07/20/2023 - Universal Plaza Splash Pad Update er
Tiçj' ° daPRESS RELEASE
City of Tigard
13125 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • www.tigard-or.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE I July 20, 2023
Contact:
Judi Martin
Community Engagement Coordinator
City of Tigard, Community Development
Phone: 971-416-9302
Email: judi.martin@tigard-or.gov
City of Tigard Update on Universal Plaza
Plaza Is Open to Public, with Splash Pad Testing Phase Nearly Complete
TIGARD, OREGON — The City of Tigard is providing updates to the community on Universal
Plaza, Tigard's newest community gathering space, which officially opened to the public on
April 15.
Universal Plaza fills a longtime gap in Tigard's park system by providing an urban gathering
space in downtown, with amenities that have been long desired by Tigard businesses and
residents. Universal Plaza features local food carts West Coast Torta and Harvest Moon
Experience, grassy play areas, and community tables. The plaza is conveniently connected
to the Fanno Creek Trail with a wide boardwalk, making walking and biking an easy option.
Universal Plaza is also home to the weekly Tigard Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings and
will host additional community events in the coming months.
Universal Plaza's main water feature, known as the splash pad, continues to remain closed
to the public as chlorine levels are tested for public health and safety. Currently, there is
no official opening date for the water feature as testing continues. The city will use its
communications channels to share progress on the testing phase, and to announce when
the fountain is safe and ready for public use.
"We are listening to the community and hear the frustration that the water feature hasn't
been available for public use during this hot summer even as the broader plaza remains
open," said Kenny Asher, Tigard's Community Development Director. "The delay these past
several weeks has been due to mechanical issues and water chemistry. The team is working
now to get the chlorine levels to stay within the permitted range over extended hours. We
are working hard to have the splash pad open soon."
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City of Tigard
eTig'ard PRESS RELEASE
Community members can stay up to date on the status of the splash pad and other
Universal Plaza news on the City of Tigard and the Tigard Public Works' social media
channels, as well as on the Universal Plaza page of the City's website: https://www.tigard-
or.gov/explore-tigard/universal-plaza. The City will provide another update on the Splash
Pad on or before July 27.
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