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St. Helens commission discusses Plaza condition; county partnership and funding remain barriers
Summary
Commissioners discussed the deteriorating condition of the courthouse plaza and grass, agreed the issue will require county coordination and design work, and deferred immediate action while suggesting fundraising ideas such as paver sales.
St. Helens planning commissioners flagged the courthouse plaza’s deteriorating grass and accessibility problems Wednesday and concluded the issue will require a coordinated design and funding plan with Columbia County before major work can proceed.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the plaza’s worn grass and damaged turf—exacerbated by events such as Halloweentown and by vehicle access—reduce accessibility and the civic character of the courthouse square. Several participants called for a design that restores historic features while improving durability and ADA access.
Discussion highlights: Participants recalled earlier plaza designs that included an X-shaped walkway and plantings, and noted the plaza is at least partially county property. Ideas floated included replacing grass with a more durable surface or pavers, selling commemorative pavers to raise funds, installing improved drainage and irrigation, and consulting an arborist to assess aging trees planted in the 1950s.
Constraints and direction: Commissioners acknowledged funding limits and county–city ownership questions, with one participant describing county–city relations as "festering" and saying the plaza work should wait until relations improved. Commissioners agreed that any major plaza work will require a design, engineering documents and phased funding; they did not adopt a construction plan or budget at the meeting.
Next steps and ending: The group agreed to table immediate plaza construction plans, suggested seeking an arborist assessment of tree lifespan, and recommended pursuing grant, donation or paver-based fundraising if a formal design is developed. The plaza item will likely return to the City Council when a design and funding strategy are available.
