Benton County
Parks Systel11
Com.prehensive Plan
]uly1995
Benton County
Parks System
Comprehensive Plan
July 1995
Adopted by the
Benton County Board ofCommissioners
Kent Daniels, Chair
John Dilworth, Commissioner
Pamela Folts, Commissioner
September 13, 1995
date
Directed by
Jerry Davis, Benton County Fair & Parks Director
and the Benton County Parks Advisory Board
Benton County Parks Division
Avery Services Building
360 SW Avery Avenue
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
BEFORE THE BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
, STATE OF OREGON
In the Matter of Adopting the Benton )
County Parks System Comprehensive Plan. )
ORDER
WHEREAS, the bylaws of the Benton County Parks Advisory Board authorize
that committee to initiate advice to the Benton County Board of Commissioners based
on observations of park operations, public concerns as expressed to the committee,
concerns of individual committee members, and Parks Department staff input; and
WHEREAS, consideration of these observations, concerns and input has led the
Parks Board to propose the Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan;
.. ' '. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDERED:
That the Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan, attached hereto
and incorporated herein by this reference, shall be, and hereby is, adopted.
Signedthis 1.~~ayo~!~.b:0,190l ?5
Adopted this \ 3-thdayof~ J?t&Nn j HI) ,191~
Approved as to form:
County Counsel Commissioner
PREPARED FOR
BENTON COUNTYFAIR AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
by
Bennett & BennettAssociates
Corvallis, Oregon
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RELATING TO THE BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM
CONTACT:
Benton County Parks Division
Avery Services Building
360 SWAvery Avenue
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-6871
(503) 757-6891 FAX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments 4
A Letter from the Director 5
Mission and Vision 6
Executive Summary 7
Introduction 16
Section One:
Parks System Profile
Purpose of Parks System 19
Inventory of County Parks 20
County Parks Division Profile 36
Section Two:
Findings and Implementation Strategies
Parks System Trends 48
Economic Impact of County Parks 53
Findings and Observations 56
Implementation Strategies 59
Management Strategies 59
Performance Measures and Benchmarking 65
Partnerships and Grant Opportunities 67
Expectations and Next Steps 72
Appendices
Benton County Capital Improvement Program 73
Historical Background 75
Planning Goals and Policies 78
Parks Advisory Board and Focus Group Members 82
Acknowledgments
The following members of the Benton County Parks Division
guided the development of this comprehensive plan:
Jerry Davis
AlKitzman
Charles Goodrich
George McAdams
Mary Simpson
Fair & Parks Director
Parks Superintendent
Park/Fair Ranger
Park/Fair Ranger
Department Assistant
Special thanks is given to Kathy Straton
of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Division
for her technical assistance and advice.
A Letter from the Director
Benton County Parks occupy an important position in the future policies and
activities of our area including:
• growth and development and land-use,
• open space, scenic and historic area preservation,
• public facilities and services,
• natural resource conservation and management, and
• recreational needs.
Our 776.17 acres attract over 215,000 visits per year. All aspects contribute to
our quality of life, community spirit, and respect for nature and the
environment. Our investments are of economic and social value.
As in other counties across the United States and in Oregon, Benton County
assumes this responsibility as a basic service oflocal government. The
responsibility is outlined in State and County planning goals. It requires
ongoing adaptation, improvement, and maintenance of County park facilities,
services, and programs. This responsibility continues under the influence of
restricted or fluctuating County funds, competitive state and federal funding
opportunities, increased regulations, expanding service requests and
broadening community initiatives, and fewer County Parks Division staff.
Effective, creative programming is a must.
Our Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan identifies the
opportunities that will best serve Benton County citizens and visitors for the
next six to ten years. The plan encourages effective planning, coordination,
conservation, development, and financing of the Parks Division's programs and
investments.
On behalf of the Benton County Board of Commissioners, the Benton County
Parks Advisory Board, and the Benton County Parks Division staff, we hope citi-
zens who review this plan will share their insights and imagination in helping to
continuously improve our planning and operations. We invite all Benton
County friends and families to explore and actively enjoy the parks system and
join us in having a passion for parks!
