OAK GROVE, OR — September 9, 2026 — North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) is proud to announce that the Concord Community Center has been selected as a 2026 DeMuro Award winner by Restore Oregon, recognizing the project’s contribution to historic preservation, community impact, and the revitalization of a historic site.

The former Concord School, a historic 1936 building, once sat vacant and faced demolition. A grassroots community advocacy group rallied behind the facility, and in 2015, Restore Oregon named it one of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places. NCPRD took ownership of the property from the school district in 2018, initiating an extensive master planning effort that engaged a community task force and over 1,000 district residents.

The first phase of improvements to the Concord Community Center focused on enhancing safety and accessibility for all community members. The former school building has been thoughtfully renovated into a vibrant community center with a new accessible lobby, restored gymnasium and viewing windows, community lounge, and multipurpose room. Other enhancements include a roof replacement, new heating and cooling systems, and a new accessible elevator and family restroom. The site also features a fully accessible park and the new Oak Lodge Library, providing even more opportunities for community connection.

The DeMuro Awards are presented annually by Restore Oregon to recognize excellence in historic preservation throughout the state. Since 2013, the awards have honored exceptional projects that demonstrate the value of preserving and reusing Oregon’s historic and cultural places. Winners are selected by a jury of professionals in historic preservation and related fields.

Restore Oregon recognized the Concord Community Center project as an example of how historic preservation can strengthen communities through thoughtful reuse, public stewardship, and community investment.

While building improvements were limited based on available funding, NCPRD will continue to explore opportunities to complete additional renovations as funding is available and bring more of the historic building back into use for the community.

Learn more about the Concord Community Center project and the 2026 DeMuro Awards at Restore Oregon.