Project Description: A nine acre area of Dirksen Nature Park houses some remnant Oregon white oak populations. This area was restored back to a native oak savanna to be used for education and enjoyment by the public. The project removed non-native trees, shrubs, and grasses. Native grasses and wildflowers were planted along with additional oak trees and a native shrub hedge around the savanna. A walking trail through the savanna is lined on each side with rustic buck and pole fencing made from trees taken down as part of the restoration.

Timeline: Completed FY20

Cost: $229,500

Funding Source: Urban Forestry Fund, Stormwater Fund, and Water Fund

Project Description: This project constructed a play area designed to provide park users with the opportunities to climb, run, jump, and build with rocks, logs, and other natural features. One area will be designed for toddlers and younger children while the other will provide more challenging natural play elements. The play areas will be sited on the outer edge of the park's mowed playfield bordering a forest. Both are covered in bark chips and adjacent to the restroom and interpretive shelter.

Timeline: Completed FY19

Cost: $327,500

Funding Source: Parks SDC Fund, Stormwater Fund, and a grant received from Metro Nature in Neighborhoods

Project Description: The restroom and interpretive shelter facility was constructed between the two nature play areas. The project incorporates a hard-surfaced pathway to the Fanno Creek Trail, benches, picnic tables, a covered awning, and a restroom structure. It will be the site of future interpretive displays and wayfinding signage. This facility was designed to accommodate undercover outdoor learning and picnicking and provide a needed gathering area for the park and adjacent Fanno Creek Trail.

Timeline: Completed FY19

Cost: $854,000

Funding Source: Parks Bond Fund, Parks SDC Fund, and grants received from a State Parks Grant and Metro Nature in Neighborhoods

Project Description : A hard surface overlook was placed at a high point in the Oak Savanna to provide park users an area to experience and view the newly-restored savanna. The overlook includes a walkway and incorporates a stone veneer seat wall and basalt columns laid sideways to discourage entry into the savanna. Bronze replicas of animals that live in an Oak Savanna are embedded around the area.

Timeline: Completed FY18

Cost: $107,000

Funding Source: Stormwater Fund and grants received from the Department of Environmental Quality and Metro Nature in Neighborhoods

Project Description: A forested wetland is located in the center of Dirksen Nature Park. The health of the wetland is threatened by numerous demand trails and the presence of non-native plants. The project restores and protects the wetland by removing non-native vegetation and abandoning old demand trails, replanting with native emergent vegetation and establishing a new trail and elevated boardwalk. The boardwalk allows park users an up close and personal look at this watery and unusual wetland.

Timeline: Completed FY18

Cost: $271,000

Funding Source: Parks SDC Fund, Stormwater Fund, and a grant received from Metro Nature in Neighborhoods

Project Description : The portable classroom was transformed into a renovated Nature Center. Improvements included roof replacement, new windows, siding, doors, gutters, and paint. A new entry deck provides covered outdoor gathering space while a new swale adds stormwater quality treatment and detention for the parking lot and nature center roof.

Timeline: Completed FY16

Cost: $135,000

Funding Source: Urban Forestry Fund, Parks SDC Fund, Sanitary Sewer Fund, and Stormwater Fund