Respectfully,
Jerry Davis
Benton County Fair & Parks Director
5
Missions and Vision
Benton County Parks Division Mission
MAKING BENTON COUNTYABETTER PLACE TO LIVE - inviting friends and
families for recreation and renewal. Benton County Parks Division serves the
interests and pursuits of Benton County residents by providing access to
natural, historic, and recreational areas and conserving, restoring, and
developing parkland investments.
Benton County Fair and Parks Department Vision
Benton County parks system and fairgrounds activities promote a society that is
rich in heritage, natural beauty, recreation, and fun. We value our past and our
future, our rural and our urban. Our indoor and outdoor facilities, events, and
accessibility influence the type of community, social expectations, and values
we hold. We reflect and enhance our community's lifestyle. Individuals,
families, friends, and groups value our offerings for solitude and social
interaction. We strive to understand the way people choose to live, the kinds of
work they choose to do, and where and when they choose to relax or play.
Our staffmaintains a commitment to excellence. We are responsive to
community needs and product improvement. Our high maintenance
standards are not compromised in order to maintain the integrity of our assets.
Teamwork, open communication, and a strong sense ofharmony prevail.
Volunteers and agency partnerships are an integral part of our
accomplishments. Service to the public is top priority.
Benton County Fair and Parks Department will continue to provide useful
environments for individual enjoyment and collective activity. Our programs
will help people discover how to make the best use of their surroundings to
enhance their personal lives and sense of community. Everyone is invited for
recreation and renewal!
Benton County Mission
MAKING BENTON COUNTYABETTER PLACE TO LIVE-Benton County
government brings to its citizemy the authority, structure, and services to
respond to public concerns and opportunities and provides a means for local
decision-making.
6 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Executive Summary
PURPOSE OF PIAN
This comprehensive plan will be used as a management tool to:
• describe the philosophy and requirements of the Benton County Parks
System;
• evaluate the use and adequacy of its parkland, park facilities, and
natural or historic protected lands; and
• outline the opportunities and Implementation Strategies.
The plan profiles the parks system -- its properties, facilities, and
administration; the issues or conditions influencing its operation; and a list of
recommended Implementation Strategies. Below is a summary of its content.
PARKS SYSTEM PROFILE
Existing Parkland
Within the system, there are 15 Benton County parks, the Benton County
Courthouse, and one connecting trail. The table below provides a basic list of
the properties -- their geographic locations within the County, their acreage,
management zones, and development status. Most parks are part of the active
system. Some parks are in a development stage; some parks are undeveloped
and inactive.
Three of the most recent acquisitions: Fort Hoskins Historic Site, Jackson-
Frazier Wetland preserve, and Open Space Park property, are significant
historic and natural sites. The addition of these sites broaden the
responsibilities of the system beyond providing land and facilities for public use
in leisure and recreation, into new areas that:
1) preserve and restore historical subjects and cultural resources, and
2) protect, conserve, and preserve scientifically and ecologically valuable
lands.
These recent acquisitions plus our traditional recreational sites provide long-
term value to the community. The value is best seen in the way Benton County
strives:
7
• to serve the needs and welfare of its people, support activities that
address health and safety, and promote the well being of
individuals, children, and families; and
• to balance growth, development, and quality oflife, maintain the
quality of our natural environment, and provide significant natural,
cultural, historic, and recreational resources.
The parks system should be viewed as both an amenity for and asset of the
Benton County community.
