West Linn City Council discusses Oppenlander Park future amid public input

The West Linn City Council convened for a special meeting on February 25, 2025, primarily to discuss the future of Oppenlander Park following a recent listening session. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, which passed unanimously among council members.

The council then moved into public comments, where community members expressed their views on the park's significance and the potential for a second measure to maintain it as a public space. Linda Parker, a resident living adjacent to Oppenlander Park, emphasized the park's value to the community and the strong opposition to any housing development that could replace it. She highlighted the previous successful measure that indicated community support for preserving the park.

Stephanie Kendall, another resident, shared her personal connection to the park and urged the council to heed the voters' wishes to keep the park intact. She expressed disappointment with the current situation and called for the council to consider placing a new measure on the ballot.

Additionally, a representative from Icon Construction spoke about the possibility of finding a compromise that would allow for some park space even if a bond measure fails. They mentioned exploring alternatives to the initial proposal, which included youth sports fields, and suggested the inclusion of a senior field as a potential solution.

The discussions highlighted a strong community desire to preserve Oppenlander Park, with residents advocating for further action from the council to ensure its future as a cherished public space. The council is expected to deliberate on these comments and consider the next steps regarding the park's future.