SCHMID FAMILY PARK PROJECT

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Washougal is developing a master plan for Schmid Family Park, a 17.8-acre site located along the Washougal River. With funding support from Clark County’s Conservation Futures Program and the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), this project will protect vital natural resources while offering long-term recreational opportunities for the community.

The site includes two distinct zones:

• Lower 13 acres – a riverfront floodplain ideal for habitat restoration, passive recreation, and quiet enjoyment of nature.
• Upper 5 acres – located near 32nd Street, this developable area could include gathering spaces, play features, or multi-use community areas.

Schmid Family Park represents a rare opportunity to blend ecological stewardship, public access, and recreational amenities in a single site. Community feedback will guide decisions on design, features, and future programming.

PLANNING

Thoughtful planning is at the heart of Schmid Family Park’s development. The City of Washougal is working closely with community members, technical experts, and regional partners to ensure this future park balances long-term sustainability with public enjoyment. From ecological restoration to recreation design, every decision is being shaped by data, collaboration, and public input.

Explore how this project fits into Washougal’s broader parks vision—and meet the team helping to bring it to life.

Project Team

Schmid Family Park design and development is being led by project consultant MacKay Sposito, a Pacific Northwest-based planning and engineering firm selected for their strong regional knowledge and demonstrated success in creating thoughtful, community-rooted public spaces.

With a multidisciplinary team that includes landscape architects, engineers, environmental analysts, and public outreach specialists, MacKay Sposito is responsible for guiding the full conceptual design process. This includes:

• Conducting detailed site assessments
• Leading community and stakeholder engagement
• Developing design alternatives
• Integrating innovative stormwater strategies
• Coordinating with subconsultants on environmental and geotechnical analysis

As prime consultant, MacKay Sposito is also collaborating with PBS Engineering & Environmental, whose work on the adjacent 32nd Street Widening Project helps ensure the park and nearby infrastructure evolve in tandem—maximizing efficiency, access, and environmental benefit.

Together, this team is supporting the City in designing a park that reflects Washougal’s values, addresses the realities of a sensitive riverfront site, and lays a strong foundation for phased implementation.

🔗 Learn more about MacKay Sposito

Parks Master Plan Integration

The City of Washougal is currently working with a consultant team to update its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan—a community-driven roadmap that will guide future park improvements and recreational investments across the city.

Schmid Family Park is a key focus area within this effort and is being planned in parallel with the broader PROS update. The master planning process for Schmid Park will result in a detailed, site-specific concept that reflects community priorities while aligning with the long-term goals of the updated PROS Plan.

Together, these efforts will help ensure that Schmid Family Park—and the entire Washougal park system—continues to grow in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all residents.

Public Engagement 

Your voice will help shape what Schmid Family Park becomes—whether it’s a peaceful place to connect with nature, a vibrant space for gathering, or a thoughtful blend of both. From trails and river access to play areas and environmental education, your input will directly influence the design and future use of this community space.

This is your opportunity to help define the values, features, and experiences that make this park meaningful—not just for today, but for generations to come.

How You Can Participate

The City of Washougal is committed to developing Schmid Family Park through a transparent, inclusive process shaped by community voices. Throughout the summer of 2025, residents will have meaningful opportunities to share ideas, explore design options, and help guide the future of this special riverfront space.

Environmental Stewardship

Schmid Family Park presents a rare opportunity to restore and reimagine over 13 acres of riverfront and floodplain habitat along the Washougal River. The lower portion of the site lies within designated shoreline jurisdiction and contains sensitive riparian areas that support native vegetation, wildlife movement, and natural water quality functions.

The master plan is being carefully shaped to respect these ecological conditions while enhancing public access through low-impact design. Planned improvements include:

• Wetland enhancement and native plantings
• Invasive species removal
• Climate-resilient stormwater strategies
• Passive recreation elements like trails and overlooks that meet shoreline guidelines

As the City updates its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), Schmid Family Park is emerging as a model for integrating habitat protection, ecological education, and community access. These restoration efforts not only protect vital resources—they also position the project for future environmental grant funding and potential shoreline mitigation credits.

FAQs / Key Clarifications

• The preferred concept focuses on trails, habitat restoration, a grand lawn, nature play, and other low-impact amenities.
• Pickleball courts are not included in the preferred concept.
• River-adjacent areas are planned as passive recreation and habitat enhancement. Public access will be low-impact, using overlooks and limited boardwalks in accordance with shoreline and critical-area requirements.