PARKLAND MANAGEMENT
ZONE
STANDARD STATUS
8
NORTHWEST
Fort Hoskins historic historic s~e development stage
NORTHEAST
North Albany recreational community park active
Adair recreational regional park active
Hyak recreational special use park active
Open Space recreationaV natural regional park! open space development stage
(temporary name)
Jackson-Frazier Wetland natural nature preserve development stage
Fairgrounds to Bald Hill Trail recreational trail active
Benton County Courthouse historic historic s~e active
SOUTHEAST
Bundy Bridge recreational small parcel undeveloped!
inactive
Irish Bend recreational special use park undeveloped
Saxton recreational small parcel undeveloped!
inactive
Anderson recreational special use park undeveloped
Bellfountain recreational community park active
SOUTHWEST
Clemens recreational commun~y park active
Mill Creek! Robinson Grove recreational special use park active
Campbell Boat Landing recreational special use park active
Salmonberry Boat Landing! recreational special use park active
Campground
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Division Profile
The parks system has been developing in Benton County since 1957. It started
as a citizen effort, with dedicated involvement and donated land from a few
community leaders and property owners. Amore formalized approach was
taken in 1973 when a parks department was established by the Benton County
Commissioners. The current Parks Division is part of the Benton County Fair &
Parks Department. There are 6.2 permanent staff positions. The staff is
assisted by:
• an advisory board of citizens (appointed by the Benton County Board of
Commissioners),
• two technical committees,
• various community organizations (such as the Greenbelt Land Trust),
and
• other natural, historic, and recreational resource-related public
agencies.
Funding for the parks system operation is largely drawn from the County's
General Fund. Additional monies are collected from a small but dedicated state
revenue stream of recreational vehicle registration fees and marine fuel taxes,
some Parks Division fees and charges, some successful planning grant
proposals, and the Benton County Capital Improvement Fund. The annual
operating budget for the Division over the last three years averaged $388,600. It
is a time of financial uncertainty for Benton County, given the influence of
Measure 5 - a property tax limitation - and the decline of Oregon and California
timber revenues which have traditionally supplemented the County's General
Fund and supported the Parks Division operation.
FINDINGS & IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
An analysis of trends helped to capture current needs and project future
expectations ofpark users. Relevant trends indicate the following:
• increased appreciation for an d use of parks systems for both recreation
as well as resource management of significant natural and historic
areas and ecosystems;
• expansion of recreational opportunities to respond to a range of
individual and collective needs -- from passive to active, recreational to
natural-- all at one site;
• increased level of information about and within each park site to
introduce, educate, inspire, and satisfy visitors;
• recognition and response to target markets interested in specific park
attributes (such as measured walking trail routes which connect major
recreational destinations);
9
10
• limited and decreasing opportunities for parkland acquisition as a
result of increased population growth and development within
communities; and
• the increased number of public-private partnerships to collectively and
creatively acquire, plan, preserve, develop, and maintain parkland property.
Descriptions of a range of economic impacts are given to demonstrate the
direct and indirect influences which parks systems have on their communities.
Below is a sample list of relevant impacts.
• Parks serve to protect natural resources including scenic areas, plants,
and animals for the preservation and enjoyment of future generations.
Ifparkland investments are not made and unalterable development or
damage occurs, the resources are lost forever.
• Greenways, open space and park availability and design can have a
positive economic impact on neighborhood property values, the sale
and selling time of property, and new real estate development.
• Recreational activity and time spent outdoors result in measurable
benefits to health and wellness.
• In a report prepared by the non-profit organization Trust for Public
Land, it was reported that crime drops in areas where adequate parks
and recreational activities are available.
• Development of historic sites have spurred economic renewal of
depressed economies - some have generated as much as seven times
the initial public investment in less than ten years.
• Park-related expenditure multipliers for counties average 1.4 - 1.8 for
each dollar spent by a visitor. Once a dollar is spent by a visitor, the
same dollar may change hands several times in the local economy.
• Natural and scenic areas strengthen the overall image and
attractiveness of a community - for the aesthetic enjoyment, sense of
community, and personal sense of well being.
