D.C. Latourette Park Groundbreaking Photo Opportunity (Photo) -08/17/20

The City of Oregon City in partnership with the Latourette Park Core Team (neighbors surrounding the park) is breaking ground on Wednesday, August 19, 10 a.m. for the redevelopment of D.C. Latourette Park, located at 902 11th Street, Oregon City, OR. The park will be home to a new nature play area with play structures, upgraded walking path, entry way, and additional seating. Estimated completion of the project is Winter 2020/2021.

The park, formerly an outdoor swimming pool (between 1935-1965) was adopted by Girl Scout Troop 45064 in 2015. The Troop took the initiative to organize “Party in the Park,” an open invitation to the community seeking feedback about what the park could be. In 2016, the Girl Scouts hosted a weekend park visioning workshop which resulted in a conceptual vision of the park. In 2018, the neighbors worked with Depave to remove a portion of asphalt at Latourette Park to help future installation of a nature play area and resurfacing for a basketball court.

Oregon City community members played an instrumental role in refining the concept plan for the park and have been actively spearheading efforts to raise funds to implement the vision.   

The Isiorho family has been involved in the Latourette Park Core Team and live across the street from the park. “I think it is great that this project is moving forward. As a father of three young children, it is important to develop their minds, physical bodies, and social interactions on a safe engaging play area.  We are proud to be part of a community that shares these values too.  We cannot wait for the project to be finished and the park to reopen!” said Dr. Ejiro Isiorho, Latourette Park neighbor. 

Suzanne Isiorho added “It is wonderful to see this park come to fruition.  Working together with other members of the Latourette Core Team has brought neighbors together.  Now, my young children will have a park they can use for many years, with play equipment for kids of all ages.”

The project received Community Enhancement Grants, a Nike Grant, National Realtors Association grant, a National Park Service  Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Award, Provident Willamette Falls Community grant and funds from the Portland Garden Club to help fund the $590,000 project and on July 15, 2020 the Oregon City Commission approved Paul Brothers Inc to construct the improvements in D.C. Latourette Park.