Parks Department

The Parks Maintenance Department is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of five City parks consisting of more than eleven acres, two parks owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) consisting of 3/4 of an acre, and on adopt-a-highway area consisting of approximately 1/3 acre. The Department also oversees park development projects.

The Park Maintenance Department is funded primarily by state revenue sharing and miscellaneous revenue.

The Parks Department is currently staffed by the Public Works Superintendent, Micah Rogers, and two Utility Workers. The Public Works Superintendent is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and the development of the City parks, and for supervising the park maintenance staff. The department can be reached by calling (503) 366-0454, or faxing to (503) 366-2870, and their mailing address is PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018. The City Shop is located at 1755 Second Place.  You can contact Micah directly through our online contact form.

The City has an active Parks Committee, and they meet as needed. Parks Committee Meeting Minutes are available on-line.

PARK DESCRIPTIONS

Harvard Park (0.39 acres): This developed neighborhood park is located on Sixth Street between Calvin and Penn Streets. It currently has playground equipment, an open green area for field games, park benches, picnic tables, drinking fountain and a restroom.

Columbia City Bike Path (5.39 acres): This popular bike path is used by walkers, bicyclists, joggers, and skaters. It extends along the west side of Highway 30, and it is easily accessible from a trail system that leads to the City of St. Helens.

McBride Meadows Trail System (2.09 acres): This trail system extends from the paved City Bike Path at the north end of the City in a westerly direction along the top of the bank along McBride Creek. It is accessible from Mattie Street in two locations - at Tahoma Street and Park Drive.

Jim Bundy Memorial Park (2.86 acres): This park is located at the corner of "E" Street and Highway 30, adjacent to the Columbia City Bike Path. This centrally located park is heavily wooded and easily accessible to travelers. It features a beautiful display of trillium from April through June. The park has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, park benches, walking trails, and restroom.

Datis Park (0.14 acres): This waterfront park is located on The Strand and provides a scenic view of the river activity. The Parks Committee plans to add a fishing dock.

Carolyn King Park (0.06 acres): This viewpoint park provides spectacular views of the Columbia River, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. The park is located at the corner of Ninth and "K" Streets, and has a covered picnic table.

Columbia City Elementary School (1.92 acres): This area is accessible to the public during non-school hours, and includes playground equipment, volleyball area, soccer and softball field, basketball court, picnic tables, and benches with views of the Columbia River. The park is accessible from Second, First and "F" Streets.

Pixie Park (0.31 acres): This waterfront park is privately owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This park is located at the corner of The Strand and "I" Street. This is a popular park for picnics and it provides breathtaking views of Columbia River, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and river traffic and activities. It has a well maintained grassy area for lounging and picnics, picnic tables, and access to the river.

Ruth Rose Richardson Memorial Park (0.46 acres): This private park is also owned by the DAR and is located on "I" Street between First Street and The Strand. This park provides a grassy area for picnics, and benches with spectacular views of the Columbia River, Mt. Adams, and river traffic and activities.

Adopt-a-Highway entrance sign area: The City has partnered with Oregon Department of Transportation to landscape a 1/3 acre area along Highway 30. The site serves as home to a beautifully crafted "Welcome to Columbia City" entrance sign that was designed and built by a local artist.

PRIOR YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

A new "Welcome to Columbia City" sign, designed and constructed by a local artist, was installed along Highway 30. The site was prepared, cleared and landscaped in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). A local volunteer group assisted with a cleanup event in Jim Bundy Memorial Park, working to clear the park of weeds, blackberry bushes, ivy and other unwanted vegetation and woody debris. An annual "Down By the Riverside" cleanup day was conducted and two public waterside areas, Datis and Pixie Parks, were spruced up by a group of volunteers and City staff. The Department continued to assume the routine maintenance responsibilities for the two parks owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution - Ruth Rose Richardson and Pixie Parks.

DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES FOR 2011-12:

To develop detailed master plans for each of the City's parks. Target date: December 2011.

To pursue the acquisition of easements and/or land along the length of McBride Creek, including the Trestle Beach area, for the development of a linear park and beach front park in accordance with City Council Goal No. 3F and the City's Park Master Plan. Target date: Ongoing.

To pursue alternative funding through grants for the acquisition of additional park property. Target date: Ongoing.

To recruit volunteers to assist with park maintenance activities. Target date: Ongoing.