From a review of the parks system profile and relevant trends and impacts,
findings and observations were made that describe the status or conditions of
the system's investments and the viability of its operation. Findings are
grouped into the following areas: 1) site and facility use, 2) funding,
3) partnership development, and 4) citizen awareness. Management strategies
have been outlined to address immediate and long-term needs or
opportunities. The strategies represent the best judgments ofwhat can and
should be accomplished based on research, assessment, and creative drive.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES DESCRIBED
SITE AND FACILI'IY USE
OBJECTIVE 1 Develop more river access points for boating, bank fishing, and day use
Investigate and develop potential
sites that enhance current park
locations: Digger Mountain on Alsea
River, Anderson Park, Half Moon
Bend (between Corvallis and Hyak
Park), Irish Bend, near Mary's River
Estates, along the Luckiamute
River; along the Alsea River at
South Fork, and near Lobster Creek
Explore undeveloped state
parklands along the Willamette
River for potential partnership
arrangements to develop, manage,
and provide additional river access
points
Determine feasibility and interest in
ajoint management arrangement
with the City of Corvallis to expand
and improve recreational activities
and river access at the Willamette
Park Campground
OBJECTIVE 2 Acquire and provide more open space and large sites of natural and cultural significance
Define and establish Benton
County's open space philosophy
and role in maintaining and
improving the quality of our natural
environment
Work with such organizations as the
Greenbelt Land Trust to investigate
significant areas and assess their
appropriateness and availability
Determine feasibility and interest in
conservation easements, joint
property management
arrangements, stable funding
sources, and establishing an
efficient method for site acquisition
OBJECTIVE 3 Develop and maintain trails for hiking, interpretative routes, and biking and continue Inter-
agency planning efforts
Complete County-wide trail plan '
wtth general specifications and
standards
Explore, develop and maintain
potential cooperative trails including
Corvallis to the Sea, Willamette
River Greenway, Corvallis to
McDonald Forest
Build interest in potential trails and
develop volunteer pool to support
trail development and maintenance
OBJECTIVE 4 Pursue special projects and acquisitions which involve unique opportunities for
recreation, education, and leisure
Further develop existing sites
including Jackson-Frazier Wetland
and Fort Hoskins Historic Site
Investigate potential special interest
sites including watershed
management, and demonstration
farms or logging operations
Continue to seek site development!
preservation assistance from
special advisory councils and
volunteer task forces
OBJECTIVE 5 Protect existing land, facilities, and equipment by completing a comprehensive
management plan and database
Develop plan scope and
requirements
Secure the appropriate levels of
staff and volunteer involvement to
identify and record findings
Update and evaluate records to
address repair and replacement
needs
11
OBJECTIVE 6 Provide regional/district parks that include a range of recreational activities for all ages in
all four quadrants of the County (northwest, southwest, southeast, and northeast)
Select best sites for further
development that provide adequate
space, represent the unique natural
characteristics of the area, and are
accessible to residents and vis~ors
(e.g., Adair Park, Clemens Park,
Fort Hoskins Historic S~e, and Irish
Bend)
Determine appropriate mix of
activities (e.g., camping, picnic and
all-weather shelters, interpretative
trails, boat access, and open
field/family fun areas) and design
master plans to further develop
existing s~es
Develop operational policies and
practices for expanded sites such
as on-s~e managers, entrance or
reservation fees, promotion, and
signage
OBJECTIVE 7 Develop quality overnight camping near urban areas
FUNDING
Select best sites to develop fully
serviced and maintained
campgrounds near urban areas that
may include use by youth groups
Pursue planning and capital
investments with assistance from
State of Oregon Parks Department
Develop operational policies and
practices for campground sites such
as on-site host, reservation or
overnight fees, promotion, and
signage
OBJECTIVE 1 Pursue bond opportunities and levies for a major infusion of capital for facility
improvements
Outline scope, costs, and benefits
for targeted park improvements and
propose financing options (e.g.,
public facility bonds or special tax
levies)
Draft a list of capital improvement
sources in use and other matching
grant sources that might be added
or attracted (and their specific
requirements and legal limits)
Survey taxpayer interest in and
support for park improvements and
financing options If favorable, seek
approval of County commissioners
for proposed financing option and
prepare informational materials for
voters
OBJECTIVE 2 Pursue creative funding ideas and future revenue sources such as a hotel/motel tax that
can be dedicated to parks
Identify general and special purpose
revenue sources (e.g., hotel/motel
tax, rental or user fees, sales
revenues, service charges, craft
