How to Beat the Heat Wave in Lake Oswego

The heat is on! With temperatures in the triple digits for the next couple of days followed by a “cool down” in the 90s, chances are you’ll be looking for a place to cool off.

Luckily, living in Lake Oswego, you don’t have to look too far. All residents have access to the lake at the Lake Oswego Swim Park which fortunately, opens on Thursday!

But there are other options too. Here’s an updated list, reflecting some of the changed protocols due to Covid-19; however, those protocols may change as of June 30 when Governor Brown lifts all Covid-19 health and safety restrictions.  

Stay cool!

Lake Oswego Swim Park. All you need is proof of residency in Lake Oswego to cool off in this lifeguard-supervised swim park which features diving platforms, water sprayers, inner tubes, outdoor showers, and lounge chairs. Park is open 7 days a week from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting) during July and August. At press time there were some safety protocols in place in light of Covid-19 regulations; however, that could change on Wednesday, so check the website for updates. 250 Ridgeway Road, 503.953.9325.

  • 25 person Max Capacity 
  • 2 hour maximum visit
  • 1 visit per day
  • Face Covering REQUIRED for ages 5 and over (not required in water).
  • Children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an individual 16 years or older

Lake Grove Swim Park. 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.

The park is currently open and remains open through the last August weekend before school starts, HOWEVER, due to the forecasted heat index for Sunday, June 27 and Monday, June 28, the swim park will be closed those two days. Keep checking the website for updates.

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. Once inside you can enjoy three roped off swimming areas, lifeguard supervision, playground, picnic tables, shady spots for picknicking and cooling off. The very popular concession stand is being renovated so bring your own snacks. At press time you also needed to bring your own equipment to play badminton tetherball, or basketball as rentals were not being offered. The kiddie wading pool is also under renovation.

While swim lessons have been very popular in the past, they are not being offered this year.

George Rogers Park. Lake water isn’t the only fresh water available for cooling off on a hot summer day. The Willamette River beach at George Rogers Park is a perfect place for both man or woman and his or her dog to get their feet wet. Once you’ve cooled down, enjoy some of the other things the park has to offer including a playground for the kids, outdoor tennis and paddle ball courts, picnic tables and recreational fields.

Foothills Park. The city’s newest riverfront park offers Willamette River views and also access for taking a dip, chilling on a floatie, laying out in the sun, and watching the boaters cruising down the river. The splash pad at Foothills Park has been undergoing repair work but is scheduled to be up and operating by July 2.

Lake Oswego School District Pool. This indoor pool is located on the Lake Oswego High School campus. This summer it is only open for lap swimming to pool pass holders who make reservations online. Daily admission is not currently available, but again, keep checking. 2455 Overlook Drive, 503.534.2330.

Lower Millennium Park Splash Pad. Not really a swimming hole, but the fountain at the base of Millennium Plaza Park on State Street, has been a quick and fun way for little ones to cool off on a hot day. Unfortunately, the splash pad has been undergoing electrical work repair so it is not currently operating — you’ll have to keep checking back. Follow the stairs down from the park. First and Evergreen.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION/COMMUNITY/PRIVATE POOLS. Please note that each of these community pools have established certain protocols during Covid-19; however, after June 30, many if not all may be lifted. So check their websites before heading out.

Bryant Woods. This pool is open to members of the Bryant Woods Homeowners Association from Memorial Day through September annually. Check site for membership boundaries. 18275 Indian Creek Drive, 503.639.2732 (during season)

Greentree Pool. The Greentree Pool is a private neighborhood pool open to residents who live within the Hallinan and Palisades school boundaries. Membership is capped at 150 families. 1773 Greentree Road. 503.303.5285 (during season)

Blue Heron Community Pool. This small outdoor neighborhood pool is open to the Blue Heron Neighborhood Association. Fees go towards pool maintenance and lifeguard supervision. 17791 Blue Heron Drive.

Mountain Park Recreation Center. The aquatics center here features a leisure pool, lap pool and therapeutic spa which are open to members of the Mountain Park Homeowners Association. People living outside the Mountain Park HOA boundaries may pay for a patron membership in order to use the facilities.  2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace. 503.635.3561

Lake Oswego Country Club. The outdoor pool and lanai here are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day for club members. You’ll find private, adult swim, open swim and tier level swimming lesson opportunities. 20 Iron Mountain Blvd., 503.636.3631.

NEARBY PRIVATE POOLS

The Bay Club Portland. Members can enjoy year-round swimming in the indoor junior Olympic lap pool as well as summertime use of the outdoor recreational pool with playful slide. The club offers private and group swim lessons, acqua fitness classes, lap and recreational swimming. 18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd., Tigard, 503.968.4500.

24 Hour Fitness. A three lane indoor lap pool is available for members’ use. 17942 SW McEwan Rd., Tigard, 503.670.0400.

The Stafford Hills Club. Members have access to a six lane, 25 yard saline outdoor pool year-round that is heated to a temperature of 82 degrees. Amenities include recreational and lap swimming, masters, swim club, lessons and water aerobics. 5916 SW Nyberg Lane, Tualatin, 503. 6112.2400

LA Fitness.  Offers a three lane indoor pool with both acqua fitness classes as well as lap swim. 7405 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, 503.404.0126.

As you can see, where you live in Lake Oswego can make a difference in the types of “cooling off” amenities you have access to. If you’re interested in exploring your neighborhood options in Lake Oswego, please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website. I’d love to show you around and explain all the different benefits the different neighborhoods in Lake Oswego offer.

About lovelakeoswego

I feel pretty lucky—I live where I work and I love where I live. As a Realtor in Lake Oswego, I get to share that enthusiasm with clients every day. Through this blog, with the help of my freelance writer wife, Genita, I’d like to share that enthusiasm with you. The quality of life you’ll find in Lake Oswego belies its size—there is so much to experience here from a fireworks show over the lake on the 4th of July to the Festival of the Arts--one of the premier arts events in the region. So please check in each week for another reason why I love Lake Oswego and who knows—maybe you’ll fall in love too! If you’re interested in experiencing Lake Oswego personally, please feel free to contact me either on my cell at (503) 939-9801, via email at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com or check my website by clicking the link in the "Contact me" section in the right-hand column. I would love to show you around.
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