Sander Estate

Calendar Date:

Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 6:00pm

Add to your calendar:

April update - There was consensus on a splashpad design at the public open house which took place place on Thursday, April 11th at the Dundee Fire Hall. Dundee City Council will hear this report and continue discussion of this project at its reguarly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 16th.

APRIL - A public open house to discuss the proposed design of the splash pad took place place on Thursday, April 11th at the Dundee Fire Hall.

National Parks Service to award $630,310 grant to develop Sander Estate Park

On May 9, 2023, the U.S. National Parks Service announced that it will award a $630,310 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to develop Sander Estate Park in Dundee, Oregon.

The $630,310 grant was provided through the LWCF State & Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants for local and state park projects outside national park boundaries. LWCF grants are locally determined and competed at the state level through a process designed and managed by state partners.

CPRD, through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, will use the grant award to make major improvements to Sander Estate Park. The development will include walkways, a splashpad, a water feature, stormwater treatment and overflow, lighting, utilities, playground, and landscaping. The park will provide free outdoor recreation facilities to residents of Dundee.

SENATORS WYDEN AND MERKLEY ENDORSE GRANT AND PROJECT

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley lauded the grant and commented on the importance of this fund and public parks, to enhance life quality for families and visitors.

“Oregonians living and working in Dundee deserve the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with a park in their community,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I’m glad the Land and Water Conservation Fund that I’ve been proud to support continues to make these quality-of-life investments in important local amenities like Sander Estate Park, and I’ll keep battling for similar grants across Oregon.”

“Local parks enhance communities by creating a space for locals and visitors alike to come together and enjoy the outdoors,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “These funds will support Chehalem Park and Recreation District’s efforts to develop a public park at the Sander Estate in Dundee with accessible amenities that families and visitors can enjoy for years to come.”

CONGRESSWOMAN SALINAS LAUDS FUNDING FOR PROJECT

“Parks and outdoor recreation areas are critical to the overall wellbeing of our community,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. “They provide gathering spaces for families and friends, promote healthy exercise and activity, and foster a wide array of environmental benefits. That’s why I’m so pleased that the National Parks Service has awarded more than $630,000 to develop Sander Estate Park in Dundee. As a member of Congress, I’m committed to supporting outdoor recreation and conservation projects that enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians.”

“The National Park Service, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, are pleased to be part of the splash pad, playground and walking paths project at Sander Estate Park and we look forward to continuing our commitment with Chehalem Park and Recreation District to ensure the protection of this resource,” said Sarah Stannard, Program Officer for the State of Oregon, Land and Water Conservation Fund. “The National Parks Service, Land and Water Conservation Fund Program works in partnership with State and local governments to ensure that the recreational resources across the United States are protected for future generations.

CPRD APPRECIATION

CPRD is thrilled to have federal, state, and local (CPRD) parks agencies coming together to help make this exciting park project become a reality. We are grateful to the National Parks Service, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, and also to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for helping to fund the development of Sander Estate. Together with match funding from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for $175,000, plus match funding from CPRD’s System Development Charges (SDC) funding, this funding and enthusiastic support will allow us to make progress on a long-time dream of legacy donor Janis Sander and the Dundee community,

CPRD will continue to seek funding for the remainder of the cost of the project.

CPRD has worked with Dundee community members and the City of Dundee for years to determine just how Jan’s gift should be handled. Jan’s wish has been for the community to turn this property into a recreation destination for the entire community and visitors to enjoy. Neighborhood meetings, surveys and discussions have led to the vision and plan for “Sander Estate.” Developments will include walkways, a variety of gardens, a playground, a splashpad, a water feature, landscaping, plus lighting and utilities. There is still much fundraising to be done, but this grant will give a tremendous boost to getting progress rolling.

About the property

Sander Estate is located on SW 5th St. in Dundee, directly across from CPRD's Dundee-Billick Park. The future development of this approximately 6.7-acre park property, including its house and barn, is under discussion.

CPRD acquired Sander Estate in February 2017, thanks to a legacy donation by owner and longtime Dundee resident Janis Sander. (Jan donated 50 percent of this property to Chehalem Park Foundation, and CPRD paid for the remaining 50 percent.) Jan's intention is that this property be used in a way to benefit the citizens of Dundee. It is CPRD’s intention to work closely with park neighbors and the broader community, to consider the recreational needs and concerns of the residents, while respecting the natural resources of the park and respecting its historical heritage. The Sander family raised prunes, hazelnuts, and berries from 1903 to the 1970s, and operated a hazelnut nursery business from the 1930's to the 1970's.

City of Dundee conditionally approved the masterplan, created by Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA). Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA) is developing the preliminary park masterplan. Other CPRD projects SEA has handled include Chehalem Cultural Center and Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center.

MILESTONES

May 9, 2023 - U.S. National Parks Service announced that it will award a $630,310 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to develop Sander Estate Park.

Sept. 21, 2022 - City of Dundee holds a Public Hearing.

Nov. 19 & Dec. 3, 2020 - CPRD, together with SEA, held two virtual community meetings to unveil and discuss the proposed plan for Sander Estate. Discussion and submitted comments were accepted by by CPRD until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Those will become part of the discussion at the Jan. 28th CPRD Board of Directors meeting.

Nov. 16, 2020 - In response to the Governor's Two-Week Statewide Freeze, the Nov. 19th and Dec. 3rd meetings will only be offered remotely.

August 2019 - CPRD removed hazelnut (filbert) trees, and one walnut tree which was located near the back of the property. This tree removal was included in the terms of the property donation agreement between the former landowner Jan Sander and CPRD in summer of 2018, and Sander joined CPRD park crew on site during the removal. These trees were scheduled for removal because of their age and the presence of hazelnut (filbert) blight.

Feb. 6, 2019 - City of Dundee and CPRD discussed the parks advisory committee recommendations in a joint meeting. The minutes from that meeting are below.

Jan. 9, 2019 - The City of Dundee Parks Advisory Committee discussed the results of the online survey on Sander Estate which the City of Dundee conducted in October and formed recommendations. The committee reached consensus that certain facilities or features be included in the future Sander Estate Park. These recommendations can be viewed and downloaded below.

December 5, 2018 - The results of the online survey conducted by City of Dundee were discussed at the City of Dundee Parks Advisory Committee Meeting at City Council Meeting Chambers. The packet and the results summary may be viewed and/or downloaded at the bottom of this page.

October 3, 2018 - The City of Dundee opened a survey for Dundee residents to weigh in on their interests and vision for Sander Estate. The informational flyer with details about that survey can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of this page. Dundee residents also participated in this survey online through the City of Dundee website at www.DundeeCity.org. Questions? Contact Dundee City Hall (503.538.3922).

April 11, 2018 - CPRD held a public meeting to discuss the neighbors' visions for the property. Notes from that meeting can ve viewed and downloaded below.

February 2017 - Longtime Dundee resident Janis Sander bequeaths her family farm property to CPRD in a legacy donation.