Memorial Park Master Plan

The City hired Walker Macy, a Portland-based consulting firm that specializes in park planning, urban design and landscape architecture, to undertake an interactive, multi-stepped process to update the park’s master plan.

The first phase of the project included analysis of the park’s physical characteristics and recreational uses. This phase of the project was followed by the development of a series of alternative concept plans for potential park improvements. The third phase refined the alternatives into a preferred master plan for the park, and the final phase documented the steps for implementation.  

The purpose of the Memorial Park Master Plan update was to advise the City Council and Parks and Recreation Department on how the park is currently functioning and to set the course for the next decade of use. Currently, the park is heavily utilized by the community for both active (organized sports) and passive recreation (walking, biking and hiking).  The master plan update is to guide the future of the park to best meet the community’s current and future needs.

Benefits to the community include:The Memorial Park Master Plan update proposes a mixture of improvements to existing facilities and development of new elements reflecting current demand and anticipating future community recreational needs. Elements of the Master Plan as identified by the community include; improvements to Murase Plaza, upgraded sports fields, additional and improved picnic facilities, improvements to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle access, new parking areas, disc golf, relocation of the off leash area, restoration of natural areas and improved connections to the Willamette River.

•  Rehabilitation of existing infrastructure
•  Enhanced existing amenities or additional amenities added to the site in an effort to satisfy the existing and future demand for recreational services.
•  Access to the Willamette River
•  Updated project list and associated capital costs