Independence Sports Park is also the northern limit of the Willamette River Trail, a soft-surface walking/jogging path that starts in Riverview Park and follows the Willamette River north to North Riverfront Park. The looped trail is approximately 5 kilometers round trip.

After developing a concept plan for the property in 2008, the City entered into a partnership with the property owners to develop approximately 50 acres of ballfields and build a new boat ramp on the site.

After a lengthy permitting process, the City secured grants to fund construction of the boat ramp, which was completed in September, 2013. The City also worked with the Oregon National Guard for three summers to grade the site and build a large retaining wall.

The original concept for the north Riverfront site. The access road is now located on the northern boundary of the property