THE WEATHER. I’ve always said that schools in Lake Oswego shouldn’t start until October 1 because we have some of our best weather in September. Typically the average high temperature drops about 9-10 degrees over the course of the month from 81 down to 77, but not below 61. Sounds pretty good to me which is why you want to plan to be outside taking it all in as much as you can. Read my previous blog about walks in Lake Oswego and get out and take one!
BARKS IN THE PARK. They say every dog has his day and in Lake Oswego that day is Thursday, September 9. The City of Lake Oswego is putting on a party for your favorite pooch complete with agility course, costume contest and pet-friendly vendors that might throw a few treats his or her way. The DJ-provided music should appeal to the canines as well as their owners. Thursday, September 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hazelia Dog Park, 17800 SW Stafford Road.
CITY HALL RIBBON CUTTING. We’ve all watched it go up. Now’s the time to celebrate it and take a look inside. The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, September 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the ribbon cutting set for around 6:00 p.m. Activities include tours, music, atrium art sale, art display, booktique sale, games, interactive city trucks display, food trucks and free ice cream. 380 A Avenue.
FLORAL DESIGN AND WINE. Zupan’s is offering another of its popular floral arrangement workshops. This time the inspiration is being taken from Starburst color scheme and will feature local dahlias and roses. Cheese and charcuterie and wine are included as well as materials in the $125 fee. Reserve your spot online. 16380 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.210.4190.
GALLERY WITHOUT WALLS. While Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls isn’t new, 12 new pieces have been added to the 2021-2023 rotating collection and by September they should all be installed and ready to view! If you’ve driven around town, you may have already spotted some of them, and I can tell you, I’m already a big fan! You can download a map of where to find the new pieces here. Take a walking tour and enjoy some of that September weather I talked about earlier before it leaves us!
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With temperatures in the triple digits recently, Lake Oswego has certainly been heating up. And as I’ve pointed out here before, so has the housing market.
As of July, 2021, the average sales price in Lake Oswego for detached dwellings is up 23% in comparison to the 2020 average sales price—$1,213,316 vs. $963,217 respectively.*
The same holds true for condos and attached dwellings where the average sales price in Lake Oswego is up 20.3% at $442,661.
Other indicators that show the market is still a robust one include:
•Months of inventory: 1 month compared to 3.2. in 2020, 4.5 in 2019. This refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales conditions. MOI for condos is also 1 month.
•Days on the Market: 14 compared to 38 in 2020, 49 in 2019. This refers to the number of days from the date a property is listed in the multiple-listing service to the date when a contract is signed on the property by the buyer and seller. DOM for condos is 15 days.
That is the story the numbers tell you. Let me add to that with the perspective I have being on the ground as a Lake Oswego Realtor.
The market is still hot; however, I do see things flattening out a bit as the market tries to catch its breath. Here are the things I’m seeing that suggest that:
•Occasional price drops on homes
•Sales taking a little bit longer
•Fewer buyers per listing are writing offers
•People are sitting on the sidelines waiting
•There is more wriggle room for negotiation when it comes to closing the deal
If you’d like to sit down and talk about how the Lake Oswego housing market affects you either as a buyer or seller, I’d love to take the time to meet with you and do just that. Feel free to call me at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website.
*These figures come from data provided by the RMLS.
Schools start up again in Lake Oswego August 30 which means there are 15 more days to enjoy the “lazy hazy crazy days of summer.”
Here are some suggestions:
SWIM PARK. Afternoons spent at the Lake Grove Swim Park are some of my kids’ happiest summer memories. If you live within the original Lake Grove School District boundaries, you are eligible for a park pass. If you don’t, another option is the Lake Oswego Swim Park on the other end of the lake which is open to all Lake Oswego residents. Both parks have lifeguards on duty so take advantage of this opportunity to cool off in the lake and relax. Both parks close once school starts, so this is definitely a summer bucket list item that needs to get checked off!
PICNIC BREAKFAST. This is a great idea to maximize your waning summer days by getting an early start (especially if you have early risers). They may think a picnic is ho-hum for dinner, but breakfast? Now you’ve retooled a picnic into something cool. And if you pick up some donuts at one of Lake Oswego’s newest bakeries, Fills, I’m sure you won’t get any complaints. While you’re in the Lake Grove neighborhood, you can grab a coffee at Café Marzocca next to Riccardo’s (watch for Ovation Coffee opening soon in Mercato Grove) and something yummy at Babica Hen or La Provence. West Waluga Park would make a perfect destination with covered picnic shelter, playground, nature paths, dog park and even adult fitness equipment (for working off those donuts!)
