The summer 2026 newsletter highlights the visual and structural transformation of your Lane County Parks. Over a 40-year time span, from 1980 through 2022, Lane County Parks were in a period of decline from a lack of sustainable funding. The parks became stuck in the 1970s, while world was changing around them. The surrounding communities were losing their opportunity to recreate, as parks became gradually less functional, less safe, and less appealing. This sense of loss fueled a public referendum on the November 2022 ballot. This commitment is now coming to fruition as the investment is paving the way for a variety of new outdoor experiences.

Now that the weather has flipped the switch from cold and dreary to warm and sunny, we desire to go to our local park and let go of all that pent-up energy. If you bike the Oregon Coast Bike Route along Highway 101 this summer, there will be a welcome place for you to stop overnight in Florence. Newly built hiker-biker tent sites will provide a space to rest and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. Nearby, at the North Jetty, the whirl of machinery is reconstructing the maligned parking lots that access the beach along the Pacific Ocean. Removing gigantic potholes will open additional parking spaces that are often hard to find on a busy summer day.

The hike to the summit at Mount Pisgah is one of the most popular local destinations with one-of-kind views of the Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountain peaks. However, not everyone has enjoyed this experience, as a maze of large rock outcroppings prevents many adventurers from traversing the last leg to the summit. Fortunately, in the coming weeks, the boulders will be removed, clearing the way for the motorized all-terrain wheelchair called “David’s Chair” to take you to the top of the summit.

There are many more wonderful things happening at Lane County Parks, some of which are described in this newsletter. So, I encourage you to read about what’s happening at your favorite park, then go outside, and experience this transformation for yourself.  

Brett Henry - Parks Division Manager

Current Levy Projects

As construction season gets underway, many of the projects funded by the Lane County Parks levy are moving from planning into action. Years of community input, design, engineering and permitting are beginning to take shape across the park system.

With several major projects scheduled over the next couple of years, we’re excited to share updates along the way. Follow progress here in the newsletter, on social media, or through our Levy Projects StoryMap.

Celebrating Completed Projects

As projects funded by the Lane County Parks levy move from vision to reality, we're beginning to see the results across the park system. Completed improvements are enhancing visitor experiences, improving accessibility, and helping address deffered maintenance needs.

These projects represent years of planning, community input, design, and construction. We're proud to share the progress being made and the lasting impact these investments will have for park visitors today and into the future.

Harbor Vista Campground Improvements

Visitors to Harbor Vista Campground will notice some important upgrades this season. The restroom remodel project is now complete, featuring a new roof and renovated facilities designed to improve comfort, functionality, and the overall campground experience.

Work is also underway on new hiker-biker campsites. Lane County Parks maintenance crews have begun construction, and the sites are expected to be completed soon, providing additional accommodations for cyclists and other non-motorized travelers exploring the Oregon Coast.

Maximizing Levy Funds Through Grant Opportunities

Lane County Parks has been awarded two grants that will help improve park facilities while maximizing local levy dollars.

A $250,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation County Opportunity Grant will support campsite upgrades at Harbor Vista Campground, bringing the remaining sites up to full-hookup service.

In addition, a $150,000 Oregon State Marine Board Boating Facility grant award will fund replacement of the courtesy dock at Orchard Point Marina.

These grants help stretch levy investments further, allowing us to complete more projects across the park system.

Curious about how levy funds are helping improve your parks?

Lane County Parks leadership will share an update on levy-funded projects with the Board of County Commissioners on June 23.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about ongoing improvements, future projects, and how voter-supported funding is being put to work across our park system.

The meeting time will be posted the week prior, and all Board meetings are livestreamed, making it easy for community members to tune in and stay informed.

Click the link below to watch the meeting live or view the recording afterward if you can't attend in real time.

Meeting Link

Rivers to Ridges Partnership: Working Together for Safe Ecological Burns

Lane County Parks is proud to be part of the Rivers to Ridges Partnership, a collaborative network of organizations dedicated to protecting and restoring parks, open spaces, and natural habitats across the southern Willamette Valley.

