City of Canby Park and Recreation Master Plan

Chapter 9
Recommendations 

Background

As Canby plans for growth impacts on City parks, goals provide a future vision for how the park system should look. Goals are broad based statements of ideal outcomes. Goals are expressed in general terms to encompass many potential approaches to the future vision of the park system. These potential approaches are projects. There are many different ways that projects can be crafted so that identified goals are met.  

Seventeen goals resulted from this master planning process to guide the City of Canby in its long-term development of park and recreation facilities and services. CPW recommends eight projects to implement the vision for the Canby park system.  CPW tried to provide wide-ranging yet practical recommendations to help Canby plan for its future by focusing on ideas with broad public support. These goals or projects are further subdivided into three main sections:   

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Improvement and Maintenance
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New Acquisition and Development
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Operations

Methodology

CPW refined recommendations by comparing recommendations in the 1997 Parks Master Plan Update with current needs and carrying forward those goals that have not already been addressed. The list of recommendations was further refined through discussions with staff to determine if each of the projects was still applicable or if other projects needed to be added to the list. Public input from the August 2000 Community Forum also helped determine recommendations.  

Improvement and Maintenance Goals and Opportunities

Goals 1 – 5 pertain to the overall improvement and maintenance of Canby’s park and recreation facilities. Specific park and recreation improvements include:

Goal 1:  Improve level of maintenance in current city parks and recreation facilities

A well-maintained park and recreation system reflects positively on the City’s image and promotes respect for public amenities. The 1997 Update captured strong public support for improving and maintaining park and recreation facilities before spending money on significant new facilities. This sentiment is still true today. 
Goal 2:  Move towards standardized park and recreation amenities for ease of maintenance and aesthetics.
While the design of each park and recreation facility should take advantage of unique site characteristics and particular needs, high-quality standardized amenities should be used whenever appropriate. Standardized amenities in Canby’s parks could make maintenance easier and more cost effective, such as the recycled plastic benches used in both

Wait Park and Locust Street Park. Other potentially standardized amenities include garbage receptacles, drinking fountains, picnic tables, lighting, rest rooms, irrigation and some play equipment. The City has made progress on this goal but still strives for standardized equipment wherever appropriate.

Goal 3:  Improve park and recreation signage for identification and direction

Improved park and recreation signage is an easy way to increase awareness, and possibly use, of Canby’s public parks and recreation facilities. Signage should be improved at entrances to Canby’s parks, where they are obscure or in poor condition. Adding directional park and recreation signage along main arterial streets would help direct motorists and pedestrians to Canby’s parks, as well as simply reminding residents of local park and recreation opportunities.

Goal 4:  Improve universal access

Canby’s parks and recreation facilities are meant for the enjoyment of the entire community. While Canby has made considerable progress on this goal, the bathrooms in some parks may still need upgrading to come into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Currently, the Canby Swim Center and Locust Street Park are accessible for persons with disabilities; Wait Park, Maple Street Park, and Canby Community Park are not fully accessible.

Goal 5:  Improve perception of safety in Canby’s parks and recreation facilities

Make necessary safety improvements as needed. Routine police patrols through all of Canby’s parks increase the perception of safety. Increased public use of parks may limit vandalism and increases safety.  

A complete inventory of Canby’s park and recreation facilities can be found in Chapter 3.

Acquisition and Development Goals and Opportunities

Goals 6 through 17 pertain to a future vision of what the Canby park system should look like, based on information in this master plan and public input.  

Goal 6:  Acquire and develop 141.2 additional acres of park and recreation facilities over the next 20 years to meet the community standard of 10 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents.

Projecting a population of 21,000 residents in 20 years shows that additional parkland will be needed in Canby to meet the demand created by incoming residents. Given Canby’s new community standard of 10 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents, 141.2 new acres of parkland and facilities need to be developed over this time frame. 

Goal 7:  Allocate land for neighborhood parks in rapidly developing areas on edges of City.  

