Camille Park

Bond Category:	Natural Area Preservation
Site Address:	Access from west end of SW Marjorie Lane Beaverton OR 97008
Status:	Completed

Master Plan Start:	October 2009
Construction Start:	June 2011
Construction Finish:	January 2013
Estimated Public Opening:	January 2013

In 2013 contractors installed 6,250 shrubs and trees in several areas throughout the park. Each of the restoration areas was planted with vegetation that is adapted to the conditions of the specific habitat. For example, the oak woodland that covers much of the central portion of the park was planted with clumps of native wetland shrubs. These clumps are scattered throughout the woodland, much as is found in oak woodlands throughout the rest of the Willamette Valley.

Intensive weed management in all restoration areas continued through 2017, including follow-up removal of English ivy in the northeast corner of the park, English hawthorn and Himalayan blackberry removal along the western edge, and dandelion treatments in the camas meadows.

Project Summary & Public Benefits

THPRD's work to upgrade Camille Park is two-fold. Funds from the bond measure were put to use upgrading amenities as well as restoring natural areas in this 12-acre community park in the Denney-Whitford neighborhood. In 2012, the installation of a new play area, a covered picnic spot, pathways, benches and open grassy areas were completed.

The Natural Resources Department is also working to enhance Camille Park's natural areas, which include an Oregon white oak habitat, a camas lily meadow, and a wetland.

Oregon white oak habitat is one of the most endangered habitats in the Pacific Northwest; it is estimated that in the Willamette Valley, it has declined to less than 20% of its original range.

The camas lily is also native to the northwest. The one- to two-foot tall plant carpets open meadows in spring with its light blue flowers. Its bulb, which was once an important food source for Native Americans and settlers to the region, naturalizes freely in healthy ecosystems.

Natural area restoration work will continue as staff, contractors and volunteers monitor installed plants and continue to remove invasive species.