REDO DAY. This one might take a little planning but have everyone submit their favorite memories from this summer and then see how many of them you can incorporate into one day. Maybe stipulate it has to be memories created in and around Lake Oswego to keep it feasible. Who knows? You could end up at the swim park again with this one! If it was my family, we probably would.
LAST CHANCE DAY. Instead of repeating things you’ve already done, here’s everyone’s chance to cast their vote for doing something they haven’t had a chance to do yet this summer. Maybe you’ve been meaning to try one of those smoothies from Lola’s Café Bar or one of their innovative cocktails like the Carrot Ginger Margarita or the Blueberry Superfood Mojito. Or you haven’t gotten around yet to checking out the new lower soft trail at Iron Mountain Park that intersects with the Iron Mountain/Springbrook Park Loop. The time for procrastinating is gone—just do it!
BARNYARD BOLT. What better way to spend the last weekend of summer getting sweaty, dirty, wet and silly with your family?! Maneuver through an obstacle course complete with sprinkler splashes, bubbles and other challenges. Saturday, August 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $18/person. Register online under your preferred staggered start time for #23227.
House hunting can also be a fun way to see the summer out and I’m happy to oblige by showing you and your family around. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website.
With the warm summer we’ve had in Lake Oswego, home buyers are very interested in looking at homes with easement rights.
Question: What are easement rights?
Answer: There are approximately 3000 homes in Lake Oswego whose properties come with deeded access to the lake when they join one of 20 lakefront easements for boating and recreational use of Oswego Lake. As the Lake Corporation explains, “Each easement is governed by its own individual set of by-laws and has its own volunteer board of directors. Facilities and rate structures vary from easement to easement.”
Question: How do I know if the home I’m buying has easement rights?
Answer: You can enter your street number address on the Lake Corporation website to determine easement eligibility on the lake. In many cases, one address might be deeded access to more than one easement. You can also refer to our Easement Map on the Easement Page of the website for a general idea. However, to confirm access you must call the LOC office at 503 636-1422. They have a database of properties with deeded rights.
Question: How do I join an easement?
Answer: Do your research and decide which easement you are (a) eligible to join and (b) want to join. Then contact one of the easement officers whose contact information is listed on the individual easement pages. You will need to complete an easement application and pay their dues which vary from easement to easement. You’ll also need to register with the Lake Oswego Corporation by filling out the Registration for Lake User and email to info@lakecorp.com. You will then receive an email to pay your fees online. Current Lake Oswego Corporation fees for easement members are: $195 for swim only membership; $1,338 for power boat; $1,128 shared power boat payable by each member.
Question: What are the fees to join an easement?
Answer: Fees vary significantly from one easement to the next so it pays to do your research. Most charge an initiation fee which can range from $3,500 for Springbrook to $200 for the Lakewood Yacht Club. In addition, there are annual dues in most cases and then separate fees for each amenity
Question: So, once I join an easement can I put my boat in the lake?
Answer: It all depends on which easement you join and the availability of boat slips. Some easements like Maple Circle do not have any slips for power boats. Others like the Goodin easement have 9 slips but there is a waiting list of 44 right now. So, when researching which easement to join, if you have a choice, you want to find out how many slips are available and how long the waiting list is. Also, if the homeowner you’re buying a house from currently has a boat in a boat slip, he or she cannot transfer that slip to you. Upon the sale, that slip will become available to the next person on the easement’s waiting list. You’ll have to wait your place in line for the next available slip.
Another option while you’re waiting is to launch your boat for the day from the Lake Corporation marina. There is no additional fee (after paying your association and Lake Corporation dues); however, you do need to schedule an appointment in advance for putting the boat in and taking it out.
There are also boat slips at the LO Landing located in the two-story office building next to the LOC marina; however, their waiting list is 15-20 years out with 165 names ahead of you. You can reach them at 503 545-8870 or lo500@comcast.net.
Question: What about canoes and/or paddle boards?
Answer: Again, it depends. The Uplands easement, for example has 74 spots for canoes and paddle boards with a waiting list of only 2 right now. And storing you canoe or board at an easement comes with a fee in most cases. At Uplands, the fee is $150 per year.
If you have any more questions about buying a home with an easement in Lake Oswego, please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check my website. I’d love to answer any questions you have about buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego. I’ve lived here for over 30 years and have been a Realtor for just as long so let me share everything I’ve learned about this beautiful city with you. I look forward to hearing from you!
