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Draft Parks Master Plan presented; Juniper Hills, Fairgrounds and Panorama Park prioritized for upgrades
Summary
County parks director and University of Oregon consultants presented a draft Jefferson County Parks Master Plan that recommends upgraded fields and tournament infrastructure at Juniper Hills, improved accessibility at Panorama Park, a possible RV-park extension and environmental study for Fox/Locks Canyon land.
Jefferson County presented a draft Parks Master Plan to the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10, following a year-long process with University of Oregon consultants and a local steering committee. The draft recommends upgrades at county-owned parks, new partnerships and next steps towards adoption as part of the county's planning documents.
Why it matters: The master plan frames how the county will prioritize capital work, grant applications and partnerships to expand recreation, tourism support and community amenities in coming years.
Key recommendations in the draft plan - Juniper Hills Park: Invest in a loop access road for emergency and event circulation, add multi-use fields (soccer, flag football), explore courts (pickleball/basketball), improve playground accessibility, and consider a pump track or dry campground to host tournaments. - Panorama Park: Improve lighting, landscaping and accessibility; extend paved walking paths to increase everyday use and create safe, all-season exercise opportunities. - Fairgrounds complex: Study improving multi-use space in existing buildings, extend the RV park cautiously as a revenue source, and consider a small recreation site near the fishing pond to serve southwest Madras neighborhoods. - Fox/Locks Canyon parcel (near the transfer station): Conduct an environmental assessment; if remediation supports public use, consider dog-park space, dry-camping or a multi-use synthetic field given limited irrigation. - Countywide: Strengthen coordination among recreation managers, expand outreach to non-English-speaking communities, and pursue grants and partnerships (state parks, tribes, private tourism partners) to fund projects.
Public input and next steps - The consultants said the draft incorporated an online survey, steering-committee input and field inventories. About 220 responses were received in the planning process. - Next steps: County staff will collect commissioner feedback and finalize the draft; Community Development staff will route the plan through public hearings and the planning commission for adoption into the comprehensive plan as an implementing policy document.
Ending: Commissioners thanked consultants and staff and asked for minor clarifications before the plan advances to the public hearing process.
