Boiler Bay Beacon
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — Construction crews operated excavators and heavy equipment Monday at Schooner Creek Discovery Park, advancing Phase 2 adjacent to the playground.
The 6.71-acre park at 4815 SE 51st St. draws local families and visitors alike. A family from Washington state was visiting for the first time Monday and approved of the playground for their two young children. “We had no idea this was here—it’s great for the kids,” the parents said.
Phase 1 opened in December 2024 and often sees groups of children of all ages. It features swings, musical instruments and play structures such as climbing rocks, play spheres, a carousel, a slide and a soft-surface floor.
Local families have embraced the space, with one parent noting their children particularly enjoy the rock climbing structure and insist on their photo being taken when at the top.
A local business owner, Tom from Eleanor’s Undertow, explained the construction on SE 51st, just off Highway 101, was the City making improvements to the street to accommodate all the traffic the park was likely to receive. “They are going to do the sidewalks next,” he said.
Phase 2 began in May 2025 and is scheduled for completion this fall, though a local contractor observed that substantial work remains. Additions will include an entry plaza with commemorative pavers and a donor recognition wall, a tree-lined promenade, covered picnic shelters, an art mural, restrooms, a special event stage and a flexible lawn area.
The project stems from Lincoln City’s 2016 Parks System Plan to fill a recreation shortfall on the central Oregon Coast. Phase 1 cost $3 million.
In September, the City Council approved Phase 3, adding permanent pickleball courts, a covered multi-sports court, a synthetic turf multi-sport field, walking paths, fencing, plantings and irrigation. The design contract is $432,278, including a 10% contingency, with a $5 million budget from general funds, property and tourism taxes, grants and legislative allocations. Design begins this fall, with construction targeted for fall 2026.
Community input opportunities remain available as the park develops. Donations continue, with contributors recognized on the donor wall.
The temporary construction fencing highlights the park’s progress toward becoming a key community asset.
For more information about the park visit: https://www.lincolncityparksandrec.org/schooner-creek-discovery-park.