This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Ranch home is currently for sale in the desirable Lake Haven neighborhood and features popular Ranch attributes like easy one-level living, open floor plan, and views and access to spacious outdoor living. An added bonus here in Lake Oswego is that this home has deeded access to two swim and boat easements on Oswego Lake. Call me at 503.939.9801 if you’d like to see it and/or check out my listing at http://www.kevincostello.hasson.com/search/Listing_Agent/kevincostello.
Home exteriors vary in size, shape, architectural lines and materials but have you ever wondered why? Is it just aesthetic or is there more to it?
I’d like to introduce you to some of the architectural styles of homes you’ll find in Lake Oswego periodically on this blog and give you a little of the why behind the what.
Believe it or not, the Ranch style home was considered a radical move away from the styles of homes that existed prior to its debut in 1932 by a San Diego self-taught architect, Cliff May.
It was one level, for starters. Gone were the turrets of a Victorian, dormers of a Cape Cod, columns of a colonial, and covered porches of a craftsman. Instead the emphasis was away from any pretentiousness and towards more casual living in a single-story style that also worked best for battling Southwestern heat.
The design typically lent itself to blending outdoor and indoor living and often featured a large picture window in the front which was as much for looking out as it was for allowing passersby to look in at holiday decorations and displays. Sliding glass doors in the back made the transition to the outside easy and inviting.
Notice how all the windows in this Ranch home bring the outside in.
Given the straightforward design, the lower cost of construction made it attractive to builders and homebuyers liked how easy it was to build on the simple lines to customize their particular home. As a result, Ranch became the style of choice after World War II as returning soldiers moved to the suburbs and settled down with their families. In fact, by the 1950s, nine out of every ten new homes built in America were Ranch style.
Other characteristics that you’ll find in a Ranch home include an attached garage, open concept floorplan, and often a finished basement. Currently there are six Ranch style homes for sale in Lake Oswego and six pending sales. You will find them dotted throughout the city in different neighborhoods.
A home’s style is just one of the considerations buyers must weigh when looking for a place to live, but it is one that often “speaks” to a buyer on a feeling/intuitive level. A buyer may not be able to put his or her finger on why a particular house “feels” right but the style and the reasoning behind it may help explain it.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Lake Oswego, please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website and my listings. You’ll find I’m able to point out the dollars and cents advantages of a particular home as well as understanding the more nuanced aspects of a home that make it right for each buyer. I’d love to help you find the home that is your perfect fit.
It’s easy to love Lake Oswego 365 days a year, but here are 7 reasons we love Lake Oswego in August.
LAKEWOOD CENTER SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES. The Lakewood Center has found another use for the Pavilion Tent that houses artists for the Festival of the Arts. This summer it is hosting concerts featuring a variety of genres every Sunday evening starting at 7:00 p.m. Capacity is limited to 175 so be sure to buy your $20 tickets early.
August 1: Andrew Paul Woodworth
August 7: The Essence of Bacharach
August 14: PIN and the HORN-ITS
August 21: TV Tunes and Tales: Favorite TV Theme Songs and Stories Behind Them
August 27 and 28: Goodtime Charley – Concert version of the Broadway Musical
MOVIES IN THE PARK. I’ve extolled the virtues of summer evenings in Lake Oswego on the blog many times. Add a movie in the park and a good thing just gets better. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department has brought back this popular offering this summer with two movies in two locations. While the events are free, attendees must register online for contact tracing purposes and groups are limited in size to six people. Blankets, pillows and sand chairs are encouraged.
Moana. Tuesday, August 10, beginning at 8:45 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st street. Seating opens at 7:00 p.m. Register online for #22965.
The Croods: A New Age. Tuesday, August 17, beginning at 8:45 p.m. at Westlake Park, 14165 Bunick Drive. Seating opens at 7:00 p.m. Register online for #22966.
DRIVE-IN CONCERT FEATURING CJ MICKENS & HIT MACHINE. Load up the car and take the family to what promises to be a foot stomping, hand clapping, arm waving affair at Luscher Farm. Cost is $40 per parking space with a limit of six people to a car. Staggered load-in begins at 5:15 based on the vehicle size with the concert starting at 6:30 p.m. Register online. for “Drive-in Concert.”
LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. This popular Dinner in the Breezeway at our Lake Oswego Zupan’s usually sells out but hopefully with two offerings you have a better chance of getting a spot. Seating is at banquet style tables with a reception at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. August 7 features Tattinger Wines and August 21 features Roderer wines. Tickets are $150/person. Register online. 16380 Boones Ferry Road, 503.210.4190.
