Library Expansion
Library Expansion
HAPPY VALLEY LIBRARY SET TO EXPAND
Located in the bustling Portland-Metropolitan region, Happy Valley Library is a regional hub for literacy, cultural, and community programming. A well-loved amenity, the Library makes available information and resources on everything from mental health, diversity, history, financial wellness, and more! It serves approximately 61,093 people, the majority of whom are residents in unincorporated Clackamas County.
To meet the needs of one of Oregon’s fastest growing and most diverse communities – and the unincorporated areas served by the Happy Valley Library, the City of Happy Valley is looking into the possibility of constructing a 7,000 square-foot expansion to the existing Library building. Improvements will enable the City to potentially provide a 300-person community room, kitchen, and quiet study rooms, creating a welcoming place for all to use, gather, and celebrate our unique and shared cultural experiences.
THE VISION
The City teamed up with Scott Edwards Architecture and engineers at Harper Houf Peterson Righellis. Utilizing input from residents on the Library Board and library staff members, a vision for an exciting new addition to the library has emerged.
Anchored by a large community room that is divisible, the expansion will also include a community kitchen, individual study rooms, additional restrooms, large entryway, and revived courtyard. During normal library hours, the new community room will be used to host programs open to the public. While the existing library already has a community room, this will accommodate many more people and allow for multiple programs to happen at once. It’s also envisioned that the community room and kitchen could be rented out to local groups needing a space to gather.
It is important to note that this vision was driven by community feedback derived from various surveys. The feedback received illustrated a resounding need for more community room space at the library prompting gathering spaces to take center stage. The design proposed has been vetted by the Library Board, Parks Advisory Board, and City Council.
PROJECT BENEFITS
- Facility expansion will allow the Library to host more programs, better serving the Library’s large, multijurisdictional service area.
- Resident feedback has consistently shown that there is a lack of meeting space for large groups to gather, share ideas, and build community. Proposed enhancements will create additional space for community events, gatherings, and meetings, helping community members access shared learning spaces and activities closer to home.
NEXT STEPS
Construction will begin in August 2023 and conclude Fall 2024.
The library will remain open throughout the construction process, though some interruptions and/or temporary closures or reduced hours may be necessary from time to time.
For more information about this project, contact Ben Bryant, Assistant City Manager at [email protected] or Sarah Roller, Happy Valley Library Director at [email protected].
Library groundbreaking – August 15, 2023
L to R – Mayor Ellis, Council President David Emami, Councilor Brett Sherman and Representative Janelle Bynum
PRE-CONSTRUCTION EFFORTS
VILLAGE GREEN PARK
Village Green Park future
In 2021, the City of Happy Valley purchased the vacant triangle property across the street form Village Green Park for future park expansion. Currently, the property is the field office and construction material staging site during the library expansion. Once the library expansion is complete, this is also the site for a future expansion of Village Green Park. The park improvements have not been finalized. The Happy Valley Parks Advisory Committee will be developing a vision to present to the City Council. If you would like to help shape the future of this park, contact Parks Director Chris Randall 503-886-8442.
TREE REMOVAL
Which trees are being removed?
Seventeen trees will be removed because they are located within the footprint for the new building. These are indicated on the corresponding graphic with X’s labeled 1-17. An additional nine trees will be removed due to significant health concerns. These trees pose a safety hazard to the new building and its occupants due to illness or decay. These trees are indicated on the corresponding graphic with X’s labeled 18-26. Tree map graphic here.
Can any of the trees identified as safety hazards be saved?
When available, management options such as pruning or treating a damaged tree are always pursued first, but in some cases, tree removal is ultimately recommended as the best option. Deceased, dying and otherwise hazardous trees can lead to personal injury if they fall unexpectedly or are knocked over during a storm. In the case of disease, affected trees can spread illness to nearby healthy trees, causing ailment to trees that are in good health. In cases like these, tree removal is a prescribed intervention that helps promote long term sustainability and increases the survival likelihood of surrounding trees that are doing well.
When will these tree removals take place and how long will it take?
Tree removal is anticipated to be completed in two days. Work is slated to begin on Aug. 17 and continue through Aug. 18. Some of this work will be weather dependent, so this timeline could be extended should conditions change. The contracted City Arborist will be onsite for the duration of the work to support efforts and ensure oversight.
Will the walking trail be closed?
The trail between Oregon Trail Drive and the library entrance will be closed permanently. The expanded building will block access from that trail to the library. Furthermore, the City discourages walking through the natural area.
Will the trees be replaced?
Yes! The City will plant a combination of trees and will actually exceed the number removed. Replanting efforts will also extend to the drainage area behind the library along the Small Creek Tributary, with native plants, shrubs, and other seedlings dispersed throughout.
What are some other ways the City prioritizes trees?
It is important to note that the City has a robust tree replacement requirement and tree permits are required for any type of tree removal. As a recognized Tree City USA, Happy Valley is truly committed to ensuring the City’s tree canopy remains healthy and strong. To this end, the City is working closely with the City Arborist to ensure these removal efforts are carried out carefully and comply with established standards.
Questions or concerns about tree removal? Contact the contracted City Arborist at [email protected].
