces that benefit the entire community.
MARCH 1 - 31, 2026
Community Events
Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market: March has been a full and active month as we continue preparing for the upcoming market season and broader event programming.
Young Entrepreneurs: We launched our first Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) workshop of the year, focused on pricing and accounting. This session gave participating students practical tools to better understand their costs and set sustainable pricing, setting a strong foundation for their market experience Market Vendors: On the market side, vendor selection is now complete and the full season schedule has been built out. We are excited to welcome back many of our longtime vendors while also introducing a number of new businesses that will add fresh energy and variety to the market. It is shaping up to be a well-balanced and dynamic season.
Overall, we’re in a really good place heading into opening day, with a strong volunteer base, meaningful youth programming, and a vendor lineup that reflects the quality and balance we work hard to achieve each season.
Event Volunteers: We hosted two volunteer orientations and welcomed 30 new volunteers into the program. These new recruits join a strong core group of 45 returning volunteers, bringing great energy and capacity to support our growing number of events. In addition, we have reestablished key community partnerships with organizations such as Rotary and NLYM, which will help strengthen our volunteer base and provide additional support throughout the season.
Concerts: Our Summer Concert lineup is completed! Wednesday concerts at Foothills will feature 5 Guys Named Moe, Eagle Eyes, Band After Midnight and Stump City Soul. Wednesdays at Westlake in August will feature Wild Boys, Shoot to Thrill, Taken By the Sky and Radical Revolution. The Sunday Concert Series will feature Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters, Fear No Music, River City Riot! Brass Band and Arietta Ward every other Sunday at Millennium Plaza Park in July & August. Portland Festival Symphony will be hosting the free symphony in the park on August 22 at Foothills Park.
Community Events
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Performers have been booked for this event including emcee DJ Prashant, White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance and Anavai O Te Ora.
Memorial Day: In partnership with LO Veterans Memorial, Memorial Day planning is coming along great The Keynote speaker is Colonel Mary Mayer USAF (ret), emcee is Officer Bryan Sheldon. Patriotic Music will be played by Maeve Stier. Lake Oswego Honor Guard will be doing a presentation of colors and 21-gun salute.
Juneteenth: We have finalized an agreement to partner with the Lake Oswego School District for Juneteenth this year. The Black Student Union will be helping plan the event with the theme Mafanikio (mah-fah-NEE-keeoh) Swahili for “Success” or “Achievement” chosen by students to represent the journey from freedom to progress
Summer Vendor: Applications are open for local food vendor to apply to our concerts and July 3 /4 events. So far 32 vendors have applied to participate at summer events.
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4 of July Parade: Applications for the 4 of July Parade opened in March. Local businesses, nonprofits and families interested in participating in the parade can register their vehicles, floats or groups on our website So far 19 organizations have registered.
Live & Local - Food Trucks at the LORAC: A new food truck and music series will be coming to the LORAC as a pilot program. The events will be held on the last Thursdays in May through September on the LORAC patio with Food Trucks from 4-8 p.m. and live music from 5-7 p.m. Vendor applications are opening on Manage my Market software at end of March.
Luscher Farm
Spring Break Camp: Luscher Farm Spring Break Camp was a blast! Kiddos ages 5-7 enjoyed learning about worms, weather, animals, plants, and birds in this camp full of crafts, outdoor time, and play time. Each day, kids got to take home thematic crafts, and at the end of the week they got to take home pea seeds that we planted and watered together every day. Owl pellets were dissected, clouds were identified, and we role played the life of a honeybee!
Luscher Farm Honey Bees: Speaking of honeybees, the Luscher honeybee hives have been placed for the season! Huge thanks to our contractor, Raw Oregon Honey, who placed 7 honeybee hives in the pollinator blob selected by our Parks team. In 2025 we got over 500 pounds of honey with our 5 hives, so we are excited to see what production looks like in 2026!
Summer Camp Counselor Jobs: Job applications for the 2026 camp counselor seasons close March 31st. We got an astounding 31 applicants and the job isn’t even closed yet!
FOLF Solar Fans: We are unbelievably grateful to our friends’ group, Friends of Luscher Farm, for donating 2 solar powered fans for our greenhouse. These fans are imperative for air movement to keep plants alive during high temperatures, and will also benefit staff and volunteers who are working in there!
