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Residents urge council not to return camping or ‘yurts’ to Riverside Park; council says proposals are under study
Summary
Dozens of residents spoke against placing yurts or permitting camping in Riverside Park and other public spaces; councilors said concepts remain preliminary, that staff will circulate survey language, and that no final decision has been made.
Multiple residents told the Grants Pass council they oppose any plan to site yurts or long-term camping in Riverside Park and urged the council not to allow camping that would bring people back to park sites.
Speakers at the meeting described concerns about public safety, property impacts and the potential for encampments to return to Riverside Park. Brian Weldon, a Park Watch member, said he had observed propane tanks and camping activity in Riverside Park; several other commenters warned that introducing yurts would invite overflow into parks from other temporary shelters.
Council members said the proposals under discussion—such as elements of an Elk Island or caretaker’s-cottage concept—are not final. Staff and councilors said they will circulate proposed survey language to the council before community outreach and that no code changes have been adopted to authorize camping in Riverside Park.
Ending: Council accepted public comment, reiterated that the idea is under study, and asked staff to return with clearer survey language and options for public engagement before any action.
