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Home My WebLink About06/09/2025 - MinutesCity of Tigard Park & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes THE PURPOSE OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD IS TO ADVISE AND ADVOCATE FOR PARK AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR A GROWING TIGARD. PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 1 of 7 MEETING DATE: June 09, 2025, 6:00 PM MEETING LOCATION: Members: In-Person at Town Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard) Virtual via MS Teams Public: In-Person at Town Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard) Virtual (listen only): (971) 256-0577, PIN: 13125# Comments/questions should be sent prior to the meeting to Rick Gruen, staff liaison: rickg@tigard-or.gov 1. Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by Chair Ellen Brown. Roll Call Members Present: Ellen Brown (Chair), James Essenberg, Skip Haak, Joleine Sigler, Ken Barker, Denise Stephens Alternates Present: Veronica Johnson, Candi Cornils Council Liaison: Councilor Yi-Kang Hu Council Liaison Excused: Councilor Faraz Ghoddusi Members Excused: Natalie Newgard (Vice Chair) Staff Present: Rick Gruen (Parks, Recreation, and Green Infrastructure Manager), Greg Stout (Parks Supervisor), Jessica Love (Public Works Communications Program Coordinator), Kaitlyn Leaf (Recreation Coordinator), Melissa Heine (Recreation Administrative Specialist II/Recorder), Courtney Furman (Public Works Principal Engineer), Joe Wisniewski (Public Works Engineer) Others Present: Sarah 2. Approval of Minutes The minutes from May 12, 2025, were reviewed. Motion: Denise Stephens motioned to approve the minutes. Skip Haak seconded the motion. Vote: Motion carried unanimously. Minutes approved. 3. Comments from the Audience There were no comments from the audience. 4. Trail System Plan Update Courtney Furman, Public Works Principal Engineer, and Rick Gruen, Parks and Recreation Manager, provided an update on the findings and recommendations from the recently completed Trail PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 2 of 7 System Plan Phase 1 Gap Analysis Project. Focus Areas of Phase 1: • Inventory and assessment of existing trail conditions • 10-minute walk-to-trail access analysis using refined GIS methodology • Safety and maintenance needs • Initial funding strategies Trail Inventory and Data Collection: • 17.5 miles of paved trail assessed using a mobile data cart • Metrics collected: trail condition, slope, width, surface type, roughness, shade, signage, benches, lighting, and hazards • High-resolution photos taken every 10 feet • Most small neighborhood connectors partially included • Data accessible via GIS map and integrated into Google Street View Safety Enhancements Underway: • Trail lighting pilot at East Butte Park (linked to Safe Routes to School) • Park Ranger program now fully operational • Permanent trail counters installed to measure usage, speed, and direction • Seasonal visual safety inspections conducted by Parks maintenance Maintenance and Funding Context: • Trails within parks are funded through Parks SDCs and Parks & Rec Fees • Trails outside of parks currently lack a dedicated funding source • Approximately 186 acres of “Greenway” (formerly Category 3) maintained by 2 FTE • Maintenance demand is outpacing capacity, with limited capital repair funding Condition Assessment Highlights: • Over 50% of trails are substandard in width • Estimated $10 million needed to fully replace poor-condition trails • Proposed: $500,000/year Trail Major Maintenance Program over 5 years (~$2.5M total), addressing around 25% of known needs Next Steps (Phase 2): • Community engagement and prioritization of planned trail network • Updates to trail design standards and classifications • Continued work on sustainable funding strategies City Council Update: • Scheduled for July 1 • PRAB support is encouraged via: o Letters of support o Public comment o Advocacy for trail investment and funding mechanisms Letter of Support: • The board voted to submit a formal letter to City Council in support of maintaining the existing trail system and identifying sustainable funding. PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 3 of 7 • Staff will draft the letter and circulate for board review; to be signed by the Chair and Vice Chair on behalf of the board. Funding Conversations: • Councilor Hu’s feedback emphasized broad support for trail maintenance, but noted concerns over continuously raising utility fees without voter approval. • Board and staff discussed the need to explore alternative funding ideas such as sponsorships, grants, or potentially a dedicated trails fee. Next Steps: • Potential to form a work group to brainstorm creative funding options. • Interest in future collaboration with the Budget Committee or other advisory boards. • Staff will request City Council direction on whether to pursue such a work group and explore methodology/code changes to expand or adjust funding sources. 5. Public Works Department Communication Update Public Works Community Engagement Coordinator, Jessica Love, provided information on upcoming Public Works programs and activities of interest to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. City Council Proclamation: • Council will proclaim July as Parks and Recreation Month at the July 1 Council meeting (6:30 PM). Board members invited to attend and participate in a photo. National Community Survey: • Ongoing survey available on the City’s website. Participants could enter a drawing for a $50 gift card (deadline for prize entry was that evening). • Results help assess community priorities and how well services are meeting them. New City Manager: • Brent Stockwell started June 2 and is actively connecting with staff and the community. Upcoming Events: • Juneteenth Celebration – June 14, Cook Park, 3:00–6:00 PM • Festival of Balloons – June 20-22, Cook Park • Pride Parade & Celebration – June 28 at Tigard High School (Parade starts at 2 PM) • 4th of July Celebration – Moved to Cook Park; includes a drone show and improved traffic management plan • Community Preparedness Fair – July 26, Cook