Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park Grand Opening Set For Saturday

OREGON CITY, OR —There's a great scene in the remake of Ocean's 11 in which the characters discuss the concept of Las Vegas hotels celebrating their opening. An older character talks about how it used to be one day the hotel was closed, the next day it was open. Younger characters counter that hotels now have what's called a "soft opening" where kinks are worked out before the grand opening.

That's kind of what's happening in Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park in Oregon City.

The 236-acre park opened on December 6, 2021. And for the past few months, people have been enjoying the 2.5 miles of walking and hiking paths and 2 miles of mountain hiking trails, watching beavers, fox, deer, and cottontail rabbits.

Despite the visiting throngs, despite the opening last December, this Saturday will mark the park's Grand Opening.

Metro says that the fun begins at 11:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting.

After that, Metro promises that you will be able to:

• Enjoy delicious food from a local vendor
• Learn youth mountain biking basics with Northwest Trail Alliance (youth 8 years+)
• Explore the park during guided nature walks
• Enjoy arts and crafts, and other hands-on activities

The event is free, family-friendly, and open to all. No registration is required.

Metro says that people will be able to park for the event at Hilltop Mall on Molalla Avenue. The park's parking lot will be open for accessible parking.