RAISE THE ROOF FUNDRAISER FOR LAKE OSWEGO HUNT. Calling all horse lovers! The Lake Oswego Hunt is hosting an afternoon of equestrian exhibits, live music, food and wine to raise funds to complete the roof restoration project over the historic indoor riding arena. Your $50 admission ticket gets you a complimentary adult beverage, a commemorative wine glass, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, Champagne Relay viewing and live music. There will be a kids’ game area for children at $20 admission price. Wear your Kentucky Derby finest or cowboy casual, whichever you prefer. Saturday, August 14 from 1:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. 2725 SW Iron Mountain Blvd., 503.636.0674.
WESTLAKE PARK SUMMER CONCERT. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department added two traditional summer concerts back into the summer schedule now that Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. The last one will be held Wednesday, August 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park featuring Stone in Love. No registration is required, just come and enjoy the fun!
BARNYARD BOLT. Plan an afternoon of fun with your family at this active, laugh-filled event. Maneuver through an obstacle course complete with sprinkler splashes, bubbles and other challenges. Saturday, August 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Early bird registration through July 31: $15/person; $18/person after August 1. Register online under your preferred staggered start time for #23227.
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Considering that surprises intensify our emotions 400%, it’s fair to say that surprises are not for the faint of heart. Especially when you are buying a home, which can be an emotional experience to begin with, you don’t want the experience to be hijacked by a surprise.
With homes selling for more than their appraised value, some home buyers may find themselves surprised by what is called “the appraisal gap.” That’s the discrepancy that occurs when a buyer’s accepted offer for a home is higher than its appraised value.
In a balanced housing market, appraisal gaps like these are often negotiated with the seller agreeing to sell for the appraised value instead of the higher offer; seller and buyer meeting somewhere in the middle; or the buyer walking away from the property.
In the recent seller’s market, resolving appraisal gaps has fallen into the pocketbooks of the buyers who must be willing and able to make up the difference between the appraised value and their offer by bringing more cash to the table.
Let’s take an example. Say a house listed at $700,000 brings in multiple offers with the accepted offer going to the buyer who has offered $750,000. Unless the buyer has been made aware of current market conditions, he or she may assume that by putting down 20% or $150,000 as a down payment, the bank will loan them the other 80% or $600,000. What’s happening quite often in today’s market is that bank appraisals are coming in lower than the sales price, so in this example, the house is appraised at $700,000 which means the bank will only loan 80% of that value or $560,000. That leaves an appraisal gap of $40,000. So instead of just bringing in $150,000 cash to close the deal, the buyer must bring in $190,000.
Buyers need to be prepared for this type of “surprise” these days, and if you are working with an experienced Realtor, most likely you will be. That’s why it’s often wise in this kind of market to be looking at homes below your budget so you have some cushion of cash to bridge these appraisal gaps should they come up.
It also explains why all cash offers often win out in a bidding war. For the seller, there is less risk of the deal falling through should the house not appraise for the sales price.
Buyers may think that by “waiving the appraisal,” they can strengthen their offer in the eyes of the seller—one less hoop to jump through. However, sales contracts state that both the buyer and the property have to qualify for the purchase and if a bank won’t loan the amount that a buyer needs, then the buyer does not qualify and can walk away from the sale because he doesn’t have the cash. An educated seller, working with a professional Realtor, will understand this and will view all offers through this type of lens.
The moral of the story? In today’s Lake Oswego real estate market, you need to have realistic expectations of how much cash you may need to come up with to close a deal. Working with an experienced Realtor will help ensure that the only “surprises” you’ll have when buying a house will be pleasant ones.
I’d love to be that experienced Realtor to work with you in helping you buy or sell your home in Lake Oswego. Please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check my website.
LAKE PRINTS FOR SALE
If you’re a lake lover like those of us in our family (or dreaming of becoming one someday), I wanted to introduce you to the lake prints my wife and daughter are selling on Etsy under their shop name, heartspun printables. These are instant downloads so once you purchase them, you receive jpeg files in your inbox which you can print at home or at your local printer. They come in a variety of sizes and colors so be sure to check them out!
I’ve lived in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and been a Realtor here for just as long. And yet, this past year, after exploring Lake Oswego on foot during my daily walks, I’ve discovered things about it that I never knew before.
