Below is a rendering of Lents park as it would look if the Lents Stadium proposal is approved. Contrary to much speculation and misinformation (explained in this Oregonian article), here are some quick facts about the proposed siting:
- The stadium would sit on approximately the footprint of the existing Charles Walker field with its main encroachment being to the east, eliminating the existing parking lot along 92nd.
- The only athletic field that would be displaced would be the existing narrow soccer field on the North side of the stadium. That would be replaced through the "no net loss" for Parks policy, and the Parks Bureau is recommending as part of the mitigations that the two existing soccer fields in Lents Park be improved, since they are in poor condition currently. The new little league fields would remain intact.
- The parking that was proposed in the park has been reduced, and both proposed lots will be constructed to preserve as many trees as possible. The lot on the south side of the stadium will be constructed to accomodate park activities when it is not in use. Additional on-street parking is proposed along the perimeter of the park, and the City will implement "permit only" parking for neighborhood as is done around PGE Park. Parking in the park will only be paid during stadium events.
- The only affected park use on the south side of the park is the gazebo, which will be relocated slightly to the south. All other uses and facilities would remain intact.
- The grassy areas noted in the outfield are "family picnic seating" that is common in minor league facilities. These areas will be an family friendly, informal, and inexpensive place to watch games and catch fly balls on gamedays.
- The seating in the stadium is proposed at a capacity of approximately 6500, with an additional 1500 capacity in the"outfield berm" family picnic area, and another 1000+ in group/suite seating.
- The offices for the Beavers have been included within the stadium footprint rather than taking up additional park space as previously proposed. The final location of the offices is still under discussion.
