The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) is stepping up its game with a cool $1 million Nature in Neighborhoods Capital grant from Metro, earmarked for creating a fresh green space in Jennings Lodge. Per an article from Clackamas County, the NCPRD, in cahoots with the Oregon City School District, is set to give an underused slice of the Jennings Lodge Campus a makeover into a 1.9-acre neighborhood park loaded with amenities.
Details reveal that the layout plans to include a sizable canopy of trees, a lush meadow, a multipurpose lawn, walking paths, and two all-ages, all-abilities playgrounds—a recipe for breathing new life into the community. NCPRD Director Paul Savas gave props to Metro for the support, noting, "This funding will help address a longstanding need for a park in an historically underserved area of the District." These words were echoed in a statement obtained by Clackamas County.
The full price tag for the new park is pegged at $2.5 million, with the remainder of funds still up in the air. Once all the financial pieces fall into place, the park should start taking shape in spring 2026. Those itching to learn more can head over to the project's homepage for the lowdown.
Metro isn’t only playing parks benefactor in Jennings Lodge; it’s tossing Nature in Neighborhoods grants across the Portland area for an array of projects that range from parks overhauls to nature education programs. These grants aim to up the nature quotient in neighborhood nooks, focusing on serving communities that have gotten the short end of the stick historically. The Park at the Jennings Lodge Campus won its spot among the 12 honored projects, a nod to efforts for inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor spaces.
