Nestled in the picturesque city of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Oswego Lake has long been a point of contention, beauty, and community pride. However, recent events have thrust this serene body of water into the spotlight for reasons both troubling and triumphant. On one hand, an act of vandalism targeting an attorney involved in a high-profile lake access lawsuit has raised concerns about civility and safety in the ongoing debate. On the other, a historic legal victory has opened the lake’s waters to the public after more than a decade of struggle, marking a significant shift in how this natural resource is shared. These two stories, though distinct, are deeply intertwined, reflecting the passion and tension surrounding Oswego Lake.

 The Vandalism Incident: A Personal Attack Amid a Public Fight

On a quiet Saturday, Mark Kramer, a Lake Oswego attorney and outspoken advocate for public access to Oswego Lake, returned from a kayaking trip to find his car vandalized. According to a report from KGW, Kramer discovered his vehicle scratched from end to end, an act he believes was no random occurrence but a targeted response to his legal efforts. As a key figure in a 13-year court battle against the city and the Lake Oswego Corporation, which has historically restricted lake access to a select group of homeowners, Kramer has become a lightning rod for controversy. The Lake Oswego Police Department is now investigating the incident and seeking information from the public, urging anyone with tips to come forward.

Kramer’s involvement in the lawsuit stems from a deep conviction that Oswego Lake, despite being surrounded by private property, should be accessible to all residents, not just those with the means to live on its shores. His car’s vandalism, which occurred while he was out on the very waters he’s fought to liberate, underscores the personal stakes of this public battle. “I think it’s related to the lawsuit,” Kramer told KGW, suggesting that the act was meant to intimidate him. Yet, he remains undeterred, viewing it as a sign that his efforts are hitting a nerve. The police have not yet identified a suspect, but the incident has sparked broader conversations about how far some might go to protect their perceived rights to the lake.

This isn’t the first time Lake Oswego has seen tensions flare over the lake. The debate over its accessibility has simmered for years, pitting neighbors against one another and exposing deep divides between those who see it as a private privilege and those who argue it’s a public treasure. The vandalism of Kramer’s car serves as a stark reminder that what began as a legal dispute has spilled into the realm of personal vendettas, raising questions about community harmony in this affluent Portland suburb.

A Legal Triumph: Todd Prager and the Liberation of Oswego Lake

While Kramer’s ordeal highlights the darker side of the lake access saga, a parallel story offers a beacon of hope. As detailed in a Willamette Week article published on March 12, 2025, Todd Prager—alongside Kramer—has achieved a monumental victory in their 13-year quest to open Oswego Lake to the public. This breakthrough came after a Clackamas County Circuit Court ruling in November 2024 ordered the city to remove its “No Access” sign and strike down an ordinance banning the general public from entering the lake. The decision was a resounding affirmation of the argument that the lake, despite its private management, belongs to all Oregonians.

Prager, a former competitive swimmer and local resident, joined forces with Kramer in 2012 to challenge the Lake Oswego Corporation’s control over the lake. The corporation, a private entity formed in 1942, had long maintained that the lake was private property, accessible only to those who owned land abutting it or paid hefty fees. This exclusivity rankled many, including Prager, who saw the lake as a natural resource that should be shared. Their lawsuit argued that the lake’s waters, connected to the public Willamette River via the Tualatin River, were part of a navigable waterway and thus subject to public use under Oregon law.

The legal battle was arduous, marked by setbacks, appeals, and fierce opposition from wealthy lakefront homeowners and the corporation. But Prager and Kramer persisted, bolstered by support from Willamette Week, which covered their efforts extensively and even intervened in the case to argue for public access to court records. The November ruling was a tipping point, and though the Lake Oswego Corporation filed an appeal in March 2025, the court’s initial decision stands as a testament to their perseverance. “This summer, you can swim in Oswego Lake,” Willamette Week declared, crediting Prager and Kramer for turning a dream into reality.

For Prager, the victory is bittersweet. He told Willamette Week that he hopes it will foster a sense of shared stewardship rather than division. “It’s not about taking something away from anyone,” he said. “It’s about giving something to everyone.” The ruling promises to reshape Lake Oswego’s identity, transforming the lake from an elite enclave into a communal space where families can picnic, swim, and kayak without fear of trespassing fines.

Connecting the Dots: Vandalism and Victory

The vandalism of Kramer’s car and the legal triumph led by Prager and Kramer are two sides of the same coin—symptoms of a community wrestling with change. The scratched vehicle symbolizes resistance to that change, a desperate act by someone unwilling to let go of the status quo. Meanwhile, the court’s ruling represents progress, a step toward inclusivity that aligns with Oregon’s ethos of public land and water rights. Together, these events paint a complex picture of Lake Oswego, where beauty and conflict coexist.

As the appeal process unfolds, the lake’s future remains uncertain. Will the corporation succeed in reversing the ruling, or will Prager and Kramer’s victory hold firm? For now, the public can celebrate a hard-won right, even as they remain vigilant against backlash like the vandalism Kramer endured. The story of Oswego Lake is far from over, but it’s clear that its waters are no longer just a backdrop—they’re a battleground for justice, access, and community.

This saga is particularly relevant to a  Lake Oswego auto accident attorney, as the vandalism incident highlights the potential for personal injury or property damage disputes to arise from emotionally charged community conflicts, underscoring the need for legal expertise in navigating such cases.