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West Linn resident says community fundraising could keep Oppenlander land public
Summary
A resident urged continued engagement with the school district over Oppenlander, described neighborhood use of the site for 40+ years and reported community interest in fundraising to bridge any gap to purchase the property as a city park; council listened but took no immediate action.
A West Linn resident who identified himself as Dean told the council the Oppenlander site remains important community land and urged the city not to abandon efforts to keep it available for public use. He said neighborhood groups and recent testimony at a school board meeting argue that the district has historically provided community access to the land and should continue doing so.
Dean reported that community members are exploring fundraising and a potential public–private approach to purchase Oppenlander and convert it to a city park. He said organizers do not yet know a final price because negotiations have not begun and that legal questions will arise regarding naming rights or donor conditions if private funds are used. He urged transparency and continued negotiation rather than a rapid commercial sale.
Council received the comment and thanked the speaker; there was no motion or vote related to the site at the meeting. Staff and council indicated they would continue to engage with the public and the school district on the matter.
