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Blue Lake nature and golf learning center

Planning and conservation  ›  Natural areas, parks and trails  ›  Planning parks and trails  ›  Planning future parks  ›  Blue Lake nature and golf learning center

Learn about Metro's future nature and golf learning center at Blue Lake Regional Park.

Project update

After careful consideration, the Metro Council decided at the Jan. 24, 2010 work session to put the Blue Lake golf and nature learning center on hold now that the project's schematic design is complete. In 2009, Metro staff began the initial design and engineering for a 9-hole golf course, 6-hole pitch and putt, driving range, replacement of the existing Lake House event center, a restoration and integration plan for the existing wetland with high quality habitat and educational components, ground water protection and additional park improvements. The Metro Council continues to support the project and its possible completion in the future, but the current economic climate has required a revaluation of the feasibility of continuing with the project until it is more financially sustainable. This decision does not change the Metro Council's commitment to Blue Lake Regional Park and to maintain and improve the water quality of the lake in partnership with the local community and neighbors at the park.

Project background

On June 11, 2009, the Metro Council gave approval for a $10.6 million dollar budget to complete design, engineering and construction of an environmentally-focused nature and golf learning center at Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview, Ore. The project included a nine-hole family golf course, a six-hole pitch and putt course, a pre-engineered golf and operations building, and a covered driving range. Plans also included replacement of The Lake House event center, restoration of an existing wetland and other improvements to Blue Lake Regional Park.

The project would provide increased revenue for the park and offer visitors new and improved amenities including a fitness trail, wildlife watching opportunities and connections to the nearby 40-Mile Loop Trail.

Protecting water quality

With an environmental management plan including an integrated pest management plan, water quality monitoring and wildlife habitat enhancement, the Blue Lake nature and golf learning center is capable of operating without negatively affecting the ground-water quality. The project hopes to employ a system in which the golf course is watered from the lake and fresh water is pumped into the lake, helping to create a more natural circulation of water. The golf course will be developed and maintained with the highest standard of environmental practices.

Sustainable design concepts

 The nature and golf learning center design maximizes the wildlife habitat and integrates with existing park functions at Metro's Blue Lake Regional Park. Golf course holes are located with respect for the environment and the Native American history in the area. The course is routed to take advantage of river, lake and wetland and contributes to their protection.  

Planned restoration of the wetland located within the property will significantly improve habitat value for songbirds, small mammals, amphibians, dragonflies and other wildlife. Enhancing the natural features of the site also adds visual appeal to the proposed golf course design and a beautiful setting for trail users. The design includes interpretive signs about the plants and animals found in the area.

Need assistance?

Lydia Neill
503-797-1830
lydia.neill@oregonmetro.gov

Related Documents

• Concept designs for the Blue Lake nature and golf learning center 1.1M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published September 3, 2008
• Overview of purposed Blue Lake Regional Park golf and learning center. 4.4M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published June 18, 2009