Park, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM • National Night Out – August 5; neighborhood registration deadline is July 18 Community Outreach: • Staff are promoting awareness about the Building a Better Tigard campaign and the new Police & Public Works facility. • Jessica is available to speak at community group meetings, HOAs, or other gatherings to share information and gather feedback. PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 4 of 7 6. Parks and Recreation Manager Update Parks, Recreation and Green Infrastructure Manager, Rick Gruen, provide d updates on park related policies, programs, and projects of interest. New Park Ranger: • Full-time ranger starts next Monday. • Coordination with Police Department underway for radio training and communication. Cook Park Dock Project: • Phase 1: New docks installed successfully at the boat ramp. • Phase 2: ADA-accessible dock project. Presentation for grant funding is scheduled in July. o Includes ADA parking, a pathway, a 100-ft gangway, and adaptive launch equipment. • New annual contract to remove/install docks seasonally for longevity and sediment control. July Board Meeting Proposal: • Proposed to hold the July 14 meeting at Cook Park, starting at 5:30 PM at Shelter 3. • Includes a paddle outing hosted by Tualatin Riverkeepers. • Council members will be invited to participate. Blueberry Hill Park (Town Center Community Park): • Pickleball court repairs scheduled for July (pending confirmed start date). • Restroom installation pending permit approval. • Water access will be added to both dog parks. Fowler Middle School Field Use: • Temporary summer use agreement established with the school district. • Allows city maintenance and community use of the football field. • Some recreation programs relocated to Fowler for summer. • Agreement will go to city management for approval. 7. Recreation Update Update, overview, and future Recreation offerings from Kaitlyn Leaf, Recreation Program Coordinator. Recent Highlights • Mini Duathlon at Summerlake Park: o Fifth annual event had the largest turnout yet. o Lots of kids participating; photos shared on social media. • Health & Fitness Fair (First Ever): o 24 local vendors focused on mental and physical wellness. o Good turnout; expected to grow in future years. • Adult Kickball: o Fourth spring season is underway; continues to be popular. PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 5 of 7 • Junior Ranger Activity Kits: o Launched June 1; 50 sign-ups so far. o Possibility of a participant ceremony in September with the new park ranger. Upcoming Events & Programs • Balloon Festival 5K Fun Run – June 21: o 214 participants registered (up 75 from last year). o Participants can view hot air balloon launch before the race. • Balloon Festival Booth: o Rec staff will host an obstacle course and give out prizes in the Kids Zone. • Summer Day Camps: o Begin June 23 and run through August (off week of July 4). o Camps are nearly full; staff onboard and ready. • New Toddler Programs: o Filling the gap for 18 months–4 years. o Includes Outdoor Art Explorers and Friday Fun events • Movies in the Park: o June 27: Ferris Bueller's Day Off o August: Wicked o September: Moana o Community-voted lineup; themed pre-show activities planned. • Music in the Plaza: o Starts July 10 at Universal Plaza. o Part of expanded summer programming. Reminders • Follow Tigard Parks & Rec on social media for summer updates and photos. • Website includes full list of summer events and programs. 8. Parks Updates Projects and operations update from Parks Supervisor, Greg Stout. General Maintenance • Crews are actively performing standard summer maintenance: o Mowing, edging, blowing o Restroom and shelter cleaning o Irrigation repairs • All seasonal staff will be on-board by next week (as colleges let out). • Summer event prep underway: o Support planned for Balloon Festival and Fourth of July events. Splash Pad at Dirksen Park • Running almost perfectly this year. • One minor UV light issue quickly resolved. PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 6 of 7 • Operating daily from 10 AM–8 PM (including Farmers Market days). Staffing Updates • Lucy Jones promoted to Natural Resource Coordinator. • Her previous Senior Utility position is now posted and open until June 22. Bull Mountain Reservoir Site Update • Final Citizen Advisory Committee meeting held recently. • Time-lapse video shows full transformation of site (to be shared with board). Current Concerns • Overlook area (upper slope) has poor soil drainage and usability: o Too wet in spring, too hard in summer. o Not ideal for passive recreation in current state. Planned Improvements • Contractor will: o Rip top 2 feet of soil. o Add soil amendments (organic material and sand). o Re-grade using lightweight equipment to avoid over-compaction. o Install irrigation and reseed entire area. Future Amenities • Once stabilized, site will reopen with passive use only in mind. o Possibilities: natural play area, small shelter, benches. o No high-traffic or active uses planned (like Cook Park-level features). Sustainability & Repurposing • Logs and materials from construction reused for benches, trail chips, fencing, and parking bumpers. • Hillside planting includes pollinator-friendly vegetation. Celebration • Soft community celebration planned for late August or early September. • Invitation will be sent to Parks & Rec Board and neighbors once timing is confirmed. 9. Advocacy Items There were no additional advocacy items. 10. Non-Agenda Items There were no non-agenda items. 11. Adjourn Motion: Skip Haak motioned to adjourn. Ken Barker seconded. Time: The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM. PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – JUNE 09, 2025 APPROVED City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 7 of 7 Upcoming Meetings: • Special PRAB Meeting: Monday, July 14, 2025, 6:00 PM, Cook Family Park Submitted by Melissa Heine, Recorder Signature: Attestation by Ellen Brown, Chair Signature: Approval Date: 8-11-2025 Wet signature minutes on file with PRAB Recorder. File location: I:\PW\1-PUBLIC WORKS ADMIN\Meetings (PRAB & IWB)\PRAB\2025\6-June\Minutes\PRAB Minutes 250609 - DRAFT.docx