Mason Bees: Our mason bee volunteer, Sandra, has purchased several new houses that will benefit these early pollinators. One of the houses even includes an observation tray that we can use to show visiting learners about the mason bee life cycle! Sandra even provided us with numerous cocoons that she overwintered.
Adult Community Center
Program Highlights:
The Oceanscapes watercolor class was a resounding success! Participants experimented with various supplies and painting techniques through guided prompts, focusing on texture, color blending, and achieving horizon balance. The result? Breathtaking ocean landscapes that are truly worthy of framing.
We celebrated the holiday with beloved St Patrick’s Day favorites, including Irish soda bread, corned beef, and Irish apple cake, all topped off with engaging trivia.
We hosted our first Rover visit! We aim to make this a monthly activity, and it was a fantastic collaboration with the Library.
An unforgettable trip to Wolf Haven International rescue, where participants had the chance to see the majestic rescued wolves, learn their stories, and discover the vital conservation efforts in place.
Human Services:
Lake Oswego Meals on Wheels has been awarded $10,000 from Clackamas County Meals on Wheels, Inc.
We have launched a food rack that provides shelf-stable items at no cost to anyone in need.
Building:
We acquired a flammable storage cabinet to ensure compliance with the Oregon Fire Code (OFC), International Fire Code (IFC), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
Recreation Management & Aquatics
National Gold Medal 2026 Program:
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation’s application for the 2026 National Gold Medal Awards, the “Oscars” for the parks and recreation profession, was submitted March 11, 2026.
The National Gold Medal Award program has been in existence since 1965 when it began with NRPA and the National Sporting Goods Association and its Sports Foundation. The online application consisted of 11 essay questions and data questions to support National Recreation & Park Association’s (NRPA)’s Park Metrics program
LOPR applied for Class IV (population 30,00175,000), four (4) Finalists in each category will be announced in April, and it is an honor to be selected as a finalist. The last time LOPR was awarded as a Finalist was in 2006 and the 2026 Finalists and Grand Plaque Awards will be presented at NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia Pennsylvania Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2026.
Applying for the National Gold Medal Award was viewed as a unique learning experience for LOPR staff It was a powerful and exciting journey for our entire team!
NRPA- Innovation Award for Equity Submission:
The NRPA Innovation Awards are presented to Park & Recreation agencies for a program, facility or project. Innovation in Equity Award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that improves access to the benefits of local parks and recreation for everyone in the community, no matter the color of their skin, age, income level or ability.
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation submitted for the Lake Oswego Young Entrepreneur Program (LOYEP) launched with the 2024 season at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market held in Millennium Plaza Park In its second year 2025, LOYEP targets high school age students in grades 9-12, an underserved and often unseen age group in our community. Students with a passion for entrepreneurship learn about participating in farmers’ markets, developing products, marketing, insurance and licensing, customer service, and they learn financial basics of creating a small business. The program’s goals are to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among a diverse group of young individuals, innovate ideas in a supportive environment, provide a unique platform to showcase creativity, instill confidence in bringing products to market, and cultivate business acumen.
LORAC Recreation Management
March is Disability Awareness Month and the 2025 Americans with Disabilities Act Annual Progress Report Parks & Recreation Highlights included:
Opened two major accessible facilities: The Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center and Rassekh Park.
Completed park accessibility improvements, including ADA-compliant drinking fountains, accessible gates, and facility upgrades.
Provided 1,185 hours of inclusion support services to support participation in recreation programs.
Expanded inclusive programming including low-sensory swim times and sensoryfriendly events.
Luscher Farm Future:
In early March, a staff stakeholder meeting for Luscher Farm Land Use Project update occurred to discuss the application to Clackamas County for land use for special park uses. There was a discussion of timeline for submission and outcomes of possible decisions related to the property. Later in March, staff met with architects to view and make decision about ADA improvements to the farm and bunkhouses. There were three designs presented to place a ramp into the farmhouse and larger doors and restroom improvements that can accommodate wheelchairs.
