Blue Lake Regional Park renovation plan

Nestled near the Columbia River in Fairview, Blue Lake Regional Park has been a beloved landmark for many years. Thanks to the voter-approved 2019 parks and nature bond, Metro has funding to make improvements that will keep the park safe, fun, and welcoming for future generations. We need your help to refine the overall renovation plan for the park. Today we are asking you about the big picture vision. In future open houses, we’ll share proposed plans and ask you to help us prioritize which renovations to build first with the funding we have available. This work builds on past community input.

The Blue Lake Regional Park renovation plan will focus on improving accessibility for all ages and abilities, better pathways and signs in the park, and upgrades for the most popular activities and well-loved areas in the park.

To reach this goal, Metro is focused on meaningful engagement with Black, Indigenous, people of color, people surviving with low-incomes, people with disabilities and other communities who have not benefited equitably from past investments.

And, work has already started! Nuts and bolts projects to replace water lines, update maintenance facilities, and renovate the fishing pier are now underway.

Your feedback is another important part of the plan.

People come to Blue Lake for many reasons. Each section of the online open house explores a different aspect of the park.

At Blue Lake Regional Park there are big opportunities to make habitat better for wildlife and to create new ways to experience nature. Metro is engaging with Tribal governments to make sure their priorities for natural resources protection and restoration are reflected in the plans. We are also engaging with Black, Indigenous and People of Color, people with disabilities and members of other marginalized communities to ensure everyone has opportunities to connect with nature in the park in ways that work for them.

Preserve habitat: protect existing habitat and wetland areas.

Habitat connectivity: ensure animals can get to the park from places nearby, like the Columbia River, and move through different parts of the park easily.

Wetlands: consider converting the seasonally wet lawn area west of Shahala and Clatsop shelters into a seasonal wetland with native plants and walking paths; consider flexibility for large events.

Add habitat, native plants and nature experiences: increase these into the developed areas of the park.

Plant trees: in the park to maintain tree canopy and shade. Consider how mowing can be reduced and trees can be added to large lawn areas that are maintained for parking.

Cherry blossoms: consider future of aging cherry trees.

People want to splash, fish, paddle and swim in Blue Lake. The lake is important for wildlife too! We plan to identify the best places for people to enjoy the water, and places for habitat restoration.

We are prioritizing engagement with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to plan and prioritize safe, welcoming and accessible lake shore improvements that reflect the lived experiences of BIPOC communities, people with disabilities and members of other marginalized communities.

Swimming: maintain swim access at the current swim beach location and explore improved accessibility.

Paddling: consider locations for accessible facilities to support paddle sports like canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Fishing: plan accessible routes from the parking lot to the fishing pier, which is currently being renovated to improve safety and accessibility. Consider places for shoreline fishing.

Boat launch: consider locations to safely launch trailered boats for maintenance, emergencies and special uses.

Views: consider locations to enjoy accessible views of the lake.

Rentals: we have heard from you that you miss the pedal boats. We’ll look into possibilities for future concessions at the park.

Wildlife habitat: (along the lake shore) include places for people to enjoy the lake and areas for wildlife refuge, clearly identify places to set aside for wildlife.

Cost: the first step is to develop an aspirational vision, then we will need to prioritize which renovations to build first with the available funding.

Social events are a central part of Blue Lake - it’s important for people to gather together and be in community in the park. We are looking at ways to improve picnic and event space at the park.

We are prioritizing engagement with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), people with disabilities and members of other marginalized communities to plan for accessible, inclusive, flexible and welcoming gathering spaces in the park.

Picnic shelters: maintain covered picnic shelters in current locations and consider these improvements:

• improve paths and accessibility to shelters, improve amenities – like cooking facilities, counters, sinks, etc.
• make it easier for people to drive up to the shelters to drop off supplies and pack things up.
• add different types of cooking facilities (roasting pit, tandoori oven, etc.)

Picnic areas: consider places for reservable and first come-first served picnic areas and how picnic areas are dispersed throughout the park.

Restrooms: maintain restrooms in current locations.

Four seasons shelter: consider places for winter activities and a new gathering space to accommodate winter events.

Maintain flexible event spaces: to accommodate activities like track and field events, cultural gathering, performances or food carts.

Cost: the first step is to develop an aspirational vision, then we will need to prioritize which renovations to build first with available funding.

Whether you remember Slurpy the garbage eating monster or Old Blue the smoke breathing dragon from years past… play and whimsy have delighted many families at Blue Lake.

We are prioritizing engagement with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), people with disabilities and members of other marginalized communities to plan for play in the park that is fun and welcoming for all park visitors.

Play areas: update playgrounds and play equipment.

• Consider location of play areas in the park.
• Consider swings, slides, spinning and sensory features.
• Consider nature-themed play that is long lasting and easy to maintain, and incorporates some natural elements.

Water play: renovate and expand water play options, like the splash pad, consider sand and water play.

Inclusive and accessible play: prioritize providing these options throughout the park.

Play for all ages and abilities: add variety and play features for multiple age groups, abilities and preferences beyond wheelchair accessibility, design inclusive play areas that consider developmental and cognitive diversity; children with sight or hearing impairment, and caretakers and friends.

Whimsy and playfulness: build this feeling into design elements (like art or interactive elements along paths and trails).

Places to sit: include shady places for taking breaks, and for caretakers, friends and family to sit nearby.

Cost: the first step is to develop an aspirational vision, then we will need to prioritize which renovations to build first with available funding.