We have a winery right in Lake Oswego. Monte Ferro Winery is located at 2240 Prestwick Road and was a sight for winded eyes the first time we hiked the Iron Mountain Trail and emptied out on Glen Eagles Road before continuing uphill to Prestwick. Lovely rows of vineyard line the front of the sloping estate; however, not enough to produce the less than 500 cases they bottle each year. For that, they source fruit from select vineyards that are salmon safe and follow low impact viticultural practices such as Stoller, Dion, Bradley and Westbrook. Resident winemakers, Bob and Mignon Ervin offer wine tastings by appointment: 503.803.9180 or reserving on OpenTable.
Lake Oswegans love hellebores. Don’t feel bad if you don’t know what they are. Neither did I until my wife and I kept spotting so many of them in gardens all around Lake Oswego that we looked them up. Seems after our sometimes-too-long winters, Lake Oswegans love the hint of spring these perennials bring to their yards. The five petal bowl-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors with the most popular being white, green and a reddish-purple, almost black.
Owls like to hang out in the Beth Ryan Nature Reserve. The other day while my wife and I were walking through the Beth Ryan Nature Reserve, I spotted one owl flying off in the distance before finding another perched on a tree branch right in front of us. A woman who lives in the area passed us by and explained that you can hear them hooting at night when they’re around. Seems they had been traveling for a while but have returned to one of their favorite spots. The entrance to the nature reserve is at 1909 Summit Drive.
There is a great lookout located at the Prosser Mine Sitealong the Iron Mountain Trail just between Glen Eagles Road and the fork in the trail about 300 yards down. There are interpretive signs at the mine, shining some light on the mining that took place there back in the late 1800s. And across the way is platform that looks out over the Oswego Hunt and much of Lake Oswego. It’s a welcome reward for hikers who venture to the top of Iron Mountain.
Walking around Lake Oswego never gets boring. Since the pandemic hit, my wife and I have walked at least 3-5 miles every day, usually starting from our home and venturing out to a different route each day. In spite of that repetition, it seems we are able to find new things to keep our walks fresh and interesting. Whether it’s the changing landscapes from the spring daffodils and camellias to summer’s hydrangeas and impatiens or the alternating seasonal displays from Easter bunnies to red-nosed reindeers, there is always something different to catch our eye.
Oswego Lake is not the only water feature in Lake Oswego. There are ponds and babbling brooks that, during the winter morph into rushing streams. Running across one of these on a walk is like getting an added bonus – it adds a soothing soundtrack to the natural beauty your eyes are taking in. It was quite a sight to watch our drained lake fill up naturally from all the waterways feeding into it.
There is a new pathway running through Iron Mountain park that doesn’t have the elevation of the other trails but parallels Iron Mountain Road and keeps you sheltered under the shade of the magnificent trees that blanket the mountain. Entrances are either at the intersection of Iron Mountain Road and Summit Drive or off the Iron Mountain Trail beginning at Brookside. It takes you behind the new park and Oswego Hunt.
Neighbors like to find new ways to keep us walkers entertained. There is the woman on Dogwood Drive who writes a new message on her outdoor chalkboard every day that runs the gamut from humorous to philosophical. And just last week we discovered someone on Woodside Circle who hangs a binder from a light on their garage filled with what they call “Trouble Making Glimmers from the Reckless Ramblings of a Restless Mind.”
Of course, my wife and I have found ways to keep ourselves entertained too. Lately, much to the embarrassment of our kids, we have started counting the number of porta potties we pass. It came as a result of an off-the-hand comment I made one day that there were probably over 100 porta potties in Lake Oswego due to all the construction and remodeling going on. My wife challenged me on that and the hunt was on. To date, we have counted 153.
Lake Oswego is more walkable than I thought. When we think of the First Addition, we think of walkability, with easy access to downtown restaurants and shopping. But I live in the Bryant neighborhood and my neighbors and I have discovered that our area is walkable too. We have found ourselves walking to the grocery store, the post office, the bakery, restaurants and the coffee shop. Before the pandemic, we would have probably hopped in our car to run those errands, but now we often incorporate them into our walks and realize how doable it is.
The weather isn’t an excuse for not getting outside. The only weather that kept us in over this past year was the ice that paved our streets back in February. Granted, my wife invested in heated socks, and during the winter we venture out in puffy jackets, gloves and occasionally, an umbrella but we’ve both remarked how surprised we’ve been by how often we’ve been able to get outside. And we are not alone out there. It seems dog owners don’t have a choice—they’re walking rain or shine, but even the canine-free among us, bundle up and get our steps in. If you had told me a year ago, that I’d walk outside every day for a year, I wouldn’t have believed you. Another thing the pandemic has forced me to do, and I have to say, I’m better for it!
