Willamalane wants feedback on its plans for the next 20 years of Springfield parks and rec

Alan Torres, Register-Guard
·4 min read
Children from a nearby school run through a ribbon held by Willamalane Park and Recreation District Landscape Architect Simon Daws, background left, and Executive Director Michael Wargo during a dedication of the new Arrow Park in Springfield in December 2022.
Children from a nearby school run through a ribbon held by Willamalane Park and Recreation District Landscape Architect Simon Daws, background left, and Executive Director Michael Wargo during a dedication of the new Arrow Park in Springfield in December 2022.

Springfield residents have until July 14 to provide feedback on the Willamalane Park and Recreation District's Comprehensive Plan, which outlines plans for the next 20 years of the city's park development.

Why the park plan is being updated

Willamalane published its last park development plan in 2012. Willamalane policy calls for an update every 10 years.

The district says it wants a new plan to reflect that Springfield is bigger, more diverse and older than in 2012, as well as a plan that makes use of the eight new parks totaling 851 acres, in particular adding features to the 666-acre Thurston Hills Natural Area.

Future Willamalane projects

Highlights from Willamalane's draft plan include:

  • Adding a bicycle pump track at Willamalane Park,

  • More beginner-friendly mountain bike trails in the Thurston Hills Natural Area,

  • Opportunities for nature play at Dorris Ranch and Clearwater Park,

  • Filling in links in the park and recreation district's trail network, such as by connecting the McKenzie River Multi-use Path and the South Weyerhauser Haul Road.

The district also plans to increase staffing to add more park rangers, more people maintaining natural areas and restrooms, and expand hours of operation and cultural programming.

The proposal calls for exploring the addition of water play areas and outdoor swimming pools, a dog park, pickleball courts, community gardens, river access, outdoor fitness parks, trails and childcare at locations that have not yet been determined.

"We're looking at all types of water play features that may be in different places throughout the district," Willamalane Executive Director Michael Wargo said at a June 26 town hall. "We don't really have a lead on where that would be. It would make financial sense to add on to our existing aquatic centers but we're going to take to take a look at everything."

Seven goals in the draft plan

Most of the plan focuses on broader goals versus specific projects. This also means a cost estimate is not included.

"This plan is the big guiding document," Jackie Rochefort, Willamalane Planning Manager Jackie Rochefort, said at the town hall. "From this plan, we would be creating smaller area plans and master plans and detailed plans and that's where we can start to figure out how the pieces come together."

The seven goals outlined in the draft:

1. Continue to operate the district at a nationally accredited CAPRA standard

The Commission for the Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies recognized Willamalane in 2022 as meeting national best practices.

In addition to maintaining current service, to remain accredited, Willamalane said it will make parks more accessible to people with disabilities, integrate diversity equity and inclusion by hiring more bilingual staff, and strengthen employee recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

2. Provide a safe and equitable system of parks and natural areas

This goal includes plans to:

  • Upgrade and replace amenities at parks such as James Park and Tyson Park that community members scored low,

  • Update amenities that are in poor condition such as the basketball and pickleball courts at Meadow Park and the playground at Bob Artz Memorial Park,

  • New projects such as a trail connecting the Booth Key Trailhead and Middle Fork Path and new parks in underserved areas like the neighborhoods around Hamlin Middle School and west of Bob Straub Parkway,

  • Reduce the park system's carbon footprint.

3. Provide easily accessed, connected system of paths and trails

Proposed trail expansions include connecting the McKenzie River Multi-use Path and South Weyerhauser Road, and expanded trail systems at Dorris Ranch and the Thurston Hills Natural Area.

The district also plans to add features such as benches, signage, and bike parking and bike repair stations to existing trails.

4. Provide high-quality and affordable recreation facilities

This goal includes a feasibility study for a new outdoor pool and expansions to the Parks Services Center, Adult Activity Center and Bob Keefer Center.

5. Strive for high standard of care for the maintenance

This goal includes:

  • Plans to hire additional landscapers, groundskeepers, park rangers and staff to maintain natural areas and athletic fields,

  • Identify key habitats in the parks' natural areas for preservation

  • Resurface paths,

  • Renovate locker rooms, parking lots, lobbies and cultural resources.

6. Offer recreation services and programs that respond to community needs, encourage healthy lifestyles

Willamalane said it wants to:

  • Add recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, specific cultural groups, adults above the age of 55 and high school students,

  • Provide free health and fitness programs,

  • Consider expanding hours of operation into evenings and weekends.

7. Be a responsible steward of district resources, partnerships

To pay for the proposals, Willamalane plans to consider a bond, changes to the district's system development charges and a membership fee for out-of-district park users.

View the full plan and provide feedback by July 14.

Alan Torres covers local government for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at atorres@registerguard.com

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Willamalane, Springfield park district seeks input on 20-year plan