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Press Release

From: Pam Girtman, Clackamas Co. Department of Business and Community Services
503-794-8041
Date: 4-18-08
Media and Interested Parties

North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, Metro acquire 33 acres for park
in Happy Valley

North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) is beginning the planning process for a new 33-acre park on SE 162nd Avenue north of Highway 212 and south of Sunnyside Road in Happy Valley. Citizens are invited to give their input on the possibilities for the park Thursday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oregon Trail Elementary School.

Already suggested for the park property are athletic fields, trails, play areas, a skate park, dog park and community center.

NCPRD and Metro Parks and Greenspaces purchased the 33 acres for use as an active park. The public process will help NCPRD complete a concept plan to determine future improvements to the site.

Interested citizens are encouraged to participate in the process by attending the planning meeting or by submitting comments via mail, e-mail or telephone. Submitted comments will be presented during the public meetings. Oregon Trail Elementary School is located at 13895 SE 152nd Dr. in Happy Valley. Project partners include Clackamas County, the City of Happy Valley and North Clackamas School District.

Funding for the acquisition comes from the 2006 voter-approved Metro Natural Areas, Parks and Streams Bond Measure and the NCPRD Capital Improvement Plan. NCPRD identified this park as important for acquisition in its parks and recreation master plan because of the large population and employment growth occurring in the area. It also satisfies the number-one priority of the Happy Valley annexation, approved by voters in 2006.

The $7.7 million purchase is adjacent to about 40 acres recently purchased by the North Clackamas School District (NC12) that is planned for development of a new middle and elementary school. It is the intention of NCPRD and NC12 to share facilities, including parking, recreational fields and roads and to create a new public park and school facility.

Through the coordination of NCPRD, Metro and NC12, this new community park and school will make it easier for residents of all interests and abilities to incorporate outdoor activity into their daily lives.

"This is a very significant project for us," said Clackamas County Commission Chair Lynn Peterson. "Cooperation - between Metro, North Clackamas School District and the parks district, as well as Happy Valley's voters - made this come together. Now we'll look toward a public master planning process, coordinating with the school district to have the best use of the space in this beautiful part of the community."

Questions, suggestions or comments may be sent by e-mail to or by phone at 503-794-8004.

For more about parks, call 503-794-8041 or e-mail .