Locals share mixed feelings on latest development in Oswego Lake access

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The battle continues over who can have access to Oswego Lake after a Clackamas County judge ruled the city must now open the water way to the public.

Issued on Monday, the order prohibits the city and Lake Oswego Corporation (LOC), a group of homeowners in the area, from restricting public access through any future development.

Although there are mixed feelings on this ruling, many say they are pleased more people will be able to use the lake.

“I think for the general public, people should have access to it,” said Lake Oswego resident Michael Heyn. “We all live in this community. It’s a kind of common ground and in this case, water. And I think everybody should have access once it’s completely open.”

But some people told KOIN 6 News they are against opening the lake, saying it would hurt their property value and they pay money to access the lake.

Most, however, are just happy for the opportunity to share the lake with the public.

“I think it’s a good thing,” noted West Linn resident Kris Wolfe. “But we also need to make sure that we have communication to say, ‘Hey, you know, protect this. Stay off the plants. Please don’t try to tromp down there’ or provide pasture where you can go down there, so you’re not infringing on those wild spaces.”

This has been a 13-year battle, starting when a Lake Oswego resident and a non-resident sued the city and LOC, claiming local policies deeming the lake as private property violated state law.

Ten years later, a Clackamas County court ruled the public has the right to access the lake. But a local ordinance still prohibited people from entering the property through areas such as Millennium Park Plaza. This further continued to limit access.

The city now has 120 days from the ruling to get rid of obstructions such as boulders, metal reeds and signs.

The corporation is considering appealing this decision.