Bird's Eye View from Burnham Street towards Fanno Creek
Design work is underway for Universal Plaza!
Planned to open in 2022, Universal Plaza will be a place for everyone- a community gathering spot in the heart of downtown Tigard that celebrates our shared humanity and our one shared planet.
Universal Plaza was designed with the community through interactive and engaging experiences both onsite and virtually. Together, the project team and the community, created a one-of-a-kind Plaza that will be a showpiece for our revitalizing Downtown.
Careful attention and a lot of planning has led to the development of Universal Plaza in two phases. Phase 1 will feature the community’s most requested amenity- an interactive water feature and splash pad. Phase 2 will construct a show stopping overhead canopy for shade in the summer and shelter in the winter. Universal Plaza will be completely ADA friendly, walkable, healthy and accessible to everyone!
Phase 1 -
Highlighted Features Include:
- Interactive water feature — that’s right Tigard’s first splash pad!
- Porch Swings
- Two event lawns and landscaping
- A 4-stall restroom
- A shelter for vending and storage
- Warm boulder field overlooking Fanno Creek
- Fanno Creek entry art piece
- Lighting throughout the plaza
Construction will begin Winter 2021-2022. Phase 1 is planned to open Summer 2022!
Through the design process the community asked for a bike and pedestrian connection linking Universal Plaza to the Fanno Creek Trail. Although separate from this project, the city will construct a boardwalk overlooking Fanno Creek and connecting it to our Downtown. 
Phase 2 -
Highlighted Features Include:
- Overhead canopy providing shelter from the rain and sun
- Community room
- Built-in seating both alongside the water feature and throughout the lawn.
There is no construction date for Phase 2 of Universal Plaza. Universal Plaza Phase 2 and a parking structure are projects included in the City Center Urban Renewal Amendment on the ballot May 2021.
Participate, Activate, Engage!
One day, Tigard’s Universal Plaza will be a cherished public space, with areas for everyone to gather, play, and make memories. While we wait for that day, the site is still helping us engage our imaginations about public life and public space. Art is happening here, originating both from our local community and well beyond.
Now open to the public! Universal Plaza (9100 SW Burnham St., Tigard)
Please follow standard COVID guidelines. Face coverings are required (for those over 5 years old) when social distancing cannot be maintained. Art installations are not sanitized.
It's All About the Art
Universal Beacon
by David Buckly Borden
This large-scale art piece was created just for Universal Plaza. The installation is created from construction scaffolding, lighting elements and a weave of vibrant fabric glimmering in a gentle wind. Get your camera out and hashtags ready!
#universalplazatigard
The Camus Bulb by PSU + The City Repair Project
Photography by Alicia J. Rose Photography
The temporary grass is now home to 365 Camas Lily bulbs, which will erupt this spring to fill our Plaza with the blue hues native to the Willamette Valley, the land of the Atfalati-Kalapuya people.
Musical Bench by Jill Torberson
Photography by Alicia J. Rose Photography
This temporary bench installation will engage visitors by encouraging them to make their own music or take a seat.
Apple Box Seating by Asami Morita
Photography by Alicia J. Rose Photography
These moveable pieces will allow visitors to place the seats in locations where they can enjoy the plaza while remaining safe and socially distant during the pandemic.
Ground Mural by Raziah Roushan
Photography by Alicia J. Rose Photography
Universal Plaza now features a temporary brightly colored, 34,000 square foot ground mural.
Haiku Projections by Tigard Community
Photography by Todd Brabander
A rotating selection of community generated haikus will be displayed in lights from 4-10 pm every night.
What's Happening Right Now?
Watch the live feed! Or check out the timelapse video captured from the onsite camera. 