fairs, historic celebrations, and park
concerts) currently used by parks
operations or by other vis~or-related
organizations
Investigate the utility and
appropriateness of new sources for
the County parks system
Depending on the kind of additional
revenue generation proposed,
prepare revenue forecasts and
sample operating budgets to
demonstrate financial impacts
Organize or gain authority for
additional revenue sources that
involve significant proceeds,
charges, or earnings
12 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
OBJECTIVE 3 Review the criteria and processes for accepting donations of land to the County by private
parties to ensure that the processes are effective
Recognize that donations of land to
the County by private parties
account for alarge part of Parks
holdings and inventory any
contractual requirements or
standards currently being upheld
Review and revise cr~eria and
processes for accepting donations
of land to ensure that such
agreements are effectively and
reasonably carried out over the long
term
Build interest in and awareness of
County practices for accepting and
managing donated lands
OBJECTIVE 4 Establish a parks trust fund to be able to efficiently act on acquiring significant parkland
property
Evaluate requirements such as
timeliness and capac~y for future
parkland acquisitions
Determine scope, feasibility, and
trustee requirements for
establishing aparks trust fund and
outline method and manner for
attracting and recording resources
(e.g., gifts, bequests, and
donations)
Present proposal to County
commissioners for approval. If
approved, establish trust fund
operation and seek resources
OBJECTIVE 5 Pursue additional state-approved tax and permit revenues similar to the marine fuel tax
and recreational vehicle registration fee
Identify ongoing alternative financial
resources that could generate
sizable revenues if adequately
collected and dedicated to parks
Provide information to the
legislature that demonstrates the
need for and benefit of parks
programming
OBJECTIVE 6 Continue to evaluate pay-for-use opportunities
Continue annual review of fees and
charges
PARTNERSHIPS
Evaluate where and when
significant park developments
warrant increased use fees or other
reasonable charges such as an
entrance fee
Investigate public-private
opportunities for appropriate lease
management arrangements and/or
concessionaires
OBJECTIVE 1 Utilize existing network with governmental agencies for regional planni ng efforts
Identify goals and priority recreational needs
for future acquisition, preservation, and
management
Continue efforts to inform policy-makers of
significant threats, barriers, and
opportun~ies that influence service delivery
13
OBJECTIVE 2 Continue to investigate opportunities for cooperation with community groups and
governmental agencies
Determine and act on opportunities
that include such benefits as cost-
savings, efficiencies, job sharing,
equipment sharing, staff training,
and additional revenue sources
CITIZEN AWARENESS
Co-sponsor planning efforts that
utilize existing staff, shared staff,
community volunteers, or contracted
consultants
Continue joint interests in regional
planning for coordinated river
access, trail development, wetland
preservation, facility maintenance
and improvements, recreational use
and capacity, and land acquisition
OBJECTIVE 1 Develop and implement a communications plan to inform and educate individuals and
groups about opportunities and benefits of our parks system
Identify the individuals and groups
who participate in our recreational
programs and/or who are influenced
by our activities, policies, and
investments and determine their
need for parks system information
Identify the kind of information to be
told (e.g., population growth and
land-use impacts, quality of life and
economic characteristics, sign~icant
findings in our historic and natural
resources, open space planning,
and the availability of recreational
opportunities)
Select how the information is best
delivered (e.g., in-school curriculum,
promotional brochures, civic group
lectures, adocents program, youth
tours, and news articles), who will
deliver it, how to encourage and
respond to feedback, and how to
evaluate efforts
OBJECTIVE 2 Utilize internships, practicums, and volunteers to promote the parks system and
stimulate use
Continue to develop internship
arrangements with educators from
Oregon State University (OSU),
OSU Extension Service, Linn-
Benton Community College, 4-H
clubs, and area high schools
Identify appropriate areas of
assistance (e.g., organizing events,
preparing news articles, promoting
recreational activities, and
tabulating user surveys) and provide
supervision and training
OBJECTIVE 3 Pursue collectiveijoint communication opportunities with other interested agencies and
businesses to promote services and build awareness
Improve the level of regional
recreation and natural resource
information available to community
planning efforts
14 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Some strategies relate to program areas already underway or ongoing. Other
strategies will address issues and opportunities identified through evaluation
and public input during the planning process. In many areas, productive
efforts are already being focused.. The Benton County Parks System is viable
and active.
