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Residents urge safe swim area and a non-motorized dock at Milwaukie Bay Park; council authorized a parks grant application
Summary
Public commenters pressed the council to create a year-round non-motorized dock and a protected swimming area at Milwaukie Bay Park to separate swimmers from motorized boats. The consent agenda that the council adopted included authorization to apply for an Oregon Parks and Recreation local government grant for Milwaukie Bay Park Phase 3.
At the community comment portion of the Milwaukie City Council meeting on June 2, residents urged the council to pursue infrastructure that would make Milwaukie Bay Park safer and more accessible for swimmers and non-motorized water users.
A resident who identified himself as a father told council that summertime crowding, intoxicated boating behavior, and proximity of swimmers to boat propellers create an urgent public-safety risk at the park. He asked the council to "think holistically" and consider a year-round non-motorized dock to separate paddlers and swimmers from motorized launches.
"Imagine this city council could display leadership for our community with a bold decision to establish a new amenity at the park for generations to come," the resident said, calling for partnerships and local philanthropy to support a permanent solution.
Heidi Schaffford, speaking on behalf of open-water swimmers and non-motorized users, told council she supported the Metro Nature and Neighborhoods grant and urged Milwaukie to consider a dedicated dock and predictable year-round access for swimmers and paddlecraft. "The addition of a dedicated dock would help separate the people who are using the space now and there are conflicts between motorized craft users and those of us who are less visible," she said.
The consent agenda, which the council approved unanimously, included a resolution authorizing a Milwaukie application to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for a local government grant to finance Milwaukie Bay Park Phase 3 construction. Councilors and staff signaled continued interest in coordinating with Metro and local partners on a longer-term design and funding strategy.
What happens next: The application to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will proceed as authorized on the consent agenda; staff said they would continue community outreach and coordination with Metro and partners about design alternatives and funding opportunities.
