Site Improvements, Funding, and Community Involvement All on Park Agenda

The Blue River Park District Board convened on August 6 for a wide-ranging meeting focused on park revitalization efforts, infrastructure projects, and renewed community engagement. The session opened with the swearing-in of three board members: Antony Abel, Shannon Goodpasture Lahr, and Kristin Gustafson. One board member, Melanie Stanley, was absent.

During public comments, there was a concern about the park's neglected appearance and lack of children's activities. In response, Board Chair Jim Parks noted the park has secured nearly $1.55 million in grants-$750,000 from the Oregon State Parks and approximately $795,000 in PIER (Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization) grants. However, implementation has been delayed by challenges including staffing gaps and limited Internet connectivity, which have hampered participation in virtual meetings.

Matt McRae, Lane County's Disaster Recovery Manager, joined the meeting remotely to offer updates. He explained that park project delays stemmed from the temporary medical leave of a key staff member. With them now back in place, McRae suggested scheduling a joint planning meeting with the park board and Oregon State Parks in early September.

Asked if the board could proceed independently with a bathroom construction project, McRae advised against it. He recommended bundling all improvements as a single contract for better efficiency and compliance with federal environmental requirements

The board discussed ongoing park maintenance needs. While the park was mowed earlier this year, fire season restrictions now limit mowing to morning hours. Additionally, rocks left from prior drilling work have complicated upkeep.

Board members praised the work of Pure Water Partners, EWEB, and the McKenzie Land Trust, who have helped remove invasive species like Scotch broom. They agreed to organize a volunteer cleanup day with hand tools only, due to fire restrictions. Gustafson was unanimously appointed as volunteer coordinator.

The board emphasized focusing cleanup efforts on key public areas like the playground and picnic spots, and discussed obtaining liability waivers for volunteers.

The board reviewed outcomes from a previous wastewater project, which had consumed $4 million over 30 months for drilling and feasibility studies. Ultimately, remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds-about $2 million-were redirected toward advanced septic systems through a partnership with EWEB, benefiting fire victims and new residents, but not short-term rentals.

Discussion turned to the possibility of expanding the park district's boundaries to encompass the broader McKenzie River corridor. A community member noted this would require petitions and a district-wide vote, making the process legally and logistically complex.

The board's action items include scheduling a September funding coordination meeting, contacting the Pure Water Partners for additional cleanup help, and acquiring waivers for future volunteers. With volunteer efforts gaining momentum and funding in place, the board expressed cautious optimism about the park's renewal.

Parks closed the meeting by noting the site's existing infrastructure-including a stage equipped with multiple power circuits-that c"ould support community events like concerts and food carts" in the near future.