News From Parks & Rec About River Pathway and Other Parks Projects

Kyra Haggart meeting with OTNA Board Members

Kyra Haggart, Park Analyst/ Project Manager from the City’s Parks & Recreation

Department, joined our board meeting to field questions regarding the pathway plan and other matters at our Old Town Neighborhood Board meeting on June 12. Here's a recap of what she shared and what was discussed.

The river pathway plan which will connect George Rogers Park to Roehr Park

• The project was originally slated to begin the summer of 2025. That's now been moved to 2026 to give more time for planning.

• The construction work needs to be done during when it's dry. Rain would increase land erosion and be more difficult for the construction of the pathway.

• The land use application will be filed the end of this month. Bids are expected to be solicited in February 2026 with the construction anticipated to be March through September 2026.

• There will be a 10’-wide, ADA-compliant, unlit pathway, open dawn to dusk when George Rogers Park is open.

• Parks & Rec will be meeting with the homeowners on Furnace Street who will be directly impacted by the pathway construction project on Monday June 16.

Parking and Safety Concerns Raised by the Board

• Discussion turned to parking issues at the lower level parking lot. The parking is at times chaotic especially if the lot is full and cars need to turn around to exit. There is also heavy "congestion" on hot days on Furnace Street between Wilbur and the park with so many people walking and biking on Furnace Street to and from the river with no sidewalk while people are driving both ways and parking on one side of Furnace Street.

• The existing signs and Google maps now direct visitors to enter on Ladd Street, not at the park entrance on Green Street.

• Kyra said the City is looking into “claiming” the park on Google maps in order to assist with directing people where to enter and where parking is available.

• She also explained the process Parks & Rec uses when planning a new park. As part of the process, they hire experts in civil engineering for traffic flow and parking. Since George Rogers is an existing park, that type of planning has not been done.

Board Commended Parks Maintenance Team

• Kyra said Kurt retired and now Josh Burgess is the new lead Parks contact for George Rogers Maintenance. He's been on Kurt's team for several years and continues to do a great job of keeping the park and pathway from GRP to Old River Road clean and well maintained.

The Pools Open at LORAC on Monday June 16

• The Board Commended Parks & Rec on the excellent job they've done creating LORAC, the Lake Oswego Recreation & Acquatic Center.

• Kyra said the pools will open on Monday.

• Board members shared the golf course has been redesigned and during the week the cost to residents is $11 for 9 holes.

The tennis courts at George Rogers

Will be resurfaced during the 2026-27 fiscal year on the regular maintenance schedule.

The 2040 Parks Plan Was Approved by the City Council at its June 3rd meeting