As a rapid rate of growth is projected to continue in Canby, new residents will increase the use of current park and recreation facilities, and new housing development will decrease the available land for future parks. Residents living in the southeast area within the urban growth boundary are most underserved by Canby’s current parks (see Figure 8-5). The subdivision ordinance amendment should rectify this problem by requiring a dedication of parkland in new developments. This ensures that new development impacting the park system will simultaneously provide land for parks and recreation.

Goal 8: Use the map generated in the August 2000 Community Forum (Figure 9-1) that identifies Canby Transportation System Plan recommendations and recommended bike and multi-use trails as a conceptual planning tool to identify potential trail connections and linkages (i.e., the “Emerald Necklace” concept) to schools, parks and other recreational sites in the Canby vicinity.  

The Community Forum that took place in August 2000 identified likely routes for trail extensions and connections. When depicted with the Transportation System Plan recommendations, likely trail connections and linkages to schools, parks and other sites emerge as possible future acquisition and improvement projects. This map is advisory in nature and provides a conceptual idea of potential projects; location may vary when specific project planning takes place. 

Figure 9-1. Bicycle and Multi-use Trail Connections (Emerald Necklace Concept)

Goal 9:  Develop bike lanes identified in the Canby Transportation System Plan to connect bicyclists to parks, natural areas and off-road bicycling opportunities like the Logging Road Trail.

Multi-use trail path opportunities are an important recreational resource. The single most common recommendation at the August 2000 Community Forum is to link parks, open space, and other recreational opportunities, like the Logging Road Trail, together via bike lanes and multi-use paths. Not only do multi-use paths create safe, enjoyable places to ride and walk, but they also provide residents with alternative transportation options. Bicycle and pedestrian-friendly pathways may also increase tourism by attracting bicyclists to the Canby area. Adequate provision of bike lanes could allow Canby to become part of county/regional bicycling network, as envisioned in the Molalla River Pathway Plan. Development of multi-use paths should be coordinated with the guidelines of Canby’s Transportation Plan and the Molalla River Pathway Plan, under the auspices of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. A specific recommendation from the August 2000 Community Forum was to develop a bike lane along Maple Street, to and through the Fairgrounds, along 3rd Street to Wait Park and connecting with the Skate Park. Community members felt this route was commonly used by people of all ages and was the most direct connection between developed parks and the fairgrounds.

Goal 10:  Partner with Clackamas County and/or state agencies and private property
owner(s) to connect Eco Park/Logging Road Trail with the Molalla River State Park via a multi use trail.

There was strong input at the August 2000 Community Forum for a connection between these recreation areas. This type of recreation opportunity would further enhance Canby’s park system.

Goal 11:  Develop a hub for Canby in cooperation with Canby Business Revitalization and the Chamber of Commerce.

Wait Park is recognized as a place that is easily accessible and visible for people coming into town. It also has the only public restroom in the area; offers summer concerts; is comfortable and shady; and Wait Park is located in the City center. Pioneer Plaza downtown (which is not technically a park) is recognized as a hub of sorts to connect with trails and parks in the vicinity. Encourage a connection between Wait Park and Pioneer Plaza as recommended in the Canby Downtown Redevelopment Plan.  

Goal 12:  Develop a systematic connection between the Willamette River and Canby.

Community members at the August 2000 Community Forum noted that although there are access points, people either don’t know about them or don’t know how to get to them. The river is a beautiful recreational resource, yet many residents don’t feel there is an easy connection between the built environment and the river for them to take advantage of recreational opportunities. The newly acquired section of the Logging Road Trail and the Willamette Wayside/Fish Eddy protected riparian areas will provide more visible access to the Willamette River for Canby residents.

Operations

CPW subdivided operations recommendations into three policy areas within this category: (1) Special Events and Festivals; (2) Publicity and Outreach; and (3) Coordination and Cooperation.

Special Events/Festivals  
Goal 13:  The City should continue to work with recreation partners and volunteers to program special events or festivals within the Canby area.

Special events and festivals create a sense of community, bringing diverse groups of people together in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Activities in Canby’s parks increase use, thus they increase perceived awareness and safety. There may also be spin-off economic development benefits if activities attract visitors from outside of Canby.