March Monthly Programming Meeting:
This month we met at the MAC in the Willow Room to discuss:
Welcoming new Aquatic Team Members, Veronica Roderick & Erik Alverez.
Program and Activity Round Robin –Announcements, Achievements, & Trials. Administration Management Updates.
Communications Protocol Updates
Waitlist Management Update
Self-Cancelation Management Update
Administration/Registration Day & Meeting Reminders.
Registration Day- Saturday April 4
Before Summer Reg Date
Admin/Programmer Meeting March 30In-Person
After Meeting Info Meeting for Front Desk Admin Staff March 31-Webex FAQ’s
Before, In-Between & After Care
Inclusion Companion Protocols Intake and Info AND MORE!!!
Incident/Accident Form Completion Update & How-to Tips:
Employees completing the form should use is at needed depending on incident. For example, for minor incidents, all LOPR Management and HR needs is the basic information (contact information of the person and a brief description of what happened). In this case, several parts of the form will be left blank (or staff can write in “not applicable”) and that is okay.
For more significant incidents, or those that require medical assistance or care, the form should be completed with as much factual information as possible.
LORAC Recreation Management
March Monthly Programming Continued
In terms of filling out the form, all Management and HR wants is an objective and chronical account of what happened, and we’re less interested in assumptions, jumping to conclusions (unless an investigation is done), or why staff did or didn’t do something If an employee thinks their assumptions, or factors in their decision making, is important to include, Management and HR would prefer they document that as a supplemental attachment.
Lastly, the completed form gets submitted to Facility Manager/Director and to both Megan Phelan and Gail Hoddevik in Human Resources.
Website Updates
Current Event Calendar- unpublish date reminder
City Wide Clean-up and Communications Project Update- Robin Leadership & Professional Development
Training Opportunity Oregon Recreation & Parks Association Information
ORPA Conference Session Application close 4/17- Sessions - 2026 ORPA Annual Conference
ORPA Leadership Academy -Low Aps this year- April 10 See what it’s about Mt. Scott Rec Center hosting the Graduation Event from the current class
ORPA Conference Info
School Picture Day! Staff were invited to update their staff photo if they wanted to!
Placer AI Intro:
A working session was attended to learn more about Placer AI and all functions to measure participation and visits. Information included set up to access LO locations easily and quickly.
CAPRA transferred to Laserfiche:
All the current documentation for CAPRA files has been uploaded into Parks & Rec CAPRA files. Staff is readying the files for five standards required for submission for the 2026 CPAR Annual Report.
Parks Board:
Recreation staff from Events, Luscher, Enrichment, and Sports recently presented to the Parks Board. They highlighted current programs and shared exciting plans for upcoming community offerings and initiatives.
LORAC Management Services
March was a busy month at the LORAC, with continued focus on operations, programming, and planning for upcoming seasonal activities.
Operations:
Staff continue to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and operations throughout the facility. We are currently monitoring an issue with the gym floor, as some peeling has developed in the center area. Initial conversations with our contractor indicate that repairs may require a temporary closure of the gym Due to spring and upcoming summer programming, we are evaluating timing and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Additionally, we are working through compliance-related improvements, including reviewing estimates for pool door upgrades. We are awaiting final guidance but are preparing to move forward proactively if required.
Aquatics:
The aquatics team remains active in both programming and professional development Planning is underway for an internal aqua fitness instructor training, led by experienced staff, to build capacity and expand class offerings. Staff continue to meet monthly training requirements to ensure readiness and safety.
The Aquatics Section also hosted a Maintenance Workshop at the LORAC, with strong participation and engagement. Ongoing collaboration and meetings continue to support regional partnerships and professional standards.
Programs & Events:
Planning is underway for the LORAC one-year anniversary celebration. Initial budget approval has been received, and staff are coordinating event details, including vendors and logistics. The event will be an opportunity to celebrate community engagement and the facility’s first year of operations.
Customer Experience & Policies:
Staff continue to address customer service and policy enforcement with a focus on maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. Recent situations have highlighted the importance of clear communication and consistent enforcement of facility rules, particularly with youth and guest access Teams are reinforcing expectations and refining processes where needed.
