Labor Day means picnics and barbecues. If you’re looking for a place to set out your spread, Lake Oswego has many parks with picnic tables and even picnic shelters that can be rented out for larger groups.

The following parks offer picnic tables in addition to other amenities.

• George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. Amenities include two baseball/softball fields, soccer field, restrooms, playground, two outdoor tennis courts, and access to the Willamette River spread out over 26 acres.
• Freepons Park, corner of Hemlock and Bickner Streets. Amenities include pathways, wooded areas, playground equipment, open play area and wildlife viewing on 5.9 acres.
• Millennium Plaza Park, 1^st and Evergreen. This is the city’s urban park with a paved plaza, lake views, reflecting pond, restrooms and close access to downtown restaurants if you want to pick up some additions for your picnic (or finish things off with ice cream at Salt & Straw or Lake Oswego Ice Creamery).
• Roehr Park, 350 Oswego Pointe Drive. Amenities include wildlife viewing, river boat access dock, trails and paths and water access for hand carry boats. Rossman Park, 555 Fourth Street
• Pilkington Park, 19043 Pilkington Road. This 3.7 acre neighborhood park offers drop-in play fields, playground area and off-leash area for dogs.
• Rossman Park, 555 Fourth Street. Small neighborhood park with half court basketball, tot lot play area, open lawn.
• Waluga Park East, 15505 Quarry Road. Room to explore with 53 acres of active and natural passive areas. Amenities include two lighted baseball fields and a playground area as well as three barbecues and restrooms.
• West Waluga Park, 15775 Waluga Drive. This neighboring park includes nature trails, open play area, restrooms, youth and tot playground and the adult fitness equipment area called FIT SPOT. There is also a fenced-in dog park located at the back of the park.
• Westlake Park, 14165 Bunick Drive. Release your inner athlete on one of the three lighted baseball/softball fields, two lighted soccer fields, lighted tennis courts or full court basketball court. Also offers a covered playground and restrooms.

You can reserve picnic shelters online at these locations. The fee is $60 for a three hour rental block: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can reserve a maximum of two contiguous time blocks at $60 each. There is a refundable deposit of $25 for up to 50 people or $75 for 50-75.

• George Rogers Park – Upper shelter (maximum 50 people)
• George Rogers Park – Lower shelter (maximum 75 people)
• Rossman Park – maximum 25 people
• Waluga Park – East shelter (maximum 75 people)
• Waluga Park – West shelter (maximum 50 people)
• Westlake Park – maximum 50 people

And now for a Labor Day barbecue recipe.

GRILLED SPARERIBS WITH HONEY BARBECUE SAUCE

RIBS:

7 pounds St. Louis style ribs

Salt and pepper

Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper. Wrap each rack tightly in foil, enclosing completely. Bake on rimmed baking sheets at 325° for two hours. Cool slightly in foil. Drain fat. Can be prepared a day or two ahead of time.

When ready to barbecue, cut each rack between bones. Place on grill and brush with sauce. Grill ribs until brown, about 5 minutes total. (Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit, July 2002).

SAUCE:

¼ cup butter

1medium onion, diced

1 cup ketchup

1/3 cup water

¼ cup honey

2 TB lemon juice

1 TB Worcestershire sauce

¼ tsp ground pepper.

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat; add onion, and sauté 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Stir in ketchup and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 5 minutes. Let cool, then whirl in blender until smooth. Can keep for up to 1 week. (Recipe adapted from Southern Living).

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