City Procures $1.1 Million in Grants to Fund Playground Replacement at Lower Memorial Park
August 12, 2024 — The City of Wilsonville’s Parks and Recreation Department has secured two new grants, totaling $1.1 million, that entirely fund the cost of an upcoming project to replace playground equipment at lower Memorial Park.
Both grants — $550,000 each from both the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) — are programs administered by Oregon State Parks.
“Successfully procuring these grants allow us to deliver fresh, new amenities at Wilsonville’s signature park to increase its value to the estimated 600,000-plus residents and guests who visit each year,” said Kris Ammerman, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The primary playground (near the tennis courts) and the swing bay (near the volleyball court) are both being replaced with new, upgraded equipment. Construction expected to take place next summer.
Prior to construction, the City will seek public input on a park design from park users and residents. After a contractor is selected by the City, three preliminary park designs will be presented for review. Community members will be able to share their preferences on structure design, play components, themes and colors.
“As with all of our new park assets, we’ll seek fun, safe components, and a universal design that provides opportunities for children of diverse abilities,” said Parks Supervisor Dustin Schull. “We can’t wait to get started on the project.”
With grant funding secured, the Memorial Park play equipment project is to become the latest in a series of significant recent investments by the City to provide the community with new and diverse park amenities.
These include (*funded in part with grant funding):
- Nature Play Area at Memorial Park *
- StoryWalk at Villebois *
- New Play Equipment at Sofia Park
- New Play Equipment at Boones Ferry Park
- New, single user restrooms at Boones Ferry Park and Memorial Park *
- Upgraded trail connections in Boones Ferry Park and the Park at Merryfield *
The City’s most recent National Community Survey indicates high satisfaction among residents with the City’s park system. Among participants surveyed, 91% rated the City’s parks ‘excellent’ or good; 92% responded favorably when assessing the overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities.
“We believe great parks make great communities,” Schull said. “Kids who have access to parks have a great head start toward establishing active, healthy lifestyles.”
For more information on the City's Parks & Recreation programs, visit wilsonvilleparksandrec.com.
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