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Residents urge West Linn council to preserve Oppenlander: 'This is the legacy'
Summary
Around 10 residents told the council Feb. 25 that Oppenlander is a community asset and urged a ballot measure or other action; comments stressed trees, youth fields and neighborhood impacts if the land is developed.
About a dozen residents spoke during public comment Feb. 25, urging the West Linn City Council to preserve Oppenlander Park. Multiple speakers said the park is central to neighborhood life, youth sports and local traditions and asked the council to put the question to voters or pursue acquisition.
Linda Parker of Haverhill Court said Friends of Oppenlander had conducted neighborhood outreach before the prior measure and argued many voters opposed losing the park and the likely housing alternative. "To a person… there was a huge objection to the type of housing that would be built there," Parker said, and she urged the council to place a new measure and promised renewed campaigning.
Michael Hedges framed the choice as a long‑term legacy: "This is the opportunity to preserve… a piece of amazing earth for all to enjoy or not. That is the legacy," he said. Susan Nicholson and Roberta Staff raised concerns about tree loss, construction noise and traffic, while Harlan Burrow of ICON Construction told the council his firm was willing to explore plan changes or private financing to keep some parkland. The council heard the remarks before debating and ultimately directing staff toward a public‑private acquisition path.
