Lane County parks levy: staff report progress on staffing, maintenance and capital projects

Lane County parks staff on Aug. 12 reported progress implementing the five‑year parks levy voters approved in November 2022, outlining staffing increases, equipment purchases, maintenance accomplishments and a schedule of capital projects now in design or soon to be constructed.

Brett Henry, parks division manager, and Steve Rayfuse, park superintendent, gave the presentation. Henry summarized the levy structure and objectives: a roughly $31.4 million, five‑year levy that allocates funds to operations, facilities, education/conservation and special projects. Rayfuse described accomplishments since levy funding began, including rebuilding the maintenance team, adding campground coordination staff, purchasing equipment (including utility vehicles), installing security cameras at Howard Buford‑Mount Pisgah‑Robinwood (HBR) and completing low‑cost but highly visible maintenance projects such as sign replacement and kiosk refreshes.

Staff said the levy’s facility condition assessment of 17 high‑use parks identified nearly $21 million in capital needs; staff warned that deferring work another decade would increase those needs substantially. Rayfuse outlined capital projects in design or coming to bid, including an Eagle Rock picnic shelter (construction under way), Armitage Dog Park improvements (parking, picnic shelters and fee‑station redesign), Harbor Vista campground shower house refurbishment, Hasita Beach improvements including a full‑flush restroom design, and a full reconstruction of the North Jetty parking lot. Staff also noted cooperative grants and partnerships supporting habitat restoration and accessibility projects such as David’s Chair beach chairs and trail upgrades at Howard Buford/Buford Park and Mount Pisgah.

Commissioners asked about safety and whether increased ranger presence and cameras have reduced incidents; staff said incidents have decreased since the ramp‑up in staff and security measures. Commissioners praised the program and urged continued public communications and celebration of project milestones. Staff said the parks project map on the county website is updated regularly and that formal announcements and ribbon‑cuttings will be scheduled as projects are completed.

Why it matters: the levy funds restoration, maintenance and system improvements across Lane County’s park system, affecting recreation access, facilities and habitat work countywide. Staff emphasized a balance between revenue‑generating facilities and keeping parks affordable and accessible.