Park Moves Forward on Safety, Infrastructure, and Development

The Blue River Park Board’s January 14 meeting highlighted ongoing safety improvements, major infrastructure upgrades, and preparations for upcoming park development. Other discussions included funding, volunteer engagement, and regional coordination challenges.

Board members opened the meeting by reviewing recent danger tree removal efforts in the park. Volunteers have removed several dead standing trees, reducing hazards for park users. One particularly large and precariously leaning tree near the park gate required professional removal. The tree was taken down at no cost to the park, a job estimated to be worth approximately $2,000.

The board also addressed questions from the community about collecting downed wood for firewood. Members clarified that some logs stored at the back of the park -cut to 20-foot lengths – may be suitable for sale, while other wood, like the two trees blown down in a windstorm, had already been promised to volunteers who assisted with cleanup efforts. Board members emphasized a preference for using park resources to support volunteers rather than private resale.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on upcoming park developments and the board’s desire for greater control over the process. They reiterated plans to hire an owner’s representative – a consultant who would act as the board’s voice – separate from a project manager selected through a formal request for proposals.

The board discussed Ron White as a possible candidate who could fill both roles. A previously approved letter outlining the board’s intent to directly manage most aspects of the project is set to be sent to Lane County’s Long Term Recovery manager Matt McRae. They also plan to invite McRae to attend an upcoming meeting, preferably in person, to discuss next steps.

The board received an update on the completion of a new 3,000-gallon septic system installed by Best Septic. Parks superintendent Jim Parks said the advanced system includes dual tanks and a drain field extending around the tennis court area. The park will receive two years of free service, after which maintenance is expected to cost about $500 per year, with inspections every six months.

During installation, excess soil was used to level uneven areas where a former garden had been located, and rocks were placed around the tanks to protect them from vehicle traffic, Parks said.

With one open board seat and additional openings expected due to term limits, members approved posting recruitment information on the park’s website, using language adapted from previous outreach efforts. Discussion also covered website management, including a single point of contact for email inquiries to avoid duplicate responses, and plans to post construction updates as development begins.

The treasurer’s report showed operating costs are rising, including an increase in sanitation services to $168 per month and a water bill of $244, attributed to a leak and recent septic system testing. The board approved transferring $1,000 from its treasury fund to the checking account to cover current expenses.

With ongoing costs and no regular income, the board discussed possibly partnering with McKenzie Valley Wellness as a fiscal sponsor, to allow accepting tax-deductible donations through a 501(c)(3) organization.

Board members began planning a community cleanup in coordination with the McKenzie River Land Trust, initially proposed for February 19, though the weekday date prompted some confusion. The board scheduled its own cleanup for Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plans to provide pizza and recruit volunteers through local organizations.

Trail maintenance issues were also raised, particularly along the Blue River Trail where it extends onto U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. Despite multiple requests from community members and organizations, the Corps has not responded to cleanup or repair requests. A small bridge along the trail has become nearly impassable after a cut log rolled downhill and worsened access.