Concord Property Project

Project Background

In March 2018, NCPRD took ownership of Concord Elementary School in Oak Grove as part of a Strategic Partnership with North Clackamas School District. The Concord School was acquired to revitalize the vacant building and surrounding open space for public use, and to bring new amenities and recreational opportunities to residents in Oak Lodge and throughout the District.

With input from over 1,300 community members, and in coordination with Clackamas County and consultants, the Master Plan was developed in 2019-2020 for the Concord Property and its future use. The NCPRD Board and Board of County Commissioners adopted the Master Plan in January 2021. The site will be the location of a new park and community center, and the New Oak Lodge Library. 

Park

The final design for the new park at the Concord Property is complete, and was informed by a robust community input process. NCPRD is moving forward with construction, which is expected to be completed in fall 2025. Park features include a nature-based playground, a multi-use playfield, picnic areas, walking paths, benches, a plaza for programming, and an interactive splash pad.

The playground design takes nature-inspired and imaginative play elements, such as balance logs and boulder scrambles, and integrates accessible recreation features throughout, including ADA pathways, rubber tile surfacing, two-level tower and bridge with ramps, roller slide, nest swings, inclusive spinners, and a variety of sensory play features.

Community Center

The school building is being preserved for public use as a community center. NCPRD is designing important upgrades to the building for safety and accessibility, including a new roof, HVAC system, and ADA compliance upgrades. Already serving the community, NCPRD is currently using the facility in a limited capacity for youth and adult recreational programs. Future facility enhancements and upgrades, as proposed in the Master Plan, will require additional funding, such as a general obligation bond.

Oak Lodge Library

The new Oak Lodge Library, operated by Clackamas County, will be located at the Concord Property as a separate building adjacent to the historic school building. The library building is in the process of being designed, and construction has not yet been scheduled. Learn more. 

Funding

The park project and facility enhancements are funded by the NCPRD General Fund and System Development Charges, with additional support from Local Share funds and grants. The awarded grants for the nature-based playground include $1.2 million in Local Share funds from Metro and $500,373 from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 2023 Local Government Grant Program.

Task Force

The Concord Property and Library Task Force worked with county staff and advised the Board of County Commissioners and NCPRD Board on the creation of a Master Plan for the uses of the Concord Property, including the park, community center, and library. Task force members are community residents with an interest or expertise in historic preservation, parks, sports, libraries, and other relevant topics. See past meetings and minutes.