Camas’ Crown Park improvement start this summer; look for a new water feature, playground

CAMAS — Long-awaited improvements to the “crown jewel” of Camas’ parks system — the city’s historic Crown Park — are slated to begin this summer.

On Monday, the Camas City Council unanimously approved a $96,778 contract with GreenWorks, the consultant selected by the city to complete the Crown Park Master Plan and design and engineering work on the Crown Park improvements. GreenWorks will help oversee construction and add the services of an on-call arborist.

“We want to make sure we build this park right,” Camas Parks and Recreation Director Trang Lam said in May. “We have also asked for an arborist to be on-site. We have over 160 trees in Crown Park and want to make sure we’re not damaging the trees. The arborist would be (on call) to manage that and to answer questions from the construction team.”

The improvements will add an interactive water feature, inclusive playground, nature play area, permanent restrooms, an upgraded irrigation system, a lawn area, and improved pathways and parking spots that meet the requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The project is funded in the city’s current budget, Lam said, and by a $500,000 grant from the state of Washington’s Recreation and Conservation Office, as well as a $2,500 grant from the Parks Foundation of Clark County.

The 7.3-acre park is home to many of Camas’ annual events. To accommodate construction, the city has found temporary locations for its events.

The city’s 35th Easter egg hunt, held March 31, was the last big event the city held at Crown Park until the project wraps up in 2025.

Camas will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Crown Park, 120 N.E. 17th Ave.

For more information about the project, visit engagecamas.com/crown-park-improvements-30-design-process.

“At 90 years old, this park is ready for a rejuvenation to provide new amenities and repair the aging infrastructure,” the city said in a news release. “The Crown Park Master Plan is a vision of the park for the next generation.”