Project Description

This project will design and construct a 1.4-acre neighborhood park connecting Steve Street and Southwest 84th Avenue. 

A site plan for the park was completed in 2015 and reflects neighborhood input at the time. Funding has become available through the 2019 Metro Parks and Open Space Bond, allowing Tigard to move forward with a detailed park design. In the fall of 2022, the City of Tigard conducted a survey to gather community feedback on park features and amenities. From the 111 survey responses, we learned that the community is interested in a nature play area with features like balancing elements, an explorer's path, and fort-building opportunities. They also expressed interest in a swing set with ADA-accessible swings, boulders and netting, and dual slides. Additionally, we plan to include interpretive signs throughout the park. The community suggested signs highlighting Indigenous peoples’ history and influence in the Tigard area, as well as information about the park’s wetland area.

The survey also generated over 50 name recommendations for the park. The Tigard City Council is currently researching and selecting a name for the park.

Using feedback from the community survey, the City of Tigard collaborated with GreenWorks and KPFF to create an updated site plan for Steve Street Park. One significant change between the 2015 and 2024 designs is the removal of community gardens. New stormwater regulations have created limitations on the available space, and after considering the survey feedback, the design committee prioritized requested features over the gardens. Multiple community garden plots are still available at Metzger and other locations. If you are interested in securing a garden plot, you can learn more about the City of Tigard Community Garden Program and locations here. 

The project is currently in its final design and land use permitting phase. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026 and be completed by early 2027.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS: Steve Street Park is currently maintained as an open space. While the current level of maintenance was considered in the Parks and Recreation Activity Fee (PAFR), fully developing the park will require additional maintenance and operation costs. These costs will need to be reflected in an increase to the PARF.  

WHY IT’S NEEDED: We're working to provide equity in park services across the city by providing a high quality and well-maintained park within a 10-minute walk of all residents. This new park will serve a gap area identified in the Parks System Plan.   

Area neighbors proposed the land for a park, and it was purchased in 2013 with proceeds from the 2010 Parks Bond. Developed in partnership with the community, the Steve Street Property Master Plan envisions future site amenities like an accessible loop trail, rough lawn area, a small community garden, a picnic and play area, and two areas for nature play.

STRATEGIC PLAN TIE-IN: Advances our vision of becoming a walkable, healthy and accessible community for everyone. 

PREVIOUS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:  Soliciting input from nearby residents was important to the development of the park plan. Two public meetings were held to gather input contributing to the completion of the Plan. The project team also met several times with the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for review and approval of the plan. 

CONTACT: Jeff Peck, Project Manager | 503-718-2466 | jeffp@tigard-or.gov