West Linn Baseball Association warns of Oppenheimer Park loss impacts

The West Linn City Council held a special meeting on February 18, 2025, where significant concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of Oppenheimer Park. The park is crucial for the West Linn Baseball Association, as it houses three youth-sized baseball fields essential for players aged 5 to 12.

During the meeting, the vice president of the West Linn Baseball Association expressed the urgent need to retain Oppenheimer Park, highlighting that its loss would severely impact the senior baseball program for players aged 13 to 18. Currently, the city has only two senior regulation-sized fields, located at Rosemont Ridge Middle School and Oppenheimer Park. The association relies on these facilities to provide adequate playing time for its teenage athletes.

The vice president noted that losing Oppenheimer Park would result in a 50% reduction in available facilities for senior players, complicating scheduling and limiting opportunities for participation. He emphasized the logistical challenges already faced in organizing games and practices, stating that the loss of such a significant resource would "cripple" the senior baseball program.

The association's position is to support all options that would help retain the park, while also acknowledging the need for a balanced cost-benefit analysis. The comments underscored the park's importance not only for youth sports but also for community engagement and development in West Linn.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the association's concerns, emphasizing the need for further discussions on the future of Oppenheimer Park and its role in the community.