My wife and I recently returned from three weeks traveling to some of Europe’s most beloved cities including Lisbon, Seville and Rome. We were not alone. The summer crush was on and we considered people-watching as much an activity as sightseeing.

What we saw were people enjoying the exploration of a new place and being sure to document it. The lineup of selfie-takers at the Trevi Fountain never let up from sunrise to sundown.

And we found ourselves asking, what makes a city great? Of course these cities have history and amazing food but what else is at work that serves almost as a magnet to draw visitors as well as residents in.

According to urban planner Alex Garvin, it’s “the public realm—streets, squares, parks.” In other words, the spaces that belong to all of us.

Which made us think of Lake Oswego.

We certainly don’t have the size or the history of a European city but we do have 645 acres of Parks properties at over 36 different sites. And we have Millennium Plaza Square which is anchored by the Fortuna sculpture/fountain as well as the one located down the steps on State Street and is the site of a wide variety of programming from the Farmers’ Market to concerts to outdoor movies to Christmas tree lighting.

Garvin goes on to explain the six steps to create these amazing spaces that make a city great.

1. They need to be open to anyone. Just take a look at the cross-section of people who gather at the summer Farmers’ Market and you’ll see we meet that criterion.
2. They need to have something for everyone. From Santa visits in December to moonlight concerts in the summer, the age range is covered.
3. They need to attract and maintain demand. Every year the reserved spots for the horse-drawn carriage rides leaving from Millennium Plaza sell out. The Star Spangled Celebration on the 4^th of July draws crowds in to enjoy musical entertainment, a pie-eating contest and more. If the City of Lake Oswego plans it, they will come.
4. They need a framework for urbanization, to allow for surrounding development. Lakeview Village with its restaurants and shops gives visitors another reason to explore. And the North Anchor Project will be another extension of the life Millennium Plaza breathes into our city. Admittedly with A Avenue running right through this urban core, the walkability that European centers offer cannot be replicated; however, the City has a vision for doing the best with how the city is laid out.
5. They need to be a sustainable, living environment. Thanks to our wonderful Parks and Recreation staff and maintenance crew, the park is well-maintained and inviting to all who visit.
6. They need to nurture a civil society. By bringing people together, the park does just that as well as with the programming it provides like the recent Juneteenth celebration and the upcoming Cultural Xchange Festival in September.

Lake Oswego is a great place to live. Take it from us. We’ve lived and worked here for over 30 years and would love to help you call Lake Oswego home. Please reach out.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 971.322.6205