Looking Ahead:
As we move into spring and prepare for summer, priorities include finalizing seasonal programming, continuing staff development efforts, and addressing facility maintenance needs. We remain focused on delivering highquality experiences for our members while ensuring operational efficiency.
LORAC Management Services
LORAC RENTALS
Since April 2025, we have received 315 requests for rentals.
Revenue: $29,902!
Aquatics - Quick Glance
Hired on two new Recreation Specialists and 19 on-call staff. Had 222 participants go through swim lessons.
Recertified 11 lifeguards
Trained & certified 8 new lifeguards
Certified 5 new Water Safety Instructors.
Reopened the Recreation Pool during mid-day, adding 24 more hours back into the schedule.
Maintenance and Pool Recap
Domestic Hot Water Fixes:
Corrected issue with one of the main hot water heaters. The LORAC now has both water heaters in service. Corrected issue with the main hot water mixing valve The LORAC now has consistent temperature hot water Both fixes should lengthen equipment lifespans, heating efficiency, and user comfort.
Diagnosed hot water supply issue on the west side of the LORAC. Currently sourcing a contractor to correct the issue.
Pool Chemical Control Improvements:
Improved plumbing of pool chemical controllers. They now get consistent water flow necessary for accurate measurements. Five sensors were brought back into service and found one faulty sensor Working on replacement
Removed existing chlorine feeders on the spa and rec pool and coordinated contractor installation of two new feeders. The new feeders should reduce calcium buildup, improper chlorine feeding, feed system malfunctions, and chlorine gas release/exposure during cleanings. Additionally, they will allow for easier cleaning of the chlorine room and eliminate air in the pool systems. The elimination of air in the systems will also ensure that lifeguard staff can more easily see all depths of the water from their stations. The competition pool will have its feeders replaced once all supply of old chlorine product is exhausted
Enrichment
Teen Programs:
Staff created and finalized teen camps and summer offerings. Working on advertising and getting ready for registration day!
Staff met with the new facilities staff Outlined CCP spaces and got some projects on the books in improve the plumbing and electrical capabilities of the Lounge.
Rental season is starting in the Lounge! We hosted a large party in March and booked two more for early April.
Lounge hosted our usual hours and also hosted a Spring Break Kickoff party March 20th.
Staff met with Willamette Riverkeepers staff ahead of our TSC volunteer date to discuss project plans Also discuss teen access to safe and clean recreational opportunities as well as yearlong stewardship on the lower Willamette river.
The Youth Action Council is gearing up for the Outside the Art Room Teen Art Showcase & Auction! Applications are due April 6 and the event takes place April 17; 6-8 p.m.
Youth Action Council and Jr. Camp Counselor applications opened March 1 and are already rolling in! The programs combined bring in over 4500 hours of teen volunteer service to the department.
YAC hosted a community engagement meeting with the Foothills Redevelopment Project and provided input to potential additions to the area.
Enrichment & Fitness
Outdoor Programs:
Camp guide/activity guide events and activities were finalized and published. Camp offerings have increased and the cost of adventure activities like boat rentals and white water trips were able to maintain their price points compared to last summer Hoping for a big year of accessible water opportunities!
Staff hosted the Hikes and Rambles
Summer planning session on March 6th.
Gearing up for a summer full of hikes across the state every Tuesday and Thursday -including some weeks with 3 offerings.
Instructor Jenna taught a spring time lesson in digital camera basics! She has had a ton of success with her iPhone photography classes, but this was the department’s first digital camera class!
Fitness Programs:
Spring Equinox Meditation and Sound Mini Retreat was another success this year.
Our summer schedule is planned and ready to roll! Highlights include a Yoga Retreat on the coast, Yoga on the River series, and added LORAC classes.
Enrichment Programs:
The 2026 Summer Camp Guide has arrived! A preview of the department’s summer camp offerings was released March 13 and features 24 pages of FUN!
Mr. Hoo gave a riveting performance in Indoor Playground on March 12 featuring classics like the Hokey Pokey and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The Live Well Dance was held on March 13 for 86 participants! YAC sold snacks and beverages while participants danced the night away.
LORAC fitness has been open for almost 1 year, with personal training gross revenue of $53,549.80.
LORAC member fitness classes continue to excel with over 800 participants this month.
