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Oregon City advances Plaquemnet/Clackamas Park plan; commissioners press for hydrology, parking and funding details
Summary
City staff and consultants presented a refined development plan for Clackamas ("Plaquemnet") Park that would move the RV park, add an event lawn and playground, and rebuild a boat launch if feasible. Commissioners requested a hydrology study, preliminary cost estimates, Marine Board funding details and a clear public‑engagement scope before engineering work begins.
City parks staff and consultants showed commissioners preliminary development plans for Clackamas Park on May 12, laying out a phased approach that would convert the existing RV park to riverfront public space, add a signature accessible playground, and consider rebuilding a motorized boat ramp if hydrology and funding allow.
"We want to build the Clackamas Park that this community wants," Scott Archer, Oregon City Parks and Recreation director, told the commission as he introduced preliminary designs prepared by AKS Engineering and public‑engagement lead JLA. Kirsty Oswald of AKS described a multifunctional event lawn with river overlooks, a nature‑based inclusive playground with accessible surfacing and an improved two‑bay motorized launch alongside non‑motorized kayak/canoe slides for easier pedestrian access.
Why it matters: The plan aims to reclaim prime riverfront for public events and recreation while accommodating necessary services such as a smaller relocated RV park and ADA parking. Moving the RV park, staff said, would free the existing gravel area for larger community events and riverfront restoration — but would reduce RV capacity from the existing 38 spots to the master‑plan figure of about 18 spaces.
Key disputes and requests: Commissioners repeatedly questioned whether rebuilding the motorized boat ramp on the Clackamas River is prudent, since the existing launch has been undermined by river movement. Several commissioners asked consultants for a hydrology and erosion analysis, firm cost estimates and clarity about how much the Oregon State Marine Board or other funders might cover. One commissioner said, "I would rather not see it be rebuilt," citing repeated repairs and uncertain long‑term viability.
Parking and events were central themes: Commissioners and staff discussed off‑site and overflow parking (including a city parcel near Firestone), the logistics of a dump station for the RV park, ADA distribution across the site, electrical hookup needs for events and the stage, and how to ensure adequate event access without repeatedly reopening the master plan.
Public involvement and next steps: Staff scheduled an open house for May 21 at 6 p.m., PRAC review on May 28 and a project website to go live May 22. Consultants said their scope includes hydrology and preliminary engineering for the boat ramp if the commission affirms that direction; otherwise that work will not commence. Commissioners directed staff to bring back more detailed hydrology, grant/funding options, cost estimates and parking analyses to inform a decision about the boat launch and final RV park configuration.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A with Scott Archer (City of Oregon City), Kirsty Oswald (AKS Engineering) and commissioners at the Oregon City work session, May 12.
