Washougal Towncenter Revitalization Project

Have your voice heard!

As we begin the design phase, your input can help guide the planning process and ensure the project reflects community goals. 

Please take the online survey between November 8 through 21 at https://www.surveyhero.com/c/WTR or by clicking the button below.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Virtual-Open-HouseYou can also attend our virtual open house on November 14 from 3-4pm. The event will feature a one-hour Q&A session with the project team. A link to the open house is provided below.

Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83085629792?pwd=WERmeUwxeXc5MEJDaGhPTXM4OTNEdz09

Meeting ID: 830 8562 9792 
Passcode: WTR


About the Project

The City of Washougal is moving forward with the Washougal Towncenter Revitalization (WTR) project to develop outdoor recreation facilities near to the planned Washougal Library and the existing Washougal Community Center in the heart of Washougal’s revitalizing Towncenter District. 

The project will result in the creation of:

  • outdoor community space
  • the city’s first off-leash dog park
  • a pocket park with potential splash pad/water feature
  • improved and expanded public parking  

Below is the anticipated project area.

WASH05-WEB EXHIBIT

October 2023 Update

The WTR project is mostly funded by the following sources:

  • Department of Commerce Grant
  • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
  • Dog Park Donation
  • Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET)
  • Park Impact Fees (PIF)

After securing project funding, the City completed a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a consultant team to lead and design the project. This process occurred in August and September of 2023. The City has recently awarded the project to Robertson Fick Engineering, who will now begin the design process.

Site surveys, investigations, and reconnaissance are underway now to prepare for and inform the design process.

Project History

The WTR project will bring much needed parks and recreation opportunities to an underserved community. The towncenter has a higher poverty rate than the city overall at 22.2% as compared to 13.7%. In addition, the towncenter has a significant population of minority residents (18.8%), a significant elderly population (14.8%), and a significant population of individuals with disabilities (19.4%). While there are 26 parks in the City, only one currently exists in the towncenter creating an opportunity to improve health and quality of life for residents while also increasing the attractiveness of the City’s downtown core. 
 
Recognizing the need for additional park space in the towncenter, the 2019 Washougal Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan put forth the recommendation that the City consider purchasing property for the development of a downtown park. In 2020, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District selected the site for the new Washougal branch in the towncenter adjacent to the Washougal Community Center. This development presented an opportunity for the City to leverage FVRL’s efforts and cultivate additional public and private interest in the downtown.

Project Goals 

The goals of this project are to provide vital enhancements to the quality of life in Washougal and promote economic growth by drawing the surrounding communities to an enhanced civic center, to share all that Washougal has to offer, educationally, culturally, and professionally. New urban greenspace will provide opportunities for passive recreation that supports individuals of all ages and will provide new opportunities for recreational programming at the adjacent community center. Improved access to the FVRL and nearby towncenter businesses will serve as a major catalyst for redevelopment, encouraging new businesses to locate in this area and individuals to stay, play, and shop in Washougal.

This project will result in both passive and active outdoor recreation opportunities for Washougal residents and visitors. All new recreational assets will be ADA compliant, and features will be designed for individuals of all ages and ability levels. ADA accessibility along with new recreational amenities will create opportunities for residents who may have traditionally faced barriers to parks and recreation.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

  • November 14, 3-4pm

Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83085629792?pwd=WERmeUwxeXc5MEJDaGhPTXM4OTNEdz09

Meeting ID: 830 8562 9792 
Passcode: WTR

Preliminary Project Timeline

  • Design:  
    October ’23 – July ‘24
  • Permitting: 
    March ’24 – October ‘24
  • Construction:  2025

How to stay connected?

  • Check back at this website for updates.
  • Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
  • Look for information at upcoming events such as the Pumpkin Harvest Festival and the Christmas Tree Lighting.
  • Look for an upcoming online survey.

Media

Project Fact Sheet

  1. Washougal-Towncenter-Revitalization_Factsheet English and Spanish.pdf