HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/11/2025 - 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 – AUGUST 11, 2025
DRAFT
City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 1 of 3
MEETING DATE: August 11, 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 6:03 PM by Chair Ellen Brown.
Roll Call
Members Present: Ellen Brown (Chair), Natalie Newgard (Vice Chair), James Essenberg,
Joleine Sigler, Denise Stephens
Alternates Present: Veronica Johnson
Council Liaison: Councilor Faraz Ghoddusi
Members Excused: Ken Barker, Skip Haak
Alternates Excused: Candi Cornils
Staff Present: Rick Gruen (Parks, Recreation, and Green Infrastructure Manager),
Marin McKnight (Parks Supervisor), Melissa Heine (Recreation
Administrative Specialist II/Recorder), Lucy Jones (Parks/Natural
Resource Coordinator)
Others Present: Chris Garstek
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes from June 09, 2025, were reviewed.
Motion: A motion was made by Denise Stephens to approve the minutes. Natalie Newgard
seconded.
Vote: Motion carried unanimously. Minutes approved.
3. Comments from the Audience
• Chris Garstek thanked staff for goose management updates and requested follow-up data
from Jennifer on geese nesting.
• Staff noted a public service video with the goose team is in progress.
PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – AUGUST 11, 2025
DRAFT
City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 2 of 3
4. Park Ranger Introduction
• Jordan Porter introduced as Tigard’s first Park Ranger.
• Role focuses on education, presence, and safety.
• Collecting data to support future funding a request for a permanent FTE and seasonal
support.
• Outreach efforts underway: educational videos, dog-leash campaign, Junior Ranger stickers,
“Bark Ranger” bandanas.
• Chris Garstek invited Jordan to serve as a judge for the upcoming Dog Halloween Contest.
5. Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan
Lucy Jones, Parks/Natural Resource Coordinator, provided information and updates on the Emerald
Ash Border and the city’s EAB Management Plan.
• Five-year management plan underway with Ash Creek Forest Management.
• Strategy combines treatment, replacement, and monitoring.
• Tigard participating in regional and county task forces; OSU leading ash seed collection
program.
• EAB confirmed in five nearby counties but not Tigard.
6. Bagan Park Update
Rick Gruen, Parks and Recreation manager, provided an update on the status of developing Bagan
Park.
• 8.5-acre site; less than 1 acre is usable.
• Project phased due to Clean Water Services trunk line project.
• Phase 1: Trail connectivity (temporary surface or permanent boardwalk depending on CWS
timeline).
• Amenities are limited to benches, overlooks, and a small shelter.
7. Parks and Recreation Manager Update
Parks, Recreation and Green Infrastructure Manager, Rick Gruen, provided updates on park related
policies, programs, and projects of interest.
• Steve St. Park: Land use application this month; construction expected spring/summer.
• Dock Project: Fully funded with grants/SDCs; final design in progress.
• Blueberry Hill Park: Open with minor work pending; pickleball courts opening soon.
8. Recreation Update
Kaitlyn Leaf, Recreation Program Coordinator, provided an update via email.
• Successful summer season with strong attendance and engagement.
• Highlights included:
o Youth Track Meet with 100 participants.
o Concert in the Park (Hit Machine) drew 2,000+ despite rain.
o Largest Movie in the Park yet with 400 attendees for Wicked.
PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES – AUGUST 11, 2025
DRAFT
City of Tigard | 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 | 503-639-4171 | www.tigard-or.gov | Page 3 of 3
o Record vendor and sponsor participation.
• Junior Ranger Program surpassed 100 registrations; ceremony planned in two weeks.
• Day Camps are running at capacity with popular activities like games, canoeing, and
swimming.
• Upcoming: Two Concerts in the Park (Aug. 13 & 20), Art in the Park (Aug. 19), and Baby &
Me program returns in September.
9. Parks Update
Projects and operations update from Parks Supervisor, Greg Stout.
• Maintenance: Busy shelter season, Cook Park soccer tournament; staff promotion (Steve
Sizemore). Ranger presence reducing camp cleanup costs.
• Art: “Iron Maiden” sculpture moving from Universal Plaza to Main Street.
10. Advocacy Items
• Support needed for permanent Park Ranger funding.
• Council budget session October 7 – board members encouraged to attend.
• Continued interest in reimagining city-owned property for community/park use.
11. Non-Agenda Items
• Family Fun Day (Public Works & Police Open House): Sept. 20.
• Summer concerts continue at Cook Park and Universal Plaza.
12. Adjourn
Motion: A motion was made by Natalie Newgard to adjourn the meeting. Denise Stephens
seconded.
Time: The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.
Upcoming Meetings:
• Special PRAB Meeting: Monday, September 08, 2025, 6:00 PM, Blueberry Hill Park, Tigard.
Submitted by Melissa Heine, Recorder Signature:
Attestation by Ellen Brown, Chair Signature:
Approval Date:
Wet signature minutes on file with PRAB Recorder.
File location: I:\PW\1-PUBLIC WORKS ADMIN\Meetings (PRAB & IWB)\PRAB\2025\8-Aug\Minutes\PRAB Minutes 250811 - DRAFT.docx