Hood River council accepts Lions Club donation for Jackson and Mann parks

The Hood River City Council unanimously accepted a proposal from the Lions Club on Monday to donate park improvements to Jackson Park and Mann Park.

Mike Shand, speaking for the Lions Club, outlined measures the club is prepared to install and pay for, including a 106‑foot metal handrail and concrete support for a steep sidewalk at Jackson Park, a 20‑bike double‑sided rack, motion‑sensor lighting near restrooms, a 12‑foot sidewalk extension and site pads for bike racks and a picnic table at Mann Park. “I figured it up that we've invested over $400,000 in those two parks in the last four or five years,” Shand told the council.

Doug Bone reviewed placement and construction details; councilors asked about ongoing maintenance costs and whether the club would install equipment. Staff said the Lions offered to purchase and install the items, minimizing upfront city costs and that maintenance seemed modest for durable equipment, though staff will confirm details with public works.

Councilor Paulson moved to accept the donation of equipment for Jackson Park and Mann Park; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Council also voted to add the Families in the Park sponsorship for the 2026 season to the consent agenda.

The Lions and council members also discussed potential placement adjustments to avoid pedestrian conflicts and options to bolt the bike racks into concrete to prevent theft. No additional city appropriations were requested at the meeting; staff said any ongoing maintenance obligations would be evaluated and worked into future budgets as needed.