This November, Happy Valley voters will have the opportunity to consider Bond Measure 3-626, a proposal to fund the construction of a Community Center on city-owned property near 172nd Avenue and the Scouters Mountain roundabout.

The proposed bond measure is $50 million. If passed, the property tax rate is estimated to be increased by $0.51 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax revenue would be used for building a facility with recreation, aquatics, and gathering spaces for community use.

If the measure is passed, construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2026 and finish in 2028.

Based on input received from the community, the community center would include:

The City owns 40 acres east of 172nd Avenue near the Scouters Mountain roundabout. This area is the planned location for the Community Center.

If the measure passes, construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2026 and finish in 2028.

Previous city-wide surveys have shown desire for a central location for the community to gather, connect, recreate, swim, and participate in sports and other activities. Community input gathered during planning identified interest in a local place for children’s activities, programs
for seniors, fitness opportunities, and community events.

Measure 3-626 would authorize an increase in property taxes which would allow the City to issue bonds, funding a significant portion of the cost for construction.

If the measure passes, property tax revenue would be used for constructing the proposed Community Center. The City has also saved over $20 million and the Oregon Legislature dedicated $5 million. Oversight of the project and the expenditure of funds would continue to be provided by the City Council, Budget Committee, and the Parks Advisory Committee. Residents would receive regular updates to share information about progress and funding use

For a typical home in Happy Valley with a market value of $660,000 and an assessed value of $360,000, the estimated cost would be $15.33 per month, or $184 per year, over a period of 25 years.

If the measure passes, this bond would be separate from the existing Parks and Recreation Levy, which supports maintenance of current parks and recreation programs but does not cover new construction.

If the measure doesn’t pass, the City would not move forward with construction of the Community Center as proposed and property taxes would not be increased.

While the City does have an existing Parks and Recreation Levy, it is only designated for maintaining parks and supporting recreation programs. It does not include provisions for developing new facilities. The proposed bond is specifically intended to fund the construction of a new Community Center.

The City adopted a Parks Master Plan in 2017 after extensive community input. The plan documents input received from residents expressing interest in a local community center, new recreation opportunities for families, and amenities that serve all ages.

2017 Parks Master Plan

2021 Parks Master Plan (Updated to include PVNC)

Projects are prioritized based on community feedback, financial feasibility, and need. Public surveys, meetings, and the Parks Advisory Committee all help guide decisions, with final approval from the City Council.

Results from this survey can be viewed here.

To inform the design, the City conducted surveys, held focus groups, and convened a Community Center Steering Committee made up of Happy Valley residents. These efforts helped shape what amenities and programs are planned.

The City has already purchased land, hired a design team, and selected a Construction Manager/General Contractor to help with cost estimates and construction planning.

If the measure passes, The City of Happy Valley plans to operate and maintain the Community Center with funds generated by the proposed property tax and user related fees (i.e., daily, monthly, annual passes).

During the Community Center Feasibility Study phase,the City explored multiple financing options. Those included using urban renewal funds, Parks System Development Charges, funds received through a legal settlement during the withdrawal from the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, and a general obligation bond.
Not one source of funding could fully cover the cost of the Community Center. Therefore, during discussions with the Community Center Steering Committee, Parks Advisory Committee, and City Council, it was determined that the most effective funding strategy would be to pursue a ballot measure authorizing an increase in property taxes. If passed, the property tax rate is estimated to be increased by $0.51 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax revenue would be used to repay up to $50 million in general obligation bonds. Additional funding sources may be used as needed to complete the project.

Yes. Visitors would likely pay a daily entrance fee or purchase a membership. The City hopes to offer affordable options, discounts for residents, and assistance for those with financial need. More details will be shared if the bond is approved and planning continues.

• 3% for its permanent tax rate for general fund services
• 2% for library services
• 3% for the voter-passed local option levy that funds parks and recreation
• 7% for the voter-passed local option levy that funds police services

Happy Valley’s permanent property tax rate is one of the lowest among nearby cities, including Gresham, Milwaukie, and Oregon City.