Astoria Parks Board Meeting - March 25, 2026

This meeting of the Astoria Parks Board on March 25, 2026 included updates on the Parks Master Plan, board member reports on community concerns, staff recognition, and future events. The board heard no public comments and approved the previous meeting's minutes unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes as written was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously with all members in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received in person, online, or via email.

What Do You Hear? – Board Member Reports

• Parking Lot Development at Baseball Field (Marine): Board member expressed concerns about safety for children using the baseball field and loss of parking if the adjacent lot (near the custom house) is developed. An RFP for development is out; the school district owns the field, the lot is city property. Superintendent and city manager are in discussion.
• Pickleball at the Armory: Board member reported strong community use of pickleball at the armory and concern about availability next winter. The member noted that some users are open to revenue-generating measures (e.g., selling signage) to keep the space for pickleball. Staff confirmed there is no current plan to discontinue pickleball and that pickleball comments have been added to the master plan online.
• New Restrooms at Fred Lindstrom Park: Board member praised the new bathrooms, noting heavy use and appreciation, especially during spring break.

Employee and Volunteer Recognition

• Employee of the Month: Seth Adams, lead front desk clerk, recognized for reliability, positive attitude, and excellent patron service. A social media post will be made to celebrate.
• No volunteers were recognized this period.

Astoria Community Foundation Updates

• Board member reported being out of town during the foundation's last meeting, but noted “run on the river” preparations are progressing. Volunteers are still needed; the website is now functional for sign-ups.

Discussion Items: Parks Master Plan Update

• Ian from McKenzie presented the draft recommendations from the master plan process, which is scheduled to wrap up in two months. The final open house (#4) will be on April 18 at the library from 1–3 PM, presenting the draft plan and implementation strategy.
• Open House #3 (March 7): About 20 people attended in person; online survey (March 7–18) received over 600 responses.
• Draft Recommendations were grouped into three categories:
  • Operations & Maintenance: Improve communications/marketing (website), increase lighting, continue coordinating with police on illegal camping and waste, prioritize maintenance of existing facilities, replace aging playgrounds with accessible equipment, regularly evaluate fees, expand aquatic center hours, update trails plan, develop wayfinding, improve level of service in geographic areas (e.g., Emerald Heights).
  • Capital Projects: Expand the aquatic center (flexible indoor recreation space), add public restrooms at Fred Lindstrom Park and 9th Street riverwalk, develop Heritage Square, establish a dog park (potential site at Tapiola Park, ~1 acre), complete lighting along the riverwalk, and upgrade sport areas (e.g., covered basketball court at Tapiola).
  • Programming: Increase events (movies in the park, festivals, fun runs), youth programs (swimming lessons, athletics), and adult programs (collaborations with community college).
• Q&A and Board Discussion:
  • A board member asked about including achievements from the 2016 master plan; Ian confirmed Chapter 1 will cover that.
  • Mountain biking trails: A question arose about survey questions on mountain biking. Ian clarified that the draft recommendation is to update the 2013 Trails Master Plan, which could evaluate mountain bike trails; an informal trail network exists around Pipeline Road and Cathedral Tree Trail. Board members noted ongoing volunteer trail building (some illegal) and expressed both caution and excitement about legitimizing those trails.
  • Dog park: Discussion acknowledged the polarizing nature of the issue, with some members supportive, neutral, or concerned about location. Board noted that a previous effort fizzled due to controversy over location. The recommendation is to fence an acre at Tapiola Park and explore other locations.
  • Aquatic center expansion: A board member requested specific renderings; Ian noted there is a rough floor plan from a 2023/2024 feasibility study by Scott Edwards Architects, which the master plan will reference.

Staff Reports and Upcoming Events

• Pickleball Courts: Staff reported that the school district and city are in conversation about the parking lot at the baseball field. The field is school-owned; the parking lot is city property. Concerns about children's safety are being discussed.
• Upcoming Meetings: Next meeting on April 22, 2026; following meeting on May 27, 2026 (just before Run on the River).
• Astoria Column Centennial: The board noted the 100-year celebration of the Astoria Column (a city park managed by Friends of the Column). Special events are planned, including a prom at the column. Jewelry featuring mini columns is available from Holly McCone.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous.
• Master Plan Update: Received and discussed; no formal vote. The draft will be presented at the April 18 open house; final plan to be delivered to city council for adoption.
• Meeting Adjourned: 7:22 AM.