March 2024 - Deconstruction was the first phase of the project, and it is now officially wrapped up. Aside from the original posts, many of the shelter’s materials are being staged in the Equestrian Parking lot for future and potential re-use. The InterWorks team will be evaluating these materials for reuse in the new structure – they need to be in good condition, and also be of dimensions that are right for the new building’s needs.

Phase 2, construction! In addition to the final plans and acquiring materials, Phase 2 needs a few dry weather windows for key processes – one of our building team members referred to this as a need for “kinder weather” than we typically get in the winter months – so this will be another factor in our revised completion target of later 2024.

Visitors can expect some parking impacts until the project is completed. In the lower lot, spaces directly nearest the Jackson Shelter access path will be used by construction vehicles, and in the equestrian lot, passenger car parking will be used for staging supplies and equipment on a changing basis as the project unfolds. Horse trailer parking should not be affected.

Thank you to those that contributed to recognition options, we are grateful for you. The capital campaign gift options ended in December 2023.

Questions? Contact Development Director Maggie Starr at (503) 636-4398 ext. 106 or maggie@tryonfriends.org

Since 1970, Friends of Tryon Creek has been committed to educating children in the forest and nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. The original Glenn Jackson Shelter is a part of the Tryon journey for the thousands of children who attend our field trips and summer programs each year. It is a place to gather, teach, and escape the rain, but it has not been updated since 1975.

Transformed by a complete renovation, the shelter will become a new education pavilion. It will still feature breathtaking forest views, but will also offer two fully enclosed classrooms with modern infrastructure, allowing us to serve twice as many children and offer comfortable community programming in the full range of Northwest weather conditions. This will allow us to continue, rather than cancel, programming on days with ever-increasing inclement or dangerous weather conditions.

The building will honor the original Indigenous stewards of the forest through its design inspired by a Chinookan Plankhouse and the prominent display of carvings by renowned Indigenous artists. Locally sourced Western Red Cedar will be the focal material for carved sculptural pieces incorporated throughout the structure. Four renowned local Indigenous artists: Shirod Younker (Coquille Indian Tribe), Brittany Britton (Hoopa Valley Tribe), Gregory Archuleta (Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde), and Greg Robinson (Chinook Nation) will create original carved pieces that reflect a broad cultural geography and recognize leadership-level community support.

While grounded in an ancient design, the Education Pavilion is thoroughly modern in its details and construction. The original park structure will undergo a down-to-the-foundation renovation with sustainable low-maintenance materials and added amenities including temperature controls, large forest-facing windows, a cantilevered balcony, all-weather flooring, and two classrooms connected by a hallway.

Is this the Nature Center? Wasn't it just renovated?

No, this is the gazebo-style structure to the North of the main Nature Center. It was originally built in 1975 and has not been updated since.

How big will the Education Pavilion be?

It will be 1,960 square feet, approximately X times the square footage of the original Jackson Shelter. The renovated building will cantilever out to the sides from the original foundation, adding more usable space without increasing the impact on the forest.

What will this building be used for?

The two classrooms will host Friends of Tryon Creek education programs such as field trips and day camps, and will be available for community events, as well. This continues the long legacy at Tryon Creek

How are Friends of Tryon Creek and Oregon State Parks collaborating on this project?

Enclosing the Jackson Shelter to create year-round classroom space has been in State Parks' Comprehensive Long-Range Plan for Tryon Creek State Natural Area since 2013. Friends of Tryon Creek is raising funds for and project-managing this complete renovation. The building being renovated will continue to belong to Oregon State Parks as a public resource, just as it does today.

What is the timeline?

We are breaking ground in September 2023 and will be completing the building this winter.

What about bathrooms?

To keep its footprint forest-friendly and cost-effective, this building does not have plumbing or bathrooms. Users will use the public bathrooms accessible outside the main Nature Center, X feet away along an accessible path.

Will parking be affected?

During construction starting in September 2023, some equipment and materials will be staged in the Equestrian lot, temporarily reducing parking there. Once the renovation is completed, there will be no ongoing reduction in parking spaces.

Once complete, the primary users of this building will be youth who will not be driving, let alone parking! Field trip students will be dropped off on buses, and day camp students will be dropped off by adults.

Will the building and deck be open to the public?

Yes, this will be a public resource owned by Oregon State Parks. Because the classrooms will contain equipment and artwork, they will remain locked when not reserved and in use. The building's West deck will be accessible to the public through the hallway through the building between the two classrooms when unlocked during most park hours. Stay tuned for further details on public availability as we get closer to opening to the public.