Dirksen Nature Park
A park master planning process has been completed and defines
the future use of and improvements to the property. This park project was identified as a high
priority project in the Park System Master Plan,
the adopted City of Tigard CIP and the Notice
of City Measure Election provided to voters regarding the parks bond. The detailed design for the
first phase of park development is underway, and submittal of a land use permit application
to the city Community Development Department is expected during the first half of 2013.
Current Status
The park planning process has concluded with the adoption of the conceptual master plan by the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board. The design process included community meetings, stakeholder discussions
and a detailed site analysis to consider modest improvements such as walking trails, sport field
renovation, landscaping and park infrastructure. The park design is being refined for the pending
submittal of land use and environmental permits. The land use permit application will be submitted
by the end of June 2013, and a determination by the Hearings Officer is anticipated in the Fall 2013.
Project Description
Public recreation improvements to this property will be limited to four areas of the site and will be guided
by technical studies and community input. The existing ballfield will be re-oriented with a soccer field overlay,
a restroom and interpretive shelter will be installed and new restoration plantings will be installed.
An existing building for environmental education with two classrooms and parking is located in the northwest
corner of the site along Tigard Street, and improvements to the building and its immediate landscaping,
along with trail connections to the remainder of the property will be considered. The two remaining upland
areas along Tigard Street may be developed to include parking for the park and Fanno Creek Trail, a natural
play area for children under 12 years in age, community gardens near the education center and restrooms.
Modifications to the alignment of the existing soft surface trails within the
property may be considered to reduce or minimize impacts to sensitive lands. In addition, significant
habitat restoration will occur on the property to re-establish and/or strengthen the qualities of
various woodland and wetland habitat types.
Community Engagement
A public meeting was held on May 14, 2013 to present the current design drawings for the Dirksen Nature
Park. The neighborhood meeting was held in advance of the pending land use application for the project,
as required, to offer residents an opportunity to comment and provide feedback on the proposed park design.
May 14, 2013 public meeting materials:
The City of Tigard's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) reviewed, considered and recommended
the adoption of the conceptual master plan at a regularly scheduled PRAB meeting on July 9, 2012
at which public comment and testimony was welcomed.
An initial community meeting was held on March 28, 2012 to discuss the site master planning process for the
Summer Creek property. Project staff and the landscape architect presented potential development concepts for the
park and listened to community feedback on current and future uses at the site.
March 28, 2012 public meeting materials:
A second public meeting was held on May 17, and project staff and the landscape architect presented
a revised conceptual master plan based on resident interest and feedback from the first
community meeting.
May 17, 2012 public meeting materials:
Additionally, the project design team met with representatives from several local agencies, non-profits and project
partners. The purpose of the session was to review the scope of the project and explore potential design
challenges in relation to regulatory requirements and on-site environmental education considerations. View the
summary notes from this site tour.
Project Schedule
- Winter 2011–Spring 2012: Planning and preliminary design phase; public feedback obtained;
conceptual master plan begins.
- Summer 2012: Conceptual master plan completed.
- Winter 2013: Final design and construction permitting phase begins.
- Winter-Spring 2014: Park construction begins.
Project Funding
Design and construction is funded through the recent Parks Bond supported by
voters in 2010 and Park System Development Charges. After the park is constructed, the city's general fund resources
will finance ongoing park maintenance and management.
|
 |
Contact Information:
Steve Martin
Parks and Facilities Manager
City of Tigard Parks Division
Phone: 503-718-2583
E-mail: steve@tigard-or.gov
More Parks..
Future Park Finder
It's Official
On December 11, 2012, the Tigard City Council adopted a resolution formally naming Dirksen Nature Park.
The 48-acre property—Tigard's largest nature park—is bordered by Fowler Middle School, Tiedeman Avenue and
Tigard Street. The property has been referred to by a couple informal names in the past including the
Summer Creek property and the Fowler property.
The park was named after Craig Dirksen, who served as Tigard's mayor from January 2004 through December 2012.
Mayor Dirksen was a very active proponent for the acquisition of city parks and open space.
|
