Planning for the Future

We are excited to announce that we have entered into a two-year option agreement to purchase 20 acres (two adjoining properties) located on Fairview Drive, bordering the Westside Community Trail, for future park development.

The site, which boasts views of Mt. Adams and Hood, is large enough to accommodate ball fields and other needs within the community. "With the limited opportunities for large-acre parcels, as well as the rising costs of land in the area, we wanted to be forward thinking and secure a parcel before land becomes too scarce or becomes too expensive," said Nan Noteboom, Parks District Board President.

During the option period, we will conduct an in-depth study (including applying for a permit) on the feasibility of building a park located in the National Scenic Area. “We still have a way to go with permitting, and we need to address a sustainable funding plan for the Parks District. We are hopeful that this site will, one day, be a central gathering place for everyone in our community," said Noteboom.

We received valuable feedback from you on the planning priorities you think are important, during our recent Multi-Jurisdictional Master Planning process, which included planning efforts from five different agencies. Those priorities included:

• establishing more trail connections,

• rebuilding the pool, and 

• acquiring land for park development.

We are excited to make progress toward our goal to acquire more parkland in Hood River, and we will continue to work towards the other goals for our community.