Performance measures can be used to determine the changing impact or
influence of a parks system within its community. Alist of applicable Oregon
Benchmarks have been included in this comprehensive plan to begin the
process of identifying, classifying, recording, and evaluating relevant
benchmarks. It is assumed that the state office and staff of the Oregon Progress
Board will assist the Parks Division in providing the necessary data for this
evaluation.
Additional information is provided regarding current public-private
partnerships and grant opportunities utilized by the Parks Division. The
Division has effectively used partnerships and grants as the necessary catalyst
or mechanism to accomplish its goals. The Division pursues such
arrangements to make the impossible, possible and augment the level of
essential general fund monies received for ongoing operations.
It is anticipated that through the use of the Benton County Parks System
Comprehensive Plan, a clearer definition, vision, and direction for parks system
management will be demonstrated. The plan represents the rationale for
parkland investments and management. Work plans and funding will be
needed to adequately implement all of the strategies and recommended
actions. Some actions may involve other agencies who have no obligation to
follow these plans and there is no assurance that all projects will be funded.
Much flexibility must be exercised to create the right combination of projects at
the right time.
Creative problem solving and programming has long been the norm for the
Benton County Parks Division as it consistently strives to balance its
responsibilities with available resources. The Benton County Parks System
Comprehensive Plan projects six to ten years into the future to the years 2001 to
2005. Recommended actions can be pursued within a short-range (1-3 year)
time frame or long-range (4-10 year) time frame. The plan is a management
tool that forms the basis for prioritization and decision-making, maintenance
and development of programs, measurement and evaluation, and continued
energies and excitement from staff. It should optimistically yet realistically
guide the Division into the future.
15
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of Plan
The Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan is a management tool
to:
• describe the management philosophy and requirements of the system;
• evaluate the use and adequacy ofparkland, park facilities, and natural
or historic protected lands; and
• outline the opportunities and Implementation Strategies.
Comprehensive planning analyzes current and future needs. It requires public
involvement to help determine what the community wants and requires in
terms ofnatural resource conservation, available sites and facilities, and
recreational activities and events. Planning involves the input of experience
and expertise from local, state, and federal recreation agencies and related
community groups. Their involvement and coordination ensures an
integrated, cooperative approach to service delivery that can reach beyond
what a community can accomplish on its own.
The Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan outlines the
management goals and policies identified and prioritized by the Benton County
Parks Advisory Board, Division staff, public recreation agencies, and
community groups. The Plan is part of a statewide effort to identify recreation
needs. It supports and collaborates with management objectives of Oregon's
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCaRP) and other
recreational planning initiatives involving the Bureau ofLand Management,
Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Forest Service. The Plan is consistent
with overall policies set forth in the Benton County Comprehensive Plan, the
official policy guide for decisions about growth, development, and
management of natural resources in Benton County.
PIAN STRUCTURE DESCRIBED
The Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan includes an overview of
the communities and people beingserved, the parks administration, and
county-wide park sites. An assessment of trends, policies, issues and
opportunities that affect the overall parks system is described, followed by
16 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
management objectives and implementation strategies for the next six to ten
years. Descriptions and detail vary according to the influence on the overall
system. Contained within the plan are:
Section One: Parks System Profile
• Management zones, descriptions, and inventory of the County parks
and its site and facility characteristics.
