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Council sees slimmer Northwest Park concept; pavilion size, costs and ADA access prompt phasing discussion
Summary
City planning and consultant NB5 presented a draft preferred concept for Northwest Park (Option C): a 16,000 sq ft open‑air pavilion with ~3,500 sq ft conditioned space and amenities. Consultant's rough estimate: about $9.7M. Council members recommended phasing, further study of ADA access to a lookout tower and alternatives (ice rink, sand volleyball).
City planning staff and consultant NB5 presented an updated preferred concept for Northwest Park that trims earlier options to a smaller footprint (Option C) and focuses on nature‑oriented play, bouldering, two irrigated lawns, interpretive paths and a flexible pavilion area.
John Champlin of NB5 described the pavilion as a 16,000 square‑foot open‑air structure with about 3,500 square feet of conditioned space for restrooms, concessions and back‑of‑house needs. Champlin presented a rough order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate of about $9.7 million for the concept shown, noting prior 2023 planning-era estimates were roughly $10.4 million.
Council members raised questions about program choices and cost: concerns included whether an elevated nature‑play lookout tower should be ADA accessible, maintenance issues for a sand volleyball pit in a pine forest, the operational model and staffing requirements for a large pavilion, and whether the project should be phased. Several councilors said they favor a phased approach and exploring temporary or smaller pilot facilities (for example, a pop‑up ice rink or a concrete multipurpose pad) before committing to a full pavilion.
Staff noted upcoming coordination with Sisters‑BID (SBRD) and a planned joint meeting on December 10 to discuss programming and governance. The council asked staff and the parks board to continue work on cost estimates and operational scenarios before returning with a final plan for adoption.
