City Of Lake Oswego Special Meeting On Lake Litigation Update (Photo) -04/01/25

The City of Lake Oswego held a Special City Council Meeting on March 31 to consider resolutions related to the recent court judgment regarding public access to Oswego Lake. As a result of that ruling, the City cannot prohibit entry into Oswego Lake from Lower Millennium Plaza Park.

 

Following a community input session, Council voted as follows on two resolutions:

• Voted (5-2) against authorizing the City Attorney to appeal the Clackamas County Circuit Court judgment related to public lake access from City park property.
• Voted (7-0) in favor of directing the City Manager to adopt City Park Rules and identify other actions available to the State of Oregon, Clackamas County, the City of Lake Oswego, and Lake Corporation in managing public access.

The City of Lake Oswego is responsible for regulating the public access point at Lower Millennium Plaza Park. Following the special meeting, staff will begin evaluating and implementing certain basic safety measures and park rules at the access point pursuant to Council direction. Immediate measures to be considered may include updating signage, adopting access hours, and implementing park rules for boat size restrictions.

 

Other elements of water safety, maintenance, and quality remain in the jurisdiction of State, County, and local partners. Ongoing collaboration will be required to address questions from the community regarding how public lake access will be executed and overseen moving forward.

 

Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available on the City of Lake Oswego’s website at www.LakeOswego.city/OswegoLake. The City will provide regular updates on our progress as we work with our government partners and community stakeholders on finding solutions.

 

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City Of Lake Oswego To Hold Special Meeting On Lake Litigation (Photo) -03/31/25

The City of Lake Oswego will hold a Special City Council Meeting on March 31 to gather additional community input on resolutions related to the recent court judgment regarding public access to Oswego Lake. Two resolutions will be considered:

• Whether to authorize the City Attorney to appeal a Clackamas County Circuit Court judgment related to public lake access from city park property
• Whether to immediately implement City Park Rules and identify other actions available to the State, County, City, and Lake Corporation in managing public access

Legal decisions in Kramer v. State of Oregon and City of Lake Oswego are reshaping how Oswego Lake is managed. On March 3, 2025, the Clackamas County Circuit Court released a judgment requiring the City of Lake Oswego to allow public access from an entry point at Millennium Plaza Park.

 

Council seeks input on proceeding with an appeal of this judgment, which must be filed by April 2. Given the immediate requirement for public lake access, Council will also consider directing the City Manager to begin implementing certain basic safety measures and park rules at the access point. Additional steps will be required to collaborate with partners, including State, Clackamas County, and local entities who have jurisdiction over other elements of public water safety and maintenance, to ensure risks are appropriately mitigated.

 

Input gathered at this meeting, along with the previous testimony and feedback from the community, will help inform Council’s decision.

 

We anticipate significant public participation at this meeting and have established processes to help facilitate as much public comment as possible. Council requests that everyone in attendance be respectful of one another so that everyone feels welcome at the meeting. 

 

Hearing Details:

• Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
• Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lake Oswego City Hall - Council Chamber, 380 A Ave Third Floor
• How to Participate: The Council will hold an open public comment period. Each speaker will be allotted three minutes, with a total time limit of 60 minutes for public comments. Priority will be given to those who are providing their comments in person.
• All people who wish to comment should fill out the public comment form before the meeting begins and give their form to the City Recorder. On the form, people should indicate whether they are in favor, opposed, or neutral on Resolution 25-16.
• The meeting is available to the public on the City's YouTube Channel, on the City's website, or on Tualatin Valley Community Television.
• Written public comments are encouraged, and all emailed or mailed comments will be read by Council. Written public comments may be provided to the Council and emailed to: CouncilDistribution@lakeoswego.city.
• Where to find more information: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/citycouncil/city-council-special-meeting

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