Publicity and Outreach  
Goal 14:  Utilizing recreation partners and volunteers, increase publicity of services and activities offered to the public at the Adult Center, Swim Center and other park and recreation facilities.

It is important for the City to publicize park and recreation activities, provided by the City and cooperative agencies, so the maximum numbers of residents are served. The City could create a monthly brochure or newsletter about the activities and programs in Canby’s parks and recreation facilities. A weekly or monthly “Park Beat” type newspaper column in the Canby Herald promoting park and recreation-related activities may provide a less costly alternative. No revenue is currently budgeted for park and recreation publicity.

Goal 15:  Identify the needs of and better serve the Hispanic community.

Hispanic residents are a significant and growing population in Canby. As with the provision of other public services, efforts should be made to print park and recreation-related information in Spanish and involve members of the Hispanic community in planning and development efforts.
Coordination and Cooperation  

Goal 16:  Continue to work cooperatively with the Blue Heron Recreation District to provide park and recreation facilities and services to Canby-area residents.

The entire Canby area is growing rapidly; growth is not limited to within the Canby City limits. However, the provision of parks and recreation is limited to Canby, as there is no agency providing a broader focus. Currently, residents outside the city limits use Canby’s park and recreation facilities and services for free, while city residents help fund parks and recreation through their tax dollars. Parks and recreation should serve all community members equally.  The City and the Blue Heron Recreation District (BHRD) should work together to create a strategy for the provision of park and recreation opportunities for all area residents.

Goal 17:  Establish a Parks Foundation/funding arm of the Parks Department to encourage private giving to Canby’s park and recreation facilities.

In order to diversify funding options and create community support for park facilities the development of a park foundation or donation program can elicit gifts and bequests to enhance Canby’s ability to fund and improve the park system.  This also creates an opportunity for local residents and businesses to give recognized support to their favorite amenities.

Goal 18:  Continue to partner with Canby Schools and State and local agencies and organizations to restore the wetland and riparian areas in Canby’s Community Park and other protected open space areas to provide high quality wildlife habitat and provide nature-based recreational and educational experiences to the community.

The City obtained a habitat restoration grant from Metro to begin phase I of a wetlands restoration project in Community Park. The Canby School District was also awarded an educational grant for the same site. The City and the School District are partnering on this project and hope to continue to do so on the future phases. Both partners will seek additional community support for this project, and hope to use this partnership as a model for future collaborations.

Table 9-1 summarizes the Canby park and recreation system goals.

 Table 9-1
Recommendations Resulting in Goals

Improvement and Maintenance Goals:

Goal 1:  Improve level of maintenance in current city parks and recreation facilities.

Goal 2:  Move towards standardized park and recreation facilities for ease of maintenance and aesthetics.

Goal 3:  Improve park and recreation signage for identification and direction.

Goal 4:  Improve universal access.

Goal 5:  Improve perception of safety in Canby’s parks and recreation facilities.

New Park and Recreation Development Goals:

Goal 6: Develop 141.2 additional acres of park and recreation facilities over the next 20 years to meet the community standard of 10 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents.

Goal 7: Allocate land for neighborhood parks in rapidly developing areas on edges of city.

Goal 8: Use the map generated in the August 2000 Community Forum (Figure 9-1) that identifies Canby Transportation System Plan recommendations and recommended bike and multi-use trails as a conceptual planning tool to identify potential trail connections and linkages (i.e., the “Emerald Necklace” concept) to schools, parks and other recreational sites in the Canby vicinity.

Goal 9: Develop bike lanes identified in the Canby Transportation System Plan to connect bicyclists to parks, natural areas and off-road bicycling opportunities like the Logging Road Trail.

Goal 10:  Partner with Clackamas County and/or state agencies and private property owner(s) to connect ECO Park/Logging Road Trail with the Molalla River State Park via a multi use trail.

Goal 11: Develop a hub for Canby in cooperation with Canby Business Revitalization and the Chamber of Commerce.

Goal 12: Develop a systematic connection between the Willamette River and Canby.

Operations Goals:

Goal 13: The City should continue to work with recreation partners and volunteers to program special events or festivals within the Canby area.