Fitness Department began using a new software for personal training that will streamline processes and procedures, called TeamBuildr.
Parks Planning & Projects
CAPITAL PROJECTS
LORAC:
Final occupancy has been completed. Ongoing warranty items continue to be addressed by Triplett Wellman. Punch list items for Anderson Pool Works are scheduled for completion.
One-year walkthrough with Triplett Wellman and SEA for Buildings B and C is scheduled for mid-May.
One-year walkthrough with Triplett Wellman and SEA for Building A is
Luscher Farm:
Architectural and engineering study for the Farmhouse and Bunkhouse has been submitted for staff review and comment, with revisions anticipated within one month.
Additional study for the Barn and Firlane House is scheduled to begin next week. Site survey of the farm is complete and will be submitted to staff next week.
Rassekh Park Phase 2:
The exterior envelope is complete, including installation of the garage door, and interior improvements are underway. Staff are coordinating with the LO Arts Council to form an art selection committee for a mural on the garage door facing the skatepark as part of the 1.5% for Art Program.
Willamette River Greenway Trail:
City Council approved the funding plan for the project on March 31. Funding sources include Parks & Recreation Department general fund dollars, Parks and Recreation SDCs, a grant from the Mt Hood Territories Strategic Investment Program, and Metro Local Share dollars The project team is preparing bid documents and the project will go out to bid in April, with constructed expected to begin in June and be complete by October or November 2026.
West Waluga Neighborhood Connector Trails:
This project, which is anticipated to be funded through the Metro Local Share program, is planned to be initiated in 2026 The first step in the process will be to submit a funding request to Metro to fund a preliminary design and alternatives analysis, and work with park neighbors and community members to identify the preferred alignment. Following design, staff anticipate being able to fund construction of the top preferred pathway alignment with Local Share dollars.
Parks Planning & Projects
PLANNING AND POLICY PROJECTS
Luscher Area Master Plan Implementation:
The application is nearly complete and is expected to be submitted in spring 2026. Following a determination of application completeness by Clackamas County the application will be reviewed at a series of public hearings with the Clackamas County Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and Historic Review Board.
Parks SDC Methodology Update:
Parks & Recreation and Planning staff are coordinating to ensure consistency with other updates resulting from implementation of citywide housing production strategy implementation
Tennis, Golf & Sports
TENNIS CENTER
Youth & Program Updates:
March continued the positive momentum from the Winter/Spring session, with strong engagement across all program areas.
• Youth and adult classes maintained consistent attendance and high energy throughout the month.
• Participants continued progressing in skill development, with instructors providing structured and engaging lesson environments.
• Enrollment remained steady, with continued demand reflected in class participation and interest.
Leagues & Team Play:
League play remained a key driver of court activity throughout March
• USTA Winter 2026 matches continued, contributing to consistent court usage during peak hours.
• Ongoing communication with team captains supported scheduling coordination, invoicing, and overall league operations.
• Seasonal reservations and team practices continued to maximize court utilization across the facility.
Planning & Preparation:
March focused on advancing preparations for the summer season.
• Continued development of Summer 2026 programming, including youth camps, junior pathways, and adult class offerings.
• Began outreach and coordination for summer staffing and instructor scheduling.
• Prepared marketing and registration materials in anticipation of upcoming summer registration dates.
Facility & Operations:
Facility operations remained efficient and wellmanaged throughout the month.
• Court usage remained high across programming, leagues, camps, and private reservations.
• Front desk staff continued to effectively manage registrations, customer inquiries, and daily operations.
• Strong staff communication and teamwork supported a consistent and positive customer experience.
Program Highlight - Fun Flights:
The Spring Break Youth Camp ran March 23–27 and was a strong success.
• The camp served a large group of youth participants across all four courts, creating a fun and active learning environment
• Players engaged in daily skill development, drills, and games focused on fundamentals, movement, and match play concepts.
• Staff collaboration and organization contributed to a smooth and positive camp experience for both participants and families.
