Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting 8-13-26

The City of West Linn Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on August 13, 2026, to discuss several community and environmental issues, with a significant focus on the Oppenlander property development and the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation. The board heard community concerns about preserving parkland and mature trees on the Oppenlander site amid ongoing development negotiations, emphasizing the importance of system development charges (SDCs) and potential funding strategies to support park preservation. Additionally, a detailed presentation by Matt Mills from the Oregon Department of Forestry highlighted the urgent need for West Linn to develop and implement a management plan for EAB, including tree inventories, treatment, removal, and replacement strategies. The board agreed to advise the city council to schedule an EAB-focused presentation, prioritize funding and staff resources for tree management, and consider a moratorium on planting ash trees. The meeting also touched on infrastructure concerns related to an ODOT bridge project affecting local properties. The board moved the budget update to October and planned to continue discussions in the next meeting and upcoming city council sessions.