• Benton County Parks Division profile explaining the administration,
planning, and funding ofthe parks system operation.
Section Two: Findings and Implementation Strategies
• Parks and recreation trends and economic impacts identified through
research, County and State user surveys, and focus groups.
• Findings that describe the status and conditions of Parks Division
investments and the viability of its operation.
• Management strategies and recommended future actions to address
short-term and long-term development needs.
• Performance outcomes and benchmarks to measure results.
• Public and private partnerships and grant opportunities to assist in
project development.
• Expectations and next steps for plan implementation.
Appendices: Supplemental, detailed information
Work plans and funding will be needed to adequately implement the goals and
recommended actions. Some actions may involve other agencies who have no
obligation to follow these plans and there is no assurance that all projects will
be funded. Yet the plan provides a road map to and for the future. It focuses
the Division's energies and resources on the most desirable present and future
strategies while it remains flexible to respond to unforeseeable opportunities or
difficulties.
The recommendations contained in the Benton County Parks System
Comprehensive Plan represent the "best judgment" of issues and opportunities
based on presently available information. The plan outlines objectives to
ensure the most desirable outcomes. Considerable project planning,
preparation, funding, and program implementation will be required for most
recommendations. These recommendations come at a time of financial
uncertainty for Benton County, given the influence of Measure 5 - a property
17
18
tax limitation - and the decline of Oregon and California timber revenues which
have traditionally supplemented the County's general fund and funded the
Parks Division operation. Creative problem solving and programming has long
been the norm for the Parks Division as it consistently strives to balanceits
responsibilities with available resources. As represented in this Plan, the
Benton County Parks Division and Advisory Board look forward to the future
with a keen sense ofpurpose and creative determination for accomplishing its
goals.
T~EF~EOFTHEPLAN
The Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan projects six to ten years
into the future to the years 2001 to 2005. Many policies and goals remain
constant with existing efforts. Recommended implementation strategies can be
pursued within a short-range (1-3 year) time frame or long-range (4-10 year)
time frame. The plan is a management tool that forms the basis for
prioritization and decision-making, maintenance and development of
programs, measurement and evaluation, intergovernmental coordination, and
communication. The plan, however, should be used as a guide that anticipates
the future. The Parks Division will regularly review and update its content and
continue to be goal driven.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SECTION ONE
PARKS SYSTEM PROFILE
Purpose of Parks System
Parks and recreation programs have a social mandate - to be of service to the
needs and welfare of the public. County parks contribute to the life of a
community and support important economic and social values including:
• change, restoration, and renewal from everyday demands and work
schedules;
.. protection and preservation of natural and scientific areas; and
• historic and cultural education; respect for early traditions;
• companionship and gathering of friends and family;
• organized activities for youth;
• exercise, individual skill or challenge, and self-reliance; and
• visitor or tourism development.
Public parks are available to all. Local government traditionally has taken
responsibility for providing property where residents can enjoy passive and active
areas for relaxation, amusement, education, sport, and solitude. The 1856 land
acquisition for New York City's Central Park marked the start of the park
movement. Recreational programming and the growth ofland-use planning
brought park planning to most communities in the 1950s. The 1970s brought
expanded programming to serve a range of residents with different recreational
interests and increased public investments in natural environments to preserve a
community's quality of life. The 1990s brought conservation of natural areas for
open space and resource management.
Residents and regional visitors use parks for individual and collective (group)
leisure or recreation. Leisure refers to the time spent "off-duty", where the
experiences are rewarding and restorative in nature. Although once believed to
accomplish no productive end, such time is now viewed by society as an essential
part of their sense of community and a balance in personal and professional lives.
Current trends indicate that local recreation facilities will be used more heavily as
individuals, families, and organized groups look closer to home for recreation
opportunities.
