When the Lane County Parks Levy passed, it reflected a shared community priority: to improve the everyday experience of visiting our parks. The plan set aside resources to update essential amenities—things that make each visit more comfortable, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone. While projects are being rolled out in phases, the following areas were identified as priorities for levy funding:

Restroom Improvements

Clean, safe, and modern restrooms were one of the top concerns heard from park users. Funding was allocated to upgrade or build restrooms in key locations—bringing long-needed improvements that help make parks more welcoming for all.

Shelters, Pavilions & Day-Use Areas

Parks are where people gather—to picnic, to celebrate, to rest. Investments in shelters and pavilions aim to create more usable, comfortable spaces for families and groups to enjoy the outdoors together.

Pathways, Paving & Accessibility

Getting around easily—regardless of age or ability—was a clear priority. Funding for paving and curbs was set aside to improve paths and make more areas accessible to everyone, whether on foot, in a wheelchair, or with a stroller.

Utility Upgrades

Some of the most important improvements are behind the scenes. From water and power to lighting and waste systems, updated site utilities are critical to ensuring parks function smoothly and safely.

Additional Enhancements

Some funds were also reserved for smaller but meaningful upgrades—features that improve how parks look, feel, and function. These might include things like new signage, seating, or landscaping, based on what each site needs most.

Improved Waterway Access

For those who enjoy boating, fishing, or simply being near the water, access to rivers and lakes was another area of focus. Projects in this category aim to make those experiences safer, easier, and available to more people.

Building Parks for All

The Lane County Parks Levy set aside more than $4.2 million for special projects and accessibility improvements—reflecting a shared goal: to make our parks safer, more inclusive, and more connected to the diverse communities we serve.

From expanding access to water and trails, to supporting environmental education and restoring natural areas, these projects aim to remove barriers, reflect community voices, and meet a wider range of needs across the county.

A key part of this work includes partnering directly with local organizations through cooperative projects. Funding was prioritized for efforts that serve rural communities, support cultural education, and expand recreational access. This includes:

• Facility Improvements like expanding Armitage Campground, upgrading the Howard Buford Recreation Area North Trailhead restroom, and improving facilities at North Jetty.

• Cooperative Projects supporting community-led spaces like Blue River Park, the McKenzie River Discovery Center, and a regional pickleball facility.

• Water Access Enhancements to help more people safely enjoy lakes and rivers.

• Site Security Investments through partnerships with the Sheriff’s Office and work crews to improve park safety and maintenance.

• Trail and Accessibility Upgrades at Buford Park/Mount Pisgah, including accessible paths and informative kiosks.

• Habitat Restoration in partnership with groups like Friends of Buford Park and the McKenzie River Trust.

• Environmental Education Programs that include bilingual walks, youth scholarships, and community forums to deepen understanding and connection to the land.

These projects are guided by Lane County’s commitment to equity and inclusion. In 2023, Lane County Parks conducted an equity survey to better understand how different communities experience our parks—and what makes them feel welcome. The feedback collected is helping shape long-term strategies that ensure our parks work for everyone, regardless of background, ability, or identity.

By investing in both infrastructure and relationships, these special projects reflect a broader commitment: building a park system where all people feel a sense of belonging, and all communities have a voice in shaping the outdoors.

Conservation and education were central values behind the Lane County Parks Levy—and those priorities are only possible through strong partnerships with the community. By working together with local partners, Lane County is expanding its capacity to care for natural spaces and foster meaningful learning experiences in our parks.

More than $1 million in levy funding was directed toward efforts that protect ecosystems, support restoration, and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the environment in new ways.

Key areas of focus include:

• Habitat Stewardship ($350,000) to support the Natural Areas Program in preserving sensitive habitats and supporting biodiversity.

• Riparian Restoration ($270,000) to help restore vital waterways and floodplains, improving resilience for both people and wildlife.

• Interpretive & Recreation Programming ($200,000) to support guided walks, educational signage, and inclusive programming that helps people connect to the land in meaningful ways.

• McKenzie River Water Trail Enhancements ($75,000) including trail signage and guides to support safe, enjoyable, and educational water experiences.

• EV Charging Stations ($30,000) as a small but important step toward a more sustainable future.

These projects are not happening in isolation—they're part of a broader effort to grow the impact of our parks through collaboration.

Together, we’re helping ensure that Lane County’s parks remain resilient and welcoming into the future. 

Voters can be assured that the funds from the proposed park levy will be used as intended through a robust system of transparency and accountability. A series of measures are in place to ensure that the allocated funds are being utilized effectively for the proposed projects.

Yearly Audit: The funds generated from the park levy will be subject to a thorough yearly audit. This audit will be conducted by a third-party auditing firm with expertise in financial oversight. The audit will meticulously review the allocation of funds, expenditures, and the progress of individual projects. This process ensures that the financial transactions are accurate, lawful, and in line with the intended purpose of the levy.

Progress Reporting: Regular progress reports will be compiled and presented to both the Lane County Board of Commissioners and the community. These reports will detail the advancement of each project funded by the levy. By providing comprehensive updates on project milestones, spending, and accomplishments, these reports maintain an open line of communication between the governing body and the public.

Community Engagement: Transparency extends beyond reporting. Public engagement will be encouraged throughout the process. Regular updates will be shared through various communication channels, including public meetings, newsletters, and the county's official website. This engagement not only informs the community about the progress of projects but also invites feedback and suggestions, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

Oversight by Elected Officials: The Board of Commissioners, elected by the community, will play a vital role in overseeing the proper utilization of the levy funds. Their responsibility includes reviewing audit results, progress reports, and ensuring that the projects align with the stipulated goals of the levy.

This commitment to safety is underpinned by a multi-faceted approach that includes bolstering ranger staff in our most frequented parks and enhancing park signage.

Increasing Ranger Staff: Levy funds will also facilitate the recruitment and deployment of additional ranger staff in our most heavily visited parks. These skilled professionals will serve as dedicated points of contact for park visitors, offering assistance, answering queries, and ensuring that park rules and regulations are observed. Their proactive presence will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable park experience.

Enhanced Signage: An important aspect of park security is effective and inclusive communication. With levy support, improvements will be made to park signage, ensuring clear directions, safety guidelines, and emergency contact information are readily available to all visitors. Well-designed and informative signage not only promotes safety awareness but also empowers visitors to make informed decisions while exploring the parks.

Continuous Adaptation: As part of the commitment to safety, levy funds will be invested in ongoing training for ranger staff. This ensures that our security measures remain up-to-date and aligned with the evolving needs of our parks and their visitors.

In essence, the proposed park levy demonstrates our dedication to elevating security standards. Through a strong partnership with the Sheriff's Office, augmented ranger staff in key parks, and improved signage, we aim to create parks that provide not only recreational opportunities but also a genuine sense of security for everyone. Your support of the levy enables us to implement these strategic measures that enhance the well-being of our community members and park enthusiasts.

Affordable and Impactful

The estimated tax rate for the proposed levy stands at $0.16 per $1,000 of assessed value. This translates to an average cost of approximately $3.20 per month, or less than $40 per year, for five years for the median Lane County homeowner. The modest financial commitment from each household results in a collective impact that will resonate through improved facilities, enriched educational opportunities, and the preservation of our natural heritage. 

Lane County Parks Levy is an investment in our community's well-being, our shared values, and the unparalleled beauty that surrounds us.

These documents were approved by the Oregon Secretary of State.