West Linn has plenty of places to get out in Oregon's great outdoors, whether it be for a picnic, a two-hour hike or whatever strikes your fancy. Within West Linn's borders are approximately 180 acres of parklands owned and operated by the city. The parks are part of approximately 400 acres of protected natural areas that provide local habitat for native plants and wildlife.

In November 1998, West Linn voters approved an $8 million city bond measure to purchase land for parks, open space and playing fields. Much of the cost of developing these facilities will come from growth fees on residential and commercial development. Since that time, the city has acquired more than 70 acres of undeveloped land on six separate sites for future neighborhood and community parks. The results include three new community parks: One along the Tualatin River in the Willamette area; one in Tanner Basin adjacent to Cascade Summit; and one in Robinwood at the foot of Fairview Way.

The newest additions in the city Parks and Recreation Department's roster came in fall 2002 with the opening of the new home for the West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Rd., and the eagerly awaited skateboard park at nearby Tanner Creek Park. Of the city's 20-some parks, the 51-acre Wilderness Park is the largest. Wilderness Park occupies a heavily wooded hillside overlooking central West Linn and the Willamette River. Except for trails, it is maintained as a natural forested area.

Meanwhile, the 20-acre Willamette Park offers a home for youth sports, community events and summer recreation. A boat ramp and floating dock on Willamette River are popular on summer days. On the last weekend in July, it's the site of the annual West Linn Old Time Fair a three-day frolic with music, food, games and amusement for the entire community.

Cedar Island Park is a natural area on the Willamette River that includes trails, wildlife-viewing platforms, a boat ramp, a floating dock and a floating bridge for pedestrian access to Cedar Island via Mary S. Young State Park.

Other city parks offer picnic benches, play equipment, basketball hoops and room to frolic or lounge. In addition, the city Parks and Recreation Department operates a nine-week "Fun in the Sun" summer program, offering field trips, arts and crafts, and educational programs for West Linn youngsters.

The Parks and Recreation Department can be reached at 503-557-4700.

West Linn also has one of Oregon's most remarkable nature sanctuaries. The Camassia Natural Area, owned by the Nature Conservancy of Oregon, is home to an exceptional diversity of rocky wet meadows, woodlands and more than 300 native plant species. The 26-acre preserve is named for the camas lily that blooms profusely there in the spring.

Mary S. Young State Park is a favorite spot for hiking and wildlife watching. The park borders the Willamette River and features natural areas, picnicking facilities and trails meandering through old-growth forest.

Beyond parks and programs offered by the city, there are other recreational outlets. For those who prefer their water with fairways and greens, nine golf courses, both public and private, are within 15 minutes of West Linn.

Bicyclists can take advantage of West Linn's extensive network of bike paths. Youth sports also enjoy great popularity in West Linn. Nearly 2,000 children sign up annually for soccer, baseball and softball teams. Year-round recreation programs included adult leagues as well as after-school and weekend activities for kids.