• Feedback from participants and parents was positive, reinforcing continued interest in future camp offerings
Tennis, Golf & Sports
SPORTS DIVISION
Preschool & Youth Sports:
We had 11 preschool/youth programs that began in March with options on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 5 programs that ended in March. Between two Spring Break camps with two contractors, Skyhawks and Soccer Shots, we served about 25 kids. Spring break campers enjoyed basketball, kickball, and dodgeball in the LORAC gym and soccer at Hazelia field. We offered a popular running class, an agilitybased ninja class, and our first youth rugby clinic, free to the community, had at least 13 participants.
Teen Sports:
High School City League Basketball concluded with 5 total winning teams across 5 tournament brackets, separated into the winner’s bracket and a consolation bracket This gave teams in the middle of the regular season standings a chance at a championship title On championship day, there was an estimated total of over 200 spectators, as well as 100 players, across 5 games and 5 hours.
Pickelball:
Classes at LORAC, Pickleball Basics and Pickleball Beyond the Basics, continue to run with a variety of skill levels and participant ages The recently added skill-based class, Pickleball Power Hour, had full attendance for the first two go-arounds so a second monthly class has been added Additionally, the first Ground Zero Pickleball Clinic for adults with no pickleball experience ran with 8 participants
LORAC Gym:
The gym continues to be a popular place for scheduled programs as well as general community open gym use. It has recently been a routine space for a group of dads who play pickup basketball together every Friday! To date, there have been over 1,500 users who have attended open play sports.
Tennis, Golf & Sports
GOLF
In March, aided by some good weather and later daylight hours, the golf course had 1,117 rounds played, and a total of $20,178 in greens fees.
On the driving range, golfers hit 172,350 golf balls (2,388 buckets) and brought in a total of $27,536.
The Lake Oswego and Lakeridge High School teams began practicing on the course, the range, and the practice area in early March. Not only is this a source of consistent revenue, the teams bring a different energy to the facility. Additionally, a group from Riverside High School came and played golf on a field trip.
Looking ahead, the ladies’ club and the two men’s clubs will begin their seasons in April.
Parks, Natural Areas, Athletic Fields, Etc.,
Department Highlights:
Work party pruning cherry trees at MPP.
Training and work party at Hazelia Park operating bobcat for digging drain trench. Staff Re-opened all shelters, drinking fountains and restrooms that were closed for the winter across all parks. Staff attended the Distracted Driver Training.
Training and work party at Westlake Park. Staff learned and practiced proper rose pruning techniques.
Parks, Natural Areas, Athletic Fields, Etc.,
Parks:
Park staff have been busy with our semiannual deep cleaning of restrooms. Staff have been pressure washing sidewalks and park shelters in preparation for the busy reservation season.
Pressure washing at Roehr amphitheater, Westlake restrooms, and Westlake and George Rogers tennis courts.
The old boat ramp gate at George Rogers Park was replaced with a bollard for pedestrian access to the pathway.
Started tasks to prepare for Memorial Day celebration at Foothills Park. Designed, purchased plants, and prepped new planters for Roehr amphitheater. Re-planted Foothills planter pots with overwintered canna lilies, geranium, potato vine, and ornamental grass. Cut back spent ornamental grasses for rejuvenation.
Seasonal tasks: weeding, IPM, pruning, mowing, edging, soil sampling, mulching, equipment maintenance
Trillium Season is in full swing at park natural areas.
Natural Areas:
Magnolias at Green Tree Park
Flowers are blooming in the parks! Camellias at George Rogers Park.
Work party on the 7th of March at Springbrook Park to spread mulch in the nature play area with over 30 volunteers.
Staff have been focusing on all our weed problem areas in the natural areas. Some staff attended a workshop on tree injections for EAB.
Two new magnolia trees were planted in Iron Mountain Park.
Mowing season has started in all of our parks.
Staff has been fixing irrigation.
Urban Forester:
Met with consultants to discuss tree inventory project and developed objectives.
Responded to citizen requests regarding right-of-way trees
Attended an EAB trunk injection workshop and learned about the latest EAB treatments.
Attended a Tree Task Force meeting and discussed upcoming Tree Code changes Applied for tree removal permits for Parks & Public Works Departments and scheduled contractors to perform the work
Performed construction oversight around tree roots for Public Works and Parks projects.
Athletic Fields:
Repaired fence at Hazelia Park.
