Mount Hood sits in the background of the potential site for a new Westside Park. The Hood River Parks and Recreation discussed the feasibility of building on the empty 20-acre lot.
The Westside trail runs along the outside of the empty lot is already owned by the Hood River Parks and Recreation. The committee is considering the purchase of the 20-acre plot of land for a new park.
Mount Hood sits in the background of the potential site for a new Westside Park. The Hood River Parks and Recreation discussed the feasibility of building on the empty 20-acre lot.
Noah Noteboom photo
HOOD RIVER — The potential Westside Park is slowly becoming a reality for Hood River Parks and Recreation District. The 20-acre plot of land directly northwest of Westside Elementary School has been sitting mostly unoccupied for years. The Parks and Recreation organization is considering purchasing the land for the development of a new park. Contrary to its name, the popular Westside trail runs along the eastern border of the proposed area. The Parks and Rec District shared a survey on their website that drew in more than 550 responses. The public input seemed “very positive” according to a feasibility study done by Michael Zilis, principal landscape architect at Walker Macy.
A popular walking path for Hood River residents like Celia Acosta and her dog, the Westside trail runs around the outside of a proposed park.
Noah Noteboom photo
The urban design firm is also collaborating with the Port of Hood River on the development of Lot 1.
In October of last year, the Gorge National Scenic Area committee amended guidelines and clarified requirements for urban and rural recreation development throughout Oregon and Washington. These changes will spur the Hood River Planning Commission to alter their land use code as well. Hood River Parks and Rec would be looking to build what is considered a “small park” in order to abide by types of facilities allowed. Based on other recreation organizations around Oregon, the 20 acres on the potential site would confirm the classification of being a “small park.”
The Westside trail runs along the outside of the empty lot is already owned by the Hood River Parks and Recreation. The committee is considering the purchase of the 20-acre plot of land for a new park.
Noah Noteboom photo
The projected cost would range between $7 to $9 million with two different concepts of the amenities provided. “Concept A” would have sporting fields on the east side of the park accompanied by a nature overlook, walking paths and 35 parking spaces.
“Concept B” would include playing fields on the opposite side, covered sport courts, walking paths and an off-leash space for dogs.
A parking lot big enough for 40 cars would also be built.
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