Goal 14:  Utilizing recreation partners and volunteers, increase publicity of services and activities offered to the public at the Adult Center, Swim Center and other park and recreation facilities.

Goal 15:  Identify needs of and better serve the Hispanic community.

Goal 16:  Continue to work cooperatively with the Blue Heron Recreation District to provide park and recreation facilities and services to Canby-area residents. Explore opportunities to increase community support for park district funding.

Goal 17: Establish a park foundation /funding arm of the Parks Department

Goal 18:  Continue to partner with Canby Schools and State and local agencies and organizations to restore the wetland and riparian areas in Canby’s Community Park and other protected open space areas to provide high quality wildlife habitat and provide nature-based recreational and educational experiences to the community.

Source:  City of Canby and Community Planning Workshop (2000)

Parkland and Recreation Projects

Many of the recommendations from the 1997 Parks Master Plan Update for new park and recreation development were associated with the provision of additional natural areas and trails for walking, jogging and bicycling. This is because community members indicated a strong desire for these recreational amenities in Canby. Since 1997, the City has made considerable progress with these goals by purchasing and improving the Logging Road Trail. These eight projects are critical to the development of the overall park system and also emphasize linkages, as many of the new park and recreation sites connect to each other, with the purpose of ultimately creating a park and recreation system throughout the Canby area.  

Project 1: Develop an Acquisition Plan and policies to be incorporated into the Canby Parks Master Plan.  
This is a project that is of critical importance to the future of Canby’s parkland acquisition and development. This component of the Parks Master Plan relates specifically to Goals 6 through 13 because it provides authority for the City to identify likely areas of acquisition and development in order to satisfy community demand. Population is growing rapidly in Canby and the overall population is expected to be approximately 21,000 people in the next fifteen years.  It is crucial for the City of Canby to plan for the acquisition of parkland in sufficient quantities to satisfy inevitable growth. An acquisition component in the Parks Master Plan allows the City to acquire land as development occurs in order to keep ahead of the demand curve for park and recreational land. The acquisition component ties directly to the ordinance that will specify development regulations and will provide a mechanism for the City to discuss the when, where and how of parkland acquisition. 

Project 2:  Develop Phase II of the Canby Regional Park with multiple sports fields, lighting for nighttime play, and a dual-use parking area.

This former industrial site is a large area good for multiple uses with minimal development of structures, as a portion of it is used for stormwater drainage. The City contracted with Walker Macy to develop a site Master Plan and according to the City, the site must be developed for recreation purposes by 2003. Currently, the skate park is fully developed and located on the site. The property is well suited for grading, filling, and development. Sports fields (soccer, baseball/softball, volleyball, tennis), and lighting for nighttime play are recommended for the site. Its central location near downtown makes it easily accessible and its location adjacent to an industrial area makes it compatible with nighttime use. It is also adjacent to the proposed Molalla River Greenway, which allows for combined parking for both recreational sites. 

Project 3:  Develop the 13th Avenue Park site into a neighborhood park with a variety of activities for area residents of all ages, possibly as part of a proposed recreation complex in partnership with the Canby School District.  

There is a significant need on the south edge of Canby for additional neighborhood parks; the area is growing rapidly and no neighborhood parks currently exist there. Since the Swim Center, Adult Center and Ackerman Middle School provide recreational opportunities nearby, the development of this neighborhood park as part of a larger recreational complex will provide amenities not currently offered. Facilities will provide recreation opportunities for toddlers through adults, such as:  passive park uses (benches, group grill/picnic area); toddler activities (tot lot, wading pool); school-aged children’s activities (play equipment); active recreation for a range of users (tennis courts), and parking. The site is flat and has few constraints, except for its long, narrow shape and lack of nearby parking.
Project 4:  Develop the Eco Park site as a nature park for recreation and nature enjoyment, possibly in conjunction with the newly acquired extension of the Logging Road Trail and nearby Willamette Wayside and Fish Eddy protected riparian areas.  
The Eco Park is a nature park that provides for recreation and nature enjoyment. Trails through its dense forest will provide passive recreation and interpretive opportunities. A small area will be cleared for outdoor classroom activities. The location of the Eco Park is well situated for a variety of users, as it connects to the Logging Road, and is close to the Willamette River and significant new development. Equestrians will also enjoy the multi-use trails to be developed in these areas.  

