Murdock Park master plan moves forward
Construction-ready designs are currently being created
A master plan to further develop Murdock Park is gaining momentum.
Soon, Murdock Park could see a new pedestrian bridge, pond overlook, and playground — originally installed in 2014 and now 11 years old.
Sara Lopez is the communications and engagement coordinator for the City of Sherwood.
“The city went through a master planning effort for Murdock Park that was approved by council in November 2024,” Lopez said. “The master planning effort included open houses and an on-line survey seeking public input on the future vision and amenities to be considered at Murdock Park.”
This comes after a September 12, 2024 Murdock Park master plan open house hosted by the city where citizens were invited to give input on developing a new master plan for the park.
On June 4, 2025 a design survey went out to citizens via email to collect feedback on three proposed design concepts. There were also fliers, mailers, press releases, and social media posts.
Based on the survey responses, the city combined the favored elements into a single design plan to serve as the basis for future park construction, and invited citizen comments to ensure the final design meets the community’s needs and expectations.
There were a number of key takeaways the city learned from the public meeting and surveys.
These included maintaining the natural, serene vibe of the park and pond; enhancing views of the pond such as building a boardwalk or adding new overlooks; proper placement of a new restroom and drinking fountain; and upgrading the playground to be more inclusive, protected from the sun, and including more seats for parents and guardians. There was also general support for upgrading the pathways and improvements in a fully accessible way.
People gave mixed reviews on adding a basketball or sports court that could increase noise, when the Snyder Park sports complex is so close. They also mentioned maintaining the opportunity for informal sledding when it snows, although the favored slope is close to the road.
On November 4, 2025 the Sherwood City Council entered a contract for Murdock Park’s master plan construction with Portland-based Lango Hansen Landscape Architects for a total project cost of $210,507.
“This contract with Lango Hansen will provide construction-ready design documents for grant opportunities and potential construction of the park, should the council want to move forward with construction of the park,” Lopez said.
The proposed Murdock Park work includes completion of a geotechnical study; stormwater management design including a new stormwater garden and required drainage; wetland improvements; redesign of the pedestrian bridge and pond overlook; and the design of a new irrigation system, planting plan, and strategies for a future playground design.
The master plan for Murdock Park is part of the 2021 City of Sherwood Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which provides the city with a framework of guidelines concerning setting priorities and making decisions about parks, trails, open space, natural areas, recreational facilities, and parks programs.
"During the Parks & Recreation Master Plan effort in 2021, Murdock Park was identified as a high-impact, quick-win project," said Richard Sattler, public works director with the City of Sherwood. "Updates to the Murdock Park include restroom, flexible play area, covered lookout, expanding pathways, replacement of an aging culvert, installation of additional benches, preserving that natural feel of the park and other amenities."
The city's master plan suggests Murdock Park could use an enhanced play area, a sport court, a longer walking loop, more native vegetation, a picnic shelter overlooking the pond, a restroom, and more shade trees.
The city's intention in updating Murdock Park is to provide green solutions with increased landscape complexity; promote health and accessibility for people of all ages, abilities, and recreation interest; enhance the play experience with nature elements and climbing features; improve and expand amenities; and elevate the park design to inspire delight and enduring meaning to residents by integrating culture, history, and place-based art.
Lango Hansen's design concept work for Murdock Park began in November 2025, and completion is slated for May 2026, with construction expected to follow.
"We do not have not have a construction timeline for the improvements. The city does not currently have the Murdock Park improvements funded," Sattler said. "We will be applying for various grant opportunities to fund improvements."
