04/12/2023 - Grand Opening Universal Plaza City of Tigard
etTi Card PRESS RELEASE
13125 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • www.tigard-or.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE I April 11, 2023
Contact
Name: Kenny Asher
Title: Community Development Director
City of Tigard
Phone: 503-718-2443
Email: KennyA@tigard-or.gov
City of Tigard to Celebrate the Grand Opening of Universal Plaza
The City of Tigard is set to unveil its brand new downtown public plaza on Saturday, April 15 at
11:00 a.m. A one-of-a-kind community gathering space, Universal Plaza is designed to be a
place "to celebrate our shared humanity and our one shared planet." The Tigard High School
Marching Band will kick off the Grand Opening ceremony, followed by remarks from Tigard
Mayor Heidi Lueb and a ribbon cutting.
Located just steps from Main Street and between Burnham Street and Fanno Creek Park, the
plaza will host community events, the Tigard Farmers Market, porch swings, year-round food
carts, a splash pad, and thousands of native plantings.
"Universal Plaza is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide a signature public space in the
heart of downtown that will attract visitors of all ages," said Sean Farrelly, Tigard's
Redevelopment Project Manager.
The plaza was designed by RIOS Design Collective, with the help of community design advisors
who volunteered input through online sessions during the pandemic. Community ideas led to
improved lighting and safety features, and universal access like public Wi-Fi and a boardwalk
connection to the Fanno Creek Trail. The food carts feature up-and-coming Tigard-based
entrepreneurs who are supported through a new Tigard Economic Development business
support program called the Launch Pod.
"Universal Plaza is a statement project," remarked Kenny Asher, Tigard's Community
Development Director. "It's going to bring people together, which is what folks in Tigard want.
Too many things lately are pulling people apart."
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony there will be food, fun, and music. The two food carts,
Harvest Moon Experience and West Coast Torta, are also opening to the public. Olive and
City of Tigard
Tiga?d PRESS RELEASE
13125 SW Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon 97223 • www.tigard-or.gov
Dingo, "The People's Clowns," and Giant Bubbles, "The Portland Area's Best Bubble Show" will
entertain the youngest visitors. A few Tigard Farmers Market vendors will also be on hand.
A second phase of construction is planned to add a large architectural canopy for shade in the
summer and shelter in the winter, along with an all-access Community Room. There is no
construction date yet for that phase.
Universal Plaza is funded through tax increment financing dollars collected in the Downtown
area, Park system development charges from new development, and funds from a 2010 voter-
approved parks bond. Tigard's strategic vision is to be an equitable city that is walkable,
healthy and accessible to everyone.
For more information about Universal Plaza, visit https://www.tigard-or.gov/business-
development/planning-projects/universal-plaza.
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