Groundbreaking for Wade Creek Park P3 in Estacada

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Wade Creek Park in Estacada for phase three construction

On Thursday, June 24th, the City of Estacada had a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the construction of Wade Creek Park P3. The ceremony was kicked off by Mayor Drinkwine followed by the Parks Commission, Library Board, funders, and the City Manager, Denise Carey.  

“It is very exciting to finally see the project site break ground,” Landscape Architect and project manager for GreenWorks, Jennifer D’Avanzo said.  

Wade Creek Park P3, designed by GreenWorks and Otak, converts a man-made pond to a flowing stream and creates a community building, trails and boardwalks, a picnic shelter, habitat plantings, pollinator gardens, and an overlook. 

GreenWorks and Otak have been working with the City of Estacada on the visioning plan and construction documents for Wade Creek Park P3 since early 2018. 

GreenWorks Rendering of Wade Creek Park P3 in Estacada, Oregon showing pond conversion into stream

Converting the pond back to a stream will create a more natural pool/riffle habitat and provide for the safe passage of water and debris. It will free up space to create a more diverse landscape and habitat conditions, including oxbow wetlands, riparian uplands, wet meadow and uplands, increasing the diversity of wildlife in the park.  

The park design also incorporates accessible walking trails that lead to the library, overlook, and community center. Activities will serve a variety of users including bird watchers utilizing the overlook or inside the library and people reading on a bench or under the shade structure, watching a movie or a play at the amphitheater/community center, and those getting exercise along the trails or using the exercise equipment located along the trails. 

“This is a great benefit not just to the park area and the library, but to our community, so it's exciting to see it happen," The Portland Tribune quoted Estacada Parks and Recreation Commissioner Brent Dodrill saying that day. 

“The city is seeking funds from a variety of sources, including public, private, and philanthropic organizations, to pay for the construction of P3, and is active in the process of submitting grant applications and talking with possible donors.” The City of Estacada said on their website. Contribute to the effort here.  

The Grand Opening for the park is slated to be spring/summer of 2022.