Oregon City is requesting community input on its Clackamette Park Master Plan Project, a comprehensive guide to updating access and use of the most used park in Oregon City. The Clackamette Park master plan will guide the development and management of the boat ramp, currently closed to motorized vehicles, and help determine the best use of the RV park.
Oregon City invites the public to review the project page and attend an open house via Zoom or in-person on March 1, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 625 Center Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. A survey is open and available to provide comments through March 14, 2022.
"The future of a vibrant Clackamette Park belongs to the people of Oregon City," said City of Oregon City Parks and Recreation Director Kendall Reid. "If you are excited about the idea of an upgraded Clackamette Park, please let us know your thoughts about this project and how we can best improve and protect an area that has so much potential to benefit our community.”
The Clackamette Park Master Plan Project aims to provide safe, welcoming and environmentally friendly access for fishing, picnicking, paddling, and other water activities, while addressing the environmental concerns exacerbated by years of use. Community members and park users will provide valuable input that will directly shape the design options for the future of the park including boat ramp and RV Park, which are key amenities and need repair. Additionally, natural resource management will address erosion and drainage issues, water quality enhancements, and native habitat restoration concerns.
Uniquely situated at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers, the park is a regional draw. With both day use and overnight guests, the park sees heavy usage. Its convenient location combined with river access and mature vegetation provides an uncommon natural oasis for residents of Oregon City and guests from further away.
Funding for the planning was made possible by the Clackamas Water Environment Services Good Neighbor Agreement, which focuses on recreational improvements, habitat enhancement, and public education related to water treatment and management as well as City general funds.
This 35-day initial public input period kicks off a multi-step process of environmental and site suitability analysis, and community and neighbor outreach. A final draft master plan will be presented to the City Commission in the summer of 2022, with discussions of funding to follow. Construction on phases of the master plan project will begin as additional funding becomes available.
To learn more about Clackamette Park Master Plan Project, visit the project page. There you can access a survey, presentation (after March 1), and read related project documents and submit comments. Comments can also be made via email to: Parksinfo@orcity.org
About Oregon City Parks and Recreation:
Oregon City Parks and Recreation strives to create recreation, leisure, and cultural opportunities by providing high quality parks, facilities, programming, and support services to people of all ages.