NEWBERG, Ore. — At its May 28, 2026, board meeting, Chehalem Parks and Recreation District Superintendent Clay Downing presented estimated costs and an informational report on converting a former Newberg landfill into a recreational area.
Downing met with Department of Environmental Quality officials on May 6, along with directors Matt Smith and Nick Konen, to discuss feasibility and environmental concerns. DEQ issued a positive assessment, but board members expressed hesitancy to move forward with the proposal due to the scope of the project and sustainability concerns.
“I don’t think we would be able to develop the site in the short term,” Downing said. “We’re already overcommitted on things that have timelines associated with them because they’re under grants. That’s one of my biggest worries.”…