Metro funds land acquisition by City of Tualatin
News release: Jan. 11. 2010
Contact: Laura Odom, 503-797-1879 or laura.odom@oregonmetro.gov
Acquisition is funded by Metro's Natural Areas Program
The City of Tualatin has purchased nearly three-and-a-half acres along the Tualatin River Greenway, using Local Share funds from Metro's Natural Areas Program. The riverfront property is located on Hazelbrook Road, immediately west of Jurgens Park, and includes 235 feet of river frontage. As Washington County's only river, the Tualatin is an important resource to the region and home to an abundance of fish and wildlife, including steelhead and salmon, Western painted turtles and Northern red-legged frogs.
The new acquisition supports the city's goal of creating a future trail along the river. It will be integrated into Jurgens Park, a popular gathering spot in northwest Tualatin. The park - purchased partly with funds from a previous Metro bond measure - offers walking trails, a floating dock on the river, a play area that celebrates Tualatin's agricultural history, sports facilities and a restored wetland.
"We're thrilled at this opportunity to continue protecting a treasured community asset: the Tualatin River," said Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden. "Tualatin residents want to ensure a healthy river for decades to come."
Portland-area voters approved a $227 million natural areas bond measure in 2006, setting aside $44 million for cities, counties and parks providers to carry out local projects.
"It's wonderful to see the City of Tualatin acquiring land along the greenway. This helps realize the vision of a continuous ribbon of green along the Tualatin River," said Metro Councilor Carl Hosticka, who represents District 3. "The bond measure is helping communities across the region invest in their natural environments."
To see a map of the property or learn more about it, visit www.ci.tualatin.or.us.
Metro's Natural Areas Program is designed to safeguard water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat and ensure access to nature for future generations. For more information, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/naturalareas.
Metro, the regional government that serves 1.4 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.