Q+A about the Potential Park Site
Hood River Parks + Rec is considering buying 20 acres of land on the west side of Hood River, located on Fairview Road and adjacent to Westside Elementary.
On Thursday, July 15, there was a Virtual Open House. The planning team gave some background on the Westside Park Project, an update on what we have heard from you, and there many questions answered. Please see the questions and answers below:
Lighting
Can you comment on how the sports fields, parking lot, etc, will be lit? A big concern I have is light pollution.
Would the parking lot(s) be lighted? Would this also be for night use?
Did your initial feasibility assessment look at lighting needs around possible sports fields? Wondering about options to reduce impacts on adjacent landowners?
We have looked at lighting needs. Based on feedback from users and the more restrictive rules in the National Scenic Area, we will not be exploring lighted sports fields. However, parking areas and restrooms will likely have lights in accordance with Hood River County Planning Department standards. Latest technology and best practices will be used to keep lighting intrusion at a minimum.
Parking + Infrastructure
I’m glad that the school is thinking of working with Parks and Rec. It still seems that the parking should be at the school with a linked park to the park. Love the northern area.
Why not wait and see if more parking is needed vs building it right away? Usually the school lots are empty.
We have reached out to Hood River County School District, and they are interested in partnering for parking needs for both the parks and school district events. The school district parking area will not be available at all times of the day when school is in session. Adequate parking is required for new development, per planning requirements, including parks, so parking will be included in the park site plan. That being said, we will partner closely with the school district to share resources.
Would sidewalks be added? Seems necessary for increased pedestrian safety, especially when connecting w/school.
It is too early in the planning to say for sure, but we will be working with the planning department to determine the infrastructure needed for pedestrian safety, like sidewalks.
The City of Hood River's recently updated transportation plan showed 30th Street being extended to Belmont. How would that affect the proposed park?
The City of Hood River’s Transportation Plan shows 30th extending south towards Belmont, which would border the potential park site but likely not affect things drastically. When any transportation infrastructure updates are made, we will work with the city to minimize the effects on the park. The areas surrounding the future park site will look different in the years to come as more homes are built and more people move close by. This a big reason we are considering buying the land now – to secure it for the growth we anticipate in the future.
Natural Areas
Does the wetland occupy most of the nature area? Or would that area have any room for additional future uses...such as tennis courts?
Would restoration and planting be part of the nature area long-term plan, given that much of this area is pasture currently?
Would the wetland be restored or enhanced?
Are you planting trees and grass? That area does not look as lush as it appears in your rendering, nor do I see that much water when I have been there?
The land has been used as a pasture for many years, so some native restoration and enhancement will be planned. It would be a goal to plant trees and native plantings that require little maintenance. This process would take time and be a part of a long-term plan.
Site Amenities
Are you considering paving several trails and including wheelchair picnic tables to promote equal access for all?
In any park design we will absolutely work to be inclusive and promote universal access with things like wheelchair picnic tables.
I also like the nature area in the north end. When you say that the sports fields are sized for youth sports, does that mean they are smaller than adult size?
The design concepts are still at the theoretical phase. The sports fields could be designed to accommodate adult and youth sports.
Funding
The park concepts are beautiful. But, I’m curious how this will be funded? Currently one of the park and rec’s most used and loved sites - the community pool - need renovation or a complete remodel and or an addition to a recreation center/pool combination. It seems to me that the answer to the pool’s problems and future is ‘there’s no money.” Where’s the money going to come from for this? And for the future for our pool? Thank you :)
The park can be funded through a variety of options – System Development Charges, financing, acquisition grants through OPRD, private donors, etc. Land continues to get more expensive in the Columbia River Gorge, and the opportunities to buy large parcels suitable for a community park is dwindling. Purchasing the land now might be the only way to secure parkland for the future. The Parks District was originally formed and the tax rate set to operate just the pool at a rate of $0.34/1000. Since then, the Parks District has expanded to operate parks and trails but the tax rate has stayed the same. The pool continues to be a priority. Our board is examining various funding options that would allow us to be a more sustainable district. One option is to go before the voters – you – and to dissolve our current tax rate and reform a rate that can address capital needs and is sustainable for long term operations. Stay tuned.
Will the area have hours of use? As a neighbor, we have some concerns regarding noise, especially with the off-leash dog area? What organization would handle the community garden?
Typically, our parks are dawn through dusk. Please keep in mind that the park design alternatives are conceptual at this point, so no agreements have been made with any organization to manage community gardens on site.
Since this park is outside of city limits and Hood River County has no Sheriff deputies available during certain hours are you working with city police for security/patrols?
The Parks District works with local authorities on safety. The majority of our parks are open from dawn to dusk. Typically our parks are not patrolled unless there is suspicious activity reported, which is uncommon. Staff make regular rounds through our parks, cleaning + maintaining the park, and we also depend on users to keep us posted if something is amiss, like a downed tree after a windy night. Local law enforcement has been very willing to work with the Parks District in parks that reside within the city and outside city limits.
Being outside of city limits also effects medical responses. Will individuals needing medical attention be depending on volunteer fire fighter response? Are you also working with other emergency services with respect to medical responses?
We will work with local authorities for coordination of care.
Curious about what will happen with Barrett park? Parks and Rec already purchased this property - is there a plan to develop a park like this there?
Currently, there are no immediate plans to do any further development at Barrett Park.
Ways to Help
Thank you for this amazing work! Echo the question - what can we do to move this forward?
What can the community do to help?
Thank you for your willingness to help. We are looking for community members who are interested in working on a Friends of Parks & Rec Foundation, as well as community members who would like work on helping to secure funding. In addition, we are starting volunteer stewardship opportunities such as work parties and an adopt a park program. Please contact feedback@hoodriverparksandrec..org , let us know your level of interest, and we will connect you with someone who can get you involved.
Thank you for offering this outstanding community presentation. I love the concepts of a natural area occupying a good part of the park. I think I am opposed to an off-leash dog area because of my experience with other off-leash areas. It is certainly likely that the off-leash dog area would spill over into other areas of the park and dogs would be detrimental to wildlife. It is really difficult to put the dogs back on the leash when a portion of the park is off-leash. Very best wishes