Top Dressing application of our natural turf fields at Westlake and George Rodgers
Athletic fields crew installed a new irrigation clock at Westlake park.
All the athletic Fields Crew attended to the Oregon sports field management spring conference at Nike campus.
Spring Fertilizer application on our natural athletic fields George Rodgers and Westlake Park.
Westlake main line repair
Replaced the Home Plate Mat at East Waluga and Green Mat at Westlake little league, ensures the surface remains safe and consistent.
Edging and weedeating at Westlake athletic field routine maintenance.
Mowing Westlake infields, all natural turf fields and small area parks.
Blowing dugouts and bleachers on all our athletic fields
Soccer goal inspections on all our athletic fields: East Waluga, Hazelia, George Rogers, and Westlake.
Added crumb rubber to our synthetic fields at East Waluga providing essential player safety through impact cushioning. Equipment maintanence for upcoming season
Reservations:
Urban Forester: The spring sports season has begun with George Rogers and Westlake Park ballfields opening March 2. Due to weather conditions fields have been playable about 50% this month. Spring has sprung and games are now beginning.
The call went out to Category 1 field users for summer field requests (June 1 – August 31) due the last week of March Category 2 user requests are due the first week of April
We’ve been gearing up for the opening of park reservations (picnic shelters and premier parks) on April 1. Since reservations opened in February we’ve received 21 Premier Park (FHP, MPP, Roehr) reservations and 48 3-hour block picnic shelter reservations.
We’ve received several more Special Event Permit applications that are due 60 days before the event for time for City departments to approve and issue a permit. In process are applications for Water Africa’s Walk4Water, Lake Run, Festival of the Arts, Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, LO Chamber Health and Wellness Fair and the Collector Car and Classic Boat Show. Several more are currently “in process” of being submitted
Communication & Sponsorship
Social Media:
Park&NaturalAreaProjects
In March, Parks & Recreation social media channels promoted a wide range of programs, events, and initiatives, including the Summer Activity and Camp Guides, Spring Break at LORAC, seasonal “Spring is in the Air” content, sports opportunities, park updates, personal training services, and the Recreation Scholarship program. A total of 15 posts were published, including 3 on Nextdoor, generating 49,912 total views for the month - not including ND. Production of content included videos and still campaigns with creation of content.
LORAC Support Materials:
Continued development of facility support materials to enhance the member experience and support daily operations at the Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center Materials included signage, brochures, digital assets, swim schedules, and print collateral
Publications & Outreach:
Produced content for HelloLO and LO Down.
Website Management:
Maintained and updated the Parks & Recreation website with timely and accurate information, including park updates,closings, event promotions, and aquatic facility schedules.
Active Email & App
Distributed multiple member emails to keep the community informed about pool schedules, and other important LORAC updates. Utilized a new communication update to Active Net and also used the Captivate App to get messaging out.
City Rebranding Project
Participated in the evaluation of 17 proposals submitted through the City’s rebranding RFP process and contributed to interview panels to assist in the selection of the project agency.
Website Review Project:
Continued partnership with the City Manager’s Office (Teo) on a comprehensive review of Parks & Recreation website content. Approximately 75% of assigned pages have been evaluated to determine whether content should be retained, archived, or removed. Remaining reviews are targeted for completion by the end of April. Staff will be engaged to revise, rebuild, or remove content as needed. Bi-weekly coordination meetings ongoing.
Activity Guide & Fact Book:
The Summer Activity and Camp Guide was completed, proofed, and sent to print this month. Gearing up for registration on 4/4.
Board, Instruction & Council Engagement
Attended the March 18 Parks Board meeting and the March 31 City Council meeting in support of the Willamette River Greenway Trail project. In addition, attended the Distracted Driving Course.
Scholarship Program:
Scholarship demand continues to increase, with the highest need during summer programs and camps. In response, expanded outreach, sponsorship development, and community fundraising efforts are underway. A coordinated advertising, social media, and poster campaign has launched. Additional fundraising concepts in development include a Fourth of July dunk tank, lap swim and fitness challenges, and a Mayor’s Golf Tournament. A $2,200 grant application was submitted to Rotary. Waiting for reply..
