91ÊÓƵ

The city of Lake Oswego has broken ground on Rassekh Park. The park includes a new multi-purpose sports field, large playground and skatepark for the community at the Rassekh property on Stafford Road.

The new 10-acre park will also include a parking lot with a dropoff area, new access pathways and the expansion of existing multi-use pathways, restrooms, walking trails, a covered picnic area, a protected natural area surrounding Pecan Creek, and the necessary utilities, including water, electricity, stormwater and sanitary sewer service.

The project team includes landscape architect and civil engineer Mackenzie, electrical engineer Sazan Group, skatepark design-build California Skateparks and general contractor Paul Brothers Inc.

Mackenzie helped engage the surrounding community by embarking on a year-long public outreach process that encouraged and enabled key community members to influence and inspire the concept and vision for the park. Through a series of meetings hosted by Mackenzie and the city of Lake Oswego, more than 600 community members drove a concept for the park that maximized play and exercise opportunities, while respecting the natural character of the surroundings, Mackenzie stated in a news release.

Since athletic fields in Lake Oswego are in high demand, new fields were identified as a high priority to be funded with the Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation bond money, the firm stated.

The groundbreaking event served as the official launch of the phased development. Phase I of the project will include the construction of a 10,000-square-foot skatepark (designed by California Skateparks); right-of-way improvements for Stafford Road such as trees and streetlights; reconstruction of the multi-use path; a new restroom building; and the development of a variety of other critical utilities that lay the foundation for the rest of the project.

Phase I of the project is expected to be complete next year.

Additional features will be realized in the subsequent phases: a synthetic turf athletic field will enable year-round soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball games for youth sports. A new, large playground will also be constructed. Input from more than 100 local elementary school children informed the final concept of the playground, which will include a mix of natural play elements and accessible play equipment.

The total project cost for all phases is expected to be over $5 million.