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Milwaukee residents and parks leaders urge county to sign Milwaukee Bay Park agreement, call it a regional asset
Summary
Residents, the Milwaukee Parks & Recreation Board and business owners urged Clackamas County commissioners to approve intergovernmental agreements with the City of Milwaukee and NCPRD to advance long‑delayed phase 3 improvements at Milwaukee Bay Park, which proponents said could begin construction in 2027 and finish by 2029.
Multiple residents and neighborhood leaders asked the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on May 7 to approve updated intergovernmental agreements that would allow restoration and Phase 3 improvements at Milwaukee Bay Park to proceed.
Dave Cadwalader, a Milwaukee resident, told commissioners the Milwaukee City Council voted unanimously to authorize an agreement with the county and said the plans—if implemented—could include an amphitheater, splash pad, nature‑play area and other gathering spaces, with construction potentially beginning before the end of 2027 and completion possible by 2029. Laura Jenks, chair of the Milwaukee Parks & Recreation Board, described the IGA as a "balanced partnership" that would enable fundraising, final design and stewardship of community spaces.
Commissioners acknowledged long negotiations with the City and NCPRD and said they remain in ongoing talks to resolve fiscal and operational issues. The board signaled support for continuing negotiations and said staff will keep working to find common ground so fundraising and construction work can move forward.
What happens next: Staff and negotiators will continue to work with city and district partners; several commissioners urged swift action to avoid further delay so residents and local businesses can benefit from the park improvements.
Provenance: Public comment and commissioners’ remarks on Milwaukee Bay Park during the May 7 meeting.