Project 5:  Acquire, protect, and restore sensitive riparian and wetland areas along the Molalla River, particularly the Canby Utilities property, and create the necessary rights of way to connect Canby Community Park to Knight’s Bridge with a trail system, benches, and river access (the “Molalla River Greenway” concept).

The Canby Utility (CU) property along the Molalla River is one of Canby’s hidden treasures. This serene natural area could ultimately connect Canby Community Park with the Knight’s Bridge Swimming Hole across the river. Development of this property as a passive use “greenway” area with walking trails, benches, and river access is a way to increase the use of Canby Community Park and provide close-to-home recreation in a natural setting for Canby’s residents. This area has an adopted Master Plan and easements are mostly in place between the CU property and Canby Community Park.

Project 6: Construct an additional swimming pool.  Explore site options for new pool location.

The Canby Swim Center is currently at or near maximum capacity. Its highest use is during the summer months when school is out of session. With the addition of another swimming pool, the Canby Swim Center would have a competition pool and a “fun” pool. Adding an outdoor water feature to the adjacent 13th Avenue Park (see Project 2), would allow the City to develop a facility with a variety of water recreation experiences that would encourage greater use and revenue-generating potential than the current Swim Center. Therapeutic aquatic exercise for those with arthritis and other joint conditions represents a potential new source of revenue for the Swim Center if a warm water pool is built.  

Project 7:  Develop currently owned public property designated for parks, recreation and open space and acquire new property as opportunities arise.

City-owned property identified for parkland, such as the Marshall House property (adjacent to Maple Street Park) or property the City should consider acquiring, like remaining portions of the Willow Creek Wetland not currently in public ownership, should be acquired and utilized as opportunities present themselves. Whether as developed parkland or as undeveloped open space for passive recreation, the City should pursue expansion opportunities that would benefit the overall park system.

Project 8:  Investigate additional natural areas and parkland via a Parks Acquisition Plan. 

Canby has a wealth of natural beauty and potential recreational opportunities. It is surrounded on three sides by riparian waterways. On clear days, it has spectacular views of Mt. Hood. Surrounding farmland provide open vistas and a connection to the area’s agricultural roots. The Comprehensive Plan’s Finding No. 8-R in the Environmental Concerns element states that “as the City expands in size and development densities increase, open space is likely to grow in importance and value. The City should therefore take care that quality open space and valuable view sheds are retained for future enjoyment.”  By investigating all opportunities for additional natural areas and parkland, especially along the Willamette and Molalla Rivers, the City will help protect its natural resources as well as alleviate the impact rapid growth could have on Canby’s quality of life.

Table 9-2 lists each of the recommended projects. 

 Table 9-2
Canby Parks Capital Improvement Plan

Project

Canby Park and Recreation Development Projects:

Project 1:  Develop an Acquisition Plan and policies to be incorporated into the Canby Parks Master Plan.

Project 2:  Develop Phase II of the Canby Regional Park with multiple sports fields, lighting for nighttime play, and a dual-use parking area.

Project 3:  Develop the 13th Avenue Park site as a neighborhood park with a variety of activities for area residents of all ages, possibly as part of a proposed recreation complex in partnership with the Canby School District.

Project 4:  Develop the Eco Park site as a nature park for recreation and nature enjoyment, possibly in conjunction with the newly acquired extension of the Logging Road Trail.

Project 5:  Acquire, protect, and restore the Molalla River Greenway on Canby Utilities property connecting Canby Community Park to Knight’s Bridge with a trail system, benches, and river access.

Project 6: Build a new swimming pool.  Explore site options for locating new pool facility.  Explore new programming/revenue options that a second body of water may present.

Project 7:  Develop currently owned public property designated for parks, recreation and open space as opportunities arise.

Project 8:  Investigate additional natural areas, view sheds and parkland via a Parks Acquisition Plan.

Source:  City of Canby and Community Planning Workshop (2000)

Last Update 01/03/2003

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