I’d love to share everything I know about Lake Oswego if you are thinking of moving to Lake Oswego. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com, and/or check out my website. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and I would consider it an honor to introduce you to this city that I love and have been helping others fall in love with too.
Our family both loves and hates July in Lake Oswego. We love it because the weather and the festivities ramp up to the best of what Lake Oswego’s summer has to offer. We hate it because it seems like once July gets here, the summer starts to go too quickly. Maybe it’s because we are having too much fun!
Whatever the reason, July is a month to savor as much as you can in Lake Oswego. Here are a few things to consider:
FOURTH OF JULY. This summer holiday is traditionally epic here in Lake Oswego starting with a pancake breakfast in George Rogers Park and ending with fireworks on the lake. This year, the pancake breakfast is going virtual again and the fireworks are TBD; however, Lake Oswegans can take hope that these beloved traditions will return once this pandemic is safely behind us. In the interim, there are some things still happening and improvisations you can make.
Pancake breakfast. You can still whip up your own cakes and donate to a good cause by going online. Recreating the hotcakes that the Lions cook up may be hard to do but here are some ideas for how to take boxed pancake mix to the next level. Pick up some marionberry syrup at a local Farmer’s Market and you may just get by one more year without the annual Lions’ feast.
Parade. While the Star-Spangled Parade won’t be filling the streets of downtown Lake Oswego, there’s nothing stopping you from doing your own neighborhood version. Back in the day before the City of Lake Oswego started putting on this annual event, it fell upon us residents to make the magic happen for our kids. The Tigard Dollar Store is well stocked with patriotic decorations. All you need are some red, white and blue balloons, streamers and flags and let the kids get creative. Be sure to have some candy to toss as they parade by, and you’ll have happy campers.
Fireworks Concert. The Lake Corporation is staging a Fourth of July Fireworks Kickoff Concert featuring country singer Britnee Kellogg. The concert starts at 6:00 p.m.
Fireworks on the Lake. The Lake Corporation is planning on staging its annual fireworks show over the lake, however, the location may change. Check their website for updates.
LAKE OSWEGO SWIM PARK. Open to all Lake Oswego residents, the Lake Oswego Swim Park opens July 1 and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Certified lifeguards are on duty at all times and the park features diving platforms, inner tubes, outdoor showers and lounge chairs. Covid-19 safety protocols are still in place this summer so the park capacity is limited to 25, visitation is limited to a maximum of two hours once a day. Face coverings are also required for everyone older than 5 and children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 250 Ridgeway Road, 503.953.9325 (during park hours).
FOOTGOLF LEAGUE.Lake Oswegans have been enjoying footgolf since 2015 and summer league play starts July 15 and runs every Thursday through August 15 with tee times starting at 5:30 p.m. League play is open to teams of a minimum of four, maximum of five with registration closing Sunday, June 27. Register online.
BURGERS IN THE BREEZEWAY. My wife and daughter love any excuse that takes them to Zupan’s in Lake Oswego. The store is as much a feast to the eyes as it is to the appetite. Starting July 1, Zupan’s will be serving up burgers, fries, gourmet toppings and more in their breezeway every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep an eye out for their popular lobster dinners also hosted in the breezeway, which sell out quickly.
PICNIC IN THE PARK and FLICKS AT THE FARM. Summer concerts kick off this month with Picnics in the Park starting out on Thursdays in July in Millennium Plaza Park and in August in Westlake Park. Attendance is limited to lottery winners who have registered online. Check out an earlier blog to learn how you can enter the lottery. Two carpool cinemas take place this month at Luscher Farm. Reserve your spot (and be prepared to provide contact information for each person—up to 6—attending for contact tracing, if needed). Staggered load-in begins at 7:30 p.m. with spaces assigned on vehicle size. Movies begin around 8:45 p.m. Fee is per space: $39 Resident/$45 Non-Resident. The lineup includes Raya and the Last Dragon on Friday, July 30, and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark on Saturday, July 31. Register online.
If you find yourself loving Lake Oswego so much you’re thinking about moving here, or moving within Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’d love to show you around and help you with your next move.
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.
I feel pretty lucky—I live where I work and I love where I live. As a Realtor in Lake Oswego, Oregon, 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. Be sure to visit my website.
Due to the changing nature of activities in response to COVID-19, I am suspending this section of the blog temporarily but wish every mom out there a Happy Mother’s Day today!
52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego 
