Summer Creek (Fowler) Property
The 48-acre Summer Creek (Fowler) Property will become Tigard's second largest park,
and it was purchased in multiple transactions in late 2010 and early 2011. It is located immediately north of
Fowler Middle School and is south of Tigard Street. A park master planning process has started and will
define 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 completion of the conceptual
site master plan is expected during the second quarter of 2012, with a land use permit application
submitted to the city Community Development Department in the third quarter of 2012.
Current Status
The park master planning process will include community meetings, stakeholder discussions and a detailed
site analysis to consider modest improvements such as walking trails, sport field renovation, landscaping and
park infrastructure. Technical site investigations were recently conducted and include a topographic survey
and wetlands delineation in the developable portions of the site. This base data will provide crucial
information in support of the conceptual master plan.
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 Fanno Creek Trail and 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.
This aerial photo shows the outline of the acquired
43 acre parcel as well as three adjacent parcels along Tigard Street.
Community Engagement
The project team will rely on public participation to help guide park planning. Community input will help the project
design team:
- Understand and respond to the needs and concerns of the neighborhood
- Identify park features that are most important to local neighbors
- Explore on-site opportunities for habitat restoration and environmental education
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:
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.
Summary notes from this site tour are now available.
The City of Tigard's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) will review and consider the conceptual
master plan at a regularly scheduled PRAB meeting in Summer 2012, at which public comment and testimony
will be welcomed. The PRAB will review the final development plans for this park, and they will help provide
direction on the project budget and phasing.
Project Schedule
- Winter 2011–Spring 2012: Planning and preliminary design phase; public feedback obtained; conceptual master plan begins.
- Summer 2012: Conceptual master plan completed; land use permitting begins.
- Fall 2012: Final design and construction permitting phase begins.
- Summer–Fall 2013: Park construction begins.
Project Funding
Design and construction of the Summer Creek (Fowler) Property 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.
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Contact Information:
Steve Martin
Parks and Facilities Manager
City of Tigard Parks Division
Phone: 503-718-2583
E-mail: steve@tigard-or.gov
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