Through the partnership's Controlled Ecological Burn Program, land managers, fire practitioners, and conservation partners meet regularly to coordinate prescribed burns, share expertise, and plan for safe and effective burn seasons.

Learn more about how controlled ecological burning supports healthy landscapes.

Parking Lot Refresh at LaSells Stewart

With help from the county’s road crew, the parking lot at LaSells Stewart received a much-needed upgrade. As access to the popular summer destination at Wildwood Falls continues to grow, the improved parking area provides visitors with another option for reaching the falls.

From the south side of the Row River, the route still requires crossing the river, but avoids the steep climb down found on the north side.

Fresh Upgrades at Blue Mountain Park

There has been a lot happening at Blue Mountain lately. Located along Mosby Creek outside of Cottage Grove, this hidden gem is a popular spot to cool off during the summer months.

Last year, new picnic tables and a grill were added near the main parking lot to improve the day-use area. More recently, the county’s road crew upgraded the road leading to the back parking lot, making for a much smoother drive. They also restored areas along the creek that had been damaged by unauthorized off-roading.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Work Crew has been hard at work clearing blackberries as part of ongoing habitat restoration efforts.

By partnering with other county departments, Parks is able to stretch resources further and complete projects that improve visitor access, protect natural areas, and enhance the overall park experience.

Baker Bay Restroom Facility Update

After several years of planning, Lane County Parks is providing an update on the Baker Bay sewer system. The site's unique conditions required careful evaluation to determine the best path forward.

The existing system, originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over 50 years ago, is no longer usable. A feasibility study found that replacing it in place is not possible due to high costs, soil challenges, land ownership constraints, and permitting requirements.

As a result, Lane County is moving forward with plans to install six double-vault restroom facilities, increasing overall restroom availability meaning a shorter walk from your campsite

Engineering and permitting are underway, with construction expected in 2027. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations will remain available in the meantime.

Hands-On Stewardship Across Lane County Parks

The Northwest Youth Corps crews made a big impact in Lane County Parks this season.

At the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, crews conducted an Oregon ash inventory to help prepare for the invasive emerald ash borer and reduced wildfire fuels through brush clearing and debris removal.

At Hendricks Bridge Park, restoration efforts included removing invasive ivy and maintaining the stormwater swale.s.

Lane County Parks hosted the crews at our campgrounds throughout the season, providing a home base for their work across the Eugene-Springfield area and supporting projects for multiple natural resource agencies and partner organizations throughout the region.

Eagle Scout Project Improves Accessibility at HBRA

Congratulations to Theo Unruh of Scout Troop 100 on the successful completion of his Eagle Scout project at Howard Buford Recreation Area.

Over the past year, Theo planned, designed, and built a horse mounting station at the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse arena, creating a valuable new amenity for riders.

The project includes a mounting block and a fully accessible ramp, making horseback riding more accessible for people of all abilities.

We appreciate Theo's dedication, hard work, and commitment to improving HBRA for everyone.

A Message from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Low water levels mean changing conditions on our lakes this recreation season. Before you head out, take a few minutes to hear from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about what to expect, how water levels are managed, and how to stay safe on the water.

Watch the video here

Boat Oregon Online Map

As you head out boating this season, the Oregon State Marine Board offers a helpful resource for planning your trips. Their online map provides updates and information on boating access sites across Oregon.

Access the Map Here

A Message from the Oregon Health Authority

As the weather warms up, state agencies are keeping an eye on Oregon’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for toxic cyanobacteria blooms, also known as harmful algae blooms.

Children and pets are at increased risk for cyanobacteria exposure and poisoning because of their size and level of activity.

We recommend that people keep an eye out for visible signs of bloom and stay out of water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red.

Remember, “When in doubt, stay out!”

To learn more and to check if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit www.healthoregon.org/hab

Armitage Dog Park Ribbon Cutting | June 17 @ 2 pm

Hileman Volunteer Work Party | June 27

SOLVE Beach Cleanup Heceta Beach | July 5

Three Mile Prairie Work Party | August 29

Parks Advisory Committee | September 14 (no meetings in July and August)