Swim Park regular, James McGrew, painted this picture of his daughter taking “The Leap” at the popular Lake Grove Swim Park. “I lived here for ten years before I knew about this place,” he admits. But now he and his family find it the perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, enjoying the 4th of July fireworks and…painting. (Check out all of his work on his website).

On a hot summer day, the Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Boulevard in Lake Oswego is the place to be.

Beautiful setting, lifeguards, wading pool, swim lessons, playground, ping pong, shuffleboard, tetherball, badminton, picnic tables, sun, shade, and, as any kid will tell you, a great snack shack round out the reasons why residents head to the park from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. from the first Saturday after LOSD schools close in June through Labor Day.

Listen to what some of the regulars have to say.

I’ve been coming since I was a teenager. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. I like to imagine it’s my own private estate.  – Karen Ifversen

I love it. It’s really well run with lots of lifeguards. You can bring guests and spend the day here. Most of all, my son is happy here. – Toi Deason

It gives my kids a chance to get outside and exercise in a nice atmosphere. –Todd Prager

It’s a great wildlife watching spot. We’ve seen bald eagles, osprey and even a mink.        – Heather Boyd

 My kids love it. They love the water and there are lots of things for them to do with their friends from school who come here too. It’s a good atmosphere. –Shanna Marsh

 It’s really social and fun. A lot of kids my age like to hang out here.  –Talia Dugan (15)

The Lake Grove Swim Park is run by the Lake Oswego School District and is open to residents who live within the boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District according to the original deed spelled out by Oregon Iron & Steel Company. (Check to see if you live within the boundary). While that district is now part of the LOSD, residents within those original boundaries still pay an additional property tax to support the park.

You must have a park pass to enter the park. Passes can be obtained at the park with a picture ID and proof of residency.

Swim lessons are a bargain at $10 for 10 lessons and are open to Lake Oswego school children even if their household falls outside the stipulated boundaries. They run in two week sessions and fill up fast. Pre-registration for the next session is this Friday, July 19 at 11:00 a.m. You must register in person at the swim park on a first come, first served basis. Check out the schedule.

And check out last year’s post on the swim park for more reasons why it’s such a popular spot.

If you’d like to find a home within the Lake Grove Swim Park boundaries, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. My kids grew up at the swim park and I now have two daughters working there as lifeguards so I know what an asset it is to family life. I’d love to help you make your own memories there.