Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ("State Parks") is launching an ambitious effort to develop “Model Sustainable Parks” that use sustainable practices that can be monitored, evaluated and replicated in other state parks.  These sustainable practices include efforts to reduce waste, eliminate hazardous substances, achieve climate neutrality, enhance ecosystem function and share information with all stakeholders. This endeavor will provide a unique laboratory for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to test several projects in both new and more established parks in terms of start-up cost, maintenance expenses, reduction of resource use and cost savings as well as effectiveness of learning by the public.  These practices will be evaluated and then replicated in our other 231 state parks.  A new state park is being developed in Washington County that will simultaneously serve as a demonstration site for designing a new state park.

Two state parks in Central Oregon - Tumalo State Park and Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint - have been selected as test sites.  Oregon State Parks Trust is spearheading the “Sustainable Parks” campaign which seeks to raise $325,750 over two years for the following projects that promote sustainability:

• Upgrade an irrigation system for water conservation
• Implement comprehensive recycling programs
• Install solar efficient upgrades (e.g. meeting hall, yurts, picnic shelter)
• Build interpretive exhibits and programs in both parks

For more information on the campaign, please click here.

Oregon State Parks Trust is pleased that J. Ned Dempsey, President of Century West Engineering has agreed to serve as Campaign Chair.  Campaign Partners include:

• Oregon State Parks Trust
• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

So far the partners have raised $111,882 toward the campaign goal of $325,750.  Planning is well underway for implementation of the sustainable improvements.  A sustainability intern is currently working with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department at Tumalo State Park and Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint to assess the park needs and make specific recommendations regarding irrigation and energy use.  Many local businesses have given products or services to make sustainable parks a reality in Central Oregon.

If you are interested in helping the campaign to build model sustainable parks, please click here.