LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. — The ongoing struggle for public access to Oswego Lake has taken a new turn as the city announces the closure of public access during the Fourth of July weekend.
This closure will be in effect from July 3 to July 7, citing “public safety” as the primary reason, much to the dismay of local residents and advocates.
Critics argue that this decision is reminiscent of past attempts by city officials and the Lake Oswego Corporation to restrict public access to the lake, effectively allowing local residents to enjoy the holiday without public interference while excluding the wider community.
Todd Prager, a plaintiff from a prolonged lawsuit that campaigned for public access to the lake, expressed frustration, stating, “It means the public’s unable to enjoy the lake at that time, but those who live around the lake get to have it be their own private event.”
In recent moves, the city had made some adjustments, including the removal of an art installation to improve access for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, which had previously been outlined to be available at Millennium Plaza Park.
However, just as the public was starting to regain access, news of the closure for the holiday weekend has stirred discontent among advocates.
Prager insisted, “This is exactly what we were trying to prevent, and what we successfully won. We’re just a few months into this, and already this chipping away of public access has begun.”
The closure announcement came through the city’s website as part of its Star-Spangled Celebrations listing, raising further questions about the transparency of decision-making by city officials.
Additionally, when KGW reached out to the Oregon Marine Board for clarification on permits regarding activities scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend, a representative responded that there were two permits issued to the Lake Corporation for July 4 and July 6.
Of note was a permit issued for July 6, which has specified restrictions on non-motorized boating from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to facilitate planned exhibitions.
According to Brian Paulsen, the Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon Marine Board, this permit does not grant exclusive rights to the waterway. Paulsen stated, “But it does not give the marine event coordinator or organization exclusive rights to the waterway.”
The aim of this permit is for ensuring that all associated agencies that manage access and safety are aware of the activities that will take place.
Nevertheless, the city has chosen to proceed with the closure despite the Marine Board’s clarification, leading to accusations of behind-the-scenes decision making.
Prager lamented, “This is a perfect example of a decision that’s made behind closed doors, and all of a sudden, you’re told access is closed, and there’s no opportunity for public input.”
He also questioned the safety narrative presented by the city, asserting that the public can recreate safely on other lakes and rivers, stating, “For some reason, the public is perceived as not able to recreate safely, but on all other lakes and rivers, and the ocean, the public is OK to do that.”
This situation continues to develop, with city manager Madison Thesing expected to provide further insights into this decision by Tuesday.
image source from：kgw
