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5 Reasons Schooner Creek Discovery Park Is The Oregon Coast’s Must-Visit Inclusive Destination (2025 Update)

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The Schooner Creek Discovery Park in Lincoln City, Oregon, is rapidly transforming the landscape of accessible recreation on the Oregon Coast. As of December 2025, this ambitious, multi-phased project is not just a new addition to the community—it's a nationally recognized benchmark for inclusive park design, having recently secured a major industry award for its groundbreaking Phase 1 opening. This park represents the first major park development in Lincoln City in over two decades, signifying a monumental commitment to community health and accessibility.

The vision for this 6.71-acre site, located at 4815 SE 51st Street, was to create a space where people of all ages and abilities could connect, play, and explore. The initial success of the park's first phase, the fully inclusive playground, has already garnered significant attention, setting the stage for the completion of future phases that will introduce state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities to the area. Visitors and residents are eagerly anticipating the final build-out, which promises to make Schooner Creek a complete destination for family fun and athletic pursuits.

The Schooner Creek Discovery Park Project: A Timeline and Overview

The journey to create Schooner Creek Discovery Park (SCDP) has been a multi-year effort, beginning as a top priority in the 2016 Lincoln City Parks System Plan. The park is being developed in three distinct phases, each designed to progressively enhance the site’s recreational offerings and community value. This phased approach allows the public to enjoy portions of the park while construction continues on other sections, a testament to the efficient planning by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation (LCP&R).

  • Location: 4815 SE 51st Street, Lincoln City, OR 97367
  • Size: 6.71 acres
  • Initiation: Identified as a top priority in the 2016 Lincoln City Parks System Plan.
  • Groundbreaking: Official ceremony held on June 20, 2024.
  • Phase 1 Opening: The inclusive and accessible public playground officially opened on December 14, 2024.
  • Current Status (Dec 2025): Phase 1 is fully operational. Construction, including pile driving, for subsequent phases is actively underway, with updates provided by Parks and Recreation Director Jeannie Sprague.
  • Major Recognition: Winner of the Oregon Recreation & Park Association (ORPA) 2025 Lasting Impact Award, received in October 2025.

The park’s development is a significant milestone for Lincoln City, representing the first new park in the area in over two decades. This long-awaited project is designed not only to serve the local community but also to attract visitors seeking high-quality, accessible recreational opportunities on the picturesque Oregon Coast.

1. The Oregon Coast’s First Truly Inclusive Playground

The centerpiece of Schooner Creek Discovery Park’s initial phase is its revolutionary inclusive playground, a landmark achievement for the Oregon Coast. This is not merely an accessible playground; it is a space intentionally designed to promote universal play, allowing children of all physical and cognitive abilities to interact and explore together. The design incorporates elements inspired by Oregon Coast landmarks, connecting the play experience directly to the region's natural beauty.

The commitment to accessibility goes beyond simple ramps. The playground features specialized surfacing, sensory elements, and play structures that work for a wide range of abilities. This focus on universal design has been the primary driver of the park's early success and is the core reason it received the prestigious ORPA 2025 Lasting Impact Award. The award recognizes projects that have a profound, long-term positive effect on the community, underscoring the park's importance as a model for future public recreation spaces across the state and beyond.

The public response since the December 2024 opening has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the community's need for such a dedicated, equitable space for family enjoyment. The playground is designed to be a safe, welcoming environment, fostering social development and physical activity for every child, regardless of their limitations.

2. State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities Coming in Phase 3

While the inclusive playground is the current star, the future phases of Schooner Creek Discovery Park promise to establish it as a premier athletic and recreation hub. The City Council recently approved the final design for Phase 3, paving the way for the construction of significant new sports amenities. This next stage will dramatically expand the park's functionality, catering to a diverse range of athletic interests and community needs.

Key features planned for Phase 3 include:

  • Turf Multi-Sport Synthetic Field: A high-quality, durable synthetic turf field will be installed, suitable for year-round use by soccer, football, and other field sports leagues and recreational users.
  • Pickleball Courts: Permanent, dedicated pickleball courts are a highly anticipated addition, reflecting the sport's massive surge in popularity. This will provide a much-needed venue for local players and tournaments.
  • Covered Multi-Sports Court: The plan includes a covered court area, allowing activities like basketball, futsal, and other court sports to continue regardless of the unpredictable Oregon Coast weather.
  • Fencing and Picnic Areas: Essential supporting infrastructure, including perimeter fencing for safety and designated picnic areas for family gatherings and team events, will also be completed.

The construction is progressing steadily, with updates indicating active work on site, including necessary pile driving to prepare the ground for these substantial new structures. The completion of Phase 3 will solidify Schooner Creek Discovery Park’s role as a comprehensive recreational resource, drawing both local residents and sports tourism to Lincoln City.

3. A Model for Community-Driven Park Development

The success and ongoing development of Schooner Creek Discovery Park serve as a powerful case study in effective, community-driven park planning. The project's longevity—from its designation as a top priority in 2016 to the active construction in 2025—demonstrates a strong commitment from Lincoln City Parks & Recreation and local leadership. The park’s evolution is continuously guided by public need and professional expertise, ensuring the final product meets the highest standards for modern park facilities.

The park is a cornerstone of the broader effort to enhance the quality of life in Lincoln City. By focusing on inclusive and accessible design from the outset, the city has ensured that the park's benefits are equitably distributed across the entire community. The attention to detail, from the specialized playground equipment to the choice of synthetic turf for the sports fields, reflects a dedication to creating durable, low-maintenance, and high-utility public spaces.

As the final phases are completed, Schooner Creek Discovery Park will not only be a local favorite but also a regional destination. It encapsulates the spirit of the Oregon Coast: welcoming, beautiful, and committed to providing exceptional experiences for everyone.

5 Reasons Schooner Creek Discovery Park is the Oregon Coast’s Must-Visit Inclusive Destination (2025 Update)
schooner creek discovery park
schooner creek discovery park

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