2025 West Best Projects
Best Landscape/Urban Development: Parklane Park
Parklane Park
Portland, Ore.
BEST PROJECT
Submitted by Stacy and Witbeck Inc.
Owner Portland Parks and Recreation
Lead Design Firm Walker Macy
General Contractor Stacy and Witbeck Inc.
Civil Engineer Standridge Inc.
Structural Engineer Grummel Engineering
MEP Engineer PAE
Skate Park Designer Grindline Skateparks
Irrigation Landarc Associates
A $20.4-million effort has transformed a 5-acre park into a 25-acre community hub in East Portland. Among the multiple amenities are expanded community gardens, paved walking paths, an off-leash dog area, pavilion, soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, skate park, three distinct playgrounds and covered picnic area.
During conceptual estimates, a major budget challenge arose. An initial estimate of $8 million escalated to nearly $30 million at 30% design. Through intensive value engineering at 50%, 75%, 90% and IFC milestones, the team prioritized features aligning with community needs. Changing some concrete paths to asphalt or pea gravel, for example, significantly reduced costs without compromising functionality.
Photo courtesy Stacy Witbeck
Early contractor involvement, nearly two years before construction, allowed for advanced planning, early material placement and strategic surcharge of the pavilion site, eliminating the need for more costly ground stabilization methods.
Situated on a former quarry, the site required approximately 75,000 cu yd of fill. Rather than purchasing expensive topsoil, the team imported 50,000 cu yd of non-spec soil from various Portland projects at no cost, mixed it with compost and topped it with 6 to 10 in. of spec soil, saving more than $1 million in material and hauling expenses.
Photo courtesy Stacy Witbeck
However, the site was also classified as Title-D, meaning no soil could be exported. Crews prioritized recycled materials and aggregate base, recycled steel waste and diverted all demolished materials from the landfill.
To ensure durability and preserve finished work, the team also carefully sequenced construction activities to minimize damage to finished work.
Photo courtesy Stacy Witbeck
Drone-generated models were integrated with Trimble software to create detailed 3D site models, allowing the team to perform their own survey work and layout. GPS-controlled grading equipment enabled efficient and highly accurate earthwork operations as well, minimizing waste, reducing rework and accelerating timelines.
The team delivered Parklane Park on time and within budget in May 2025.