19
Today, the professional recreation provider seeks to bring out the unique
sociological, aesthetic, environmental, educational, and societal rewards a parks
system can provide. Park users experience a degree of enjoyment, challenge,
wonderment, and escape from everydaylife. Some parkland may be left
primarily in its natural state, while other parkland may have a mix ofnatural
areas, community facilities, and recreational activities. Development planners
rely on parks for physical and social oases, open space, environmental corridors,
and breathing holes within and around communities.
Inventory of County Parks
PARK MANAGEMENT ZONES AND STANDARDS
Parklands can be zoned to represent the best strategies for natural resource
management and fulfill land-use and recreational planning objectives. Three
primary management zones are recognized in Benton County for how land,
water, plants, animals, and historic/cultural artifacts and structures can be
managed.
1. Natural Zone: Natural features, resources, and processes ofland and
water remain largely unaltered by human activity. Scientifically
significant and ecologically valuable areas are protected, conserved, and
preserved. Dispersed recreational and educational facilities such as trails,
picnic areas, and interpretive displays are permitted only on a limited
basis.
2. Historical Zone: Land and structures managed primarily to
commemorate historical subjects and/or preserve cultural resources.
Areas on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places are zoned
historical as well as minor historic. sites that may not meet the criteria for
the National Register but are worthy of protection and interpretation.
Physical development and activities are generally limited to sightseeing
and the study of cultural and historic features. Appropriate adaptive use
of structures for utilitarian purposes is allowed.
3. Recreational Zone: Land and facilities which alter the natural
environment support public use for leisure and recreation. Areas for
parking lots, restrooms, group picnic shelters, children's play areas,
hiking trails, organized sport facilities, and boat landings are included in
this zone. Seasonal levels of use, facility construction and maintenance,
grounds maintenance, site location, signage, and safety effect the quality
and quantity of recreational activities.
20 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
These policies and descriptions serve as guidelines for the orderly development
and management of the Benton County Parks System. The descriptions provide
the framework for management classifications and development standards of all
Benton County parks.
Natural Zones
Open Space Those areas of scenic and aesthetic quality which have
significant value as hills, vistas, rivers, streams, and drainageways. Often
an integral part ofland-use planning for relief from developed urban
areas. Open spaces can enhance entryways into a community, preserve
ecologically significant natural areas, and provide existing or potential
recreational use. Farm and forest lands are considered productive open
spaces. Dedicated open space lands include forested areas which are
managed for productive use -- some with revenues restricted for parks
system management.
Greenbelt. Land within a developed area that is left undeveloped and serves
as an amenity to adjoining neighborhoods and communities. Greenbelt
areas can be tied to rivers, forested areas and other natural zones
preserved as continuous strips or surrounding, encircling open areas.
Greenbelts are often used to maintain significant undeveloped natural
areas within developed urban areas of a community or region.
Nature Preserves and Wilderness. Areas of restricted recreational use,
devoted primarily to preserving the natural habitats ofplants and animals
for their scientific, educational, and aesthetic value. Threatened and
endangered species are protected and/or enhanced in preserves.
Scenic Corridors. Generally associated with river settings as linear
(contiguous) vista areas left primarily in a natural state and unmodified
by structures or use, and if modified, retain natural scenic qualities and
recreational opportunities.
Scenic Easements. Avoluntary commitment from a land-owner or an
encumbrance on the title to a property to preserve it in a natural or
undeveloped state without modification or obstruction.
Historic Zones
Historic Sites. Sites, structures, or objects officially recognized for their
historic significance and educational and cultural value. Areas of
restricted recreational use, devoted primarily to preserving and/or
restoring unique features without substantial alteration.
Landmarks. Structures, fixed objects, monuments, or areas of scientific or
historic interest.
21
22
Memorials. Designated areas or structures to commemorate ideas, events, or
persons.
Recreational Zones
Neighborhood Parks. Parks of up to 15 acres which primarily serve residents
within close proximity of the site.
Special Use Parks. Relatively small individual sites oriented to a single use
such as boat landings, waysides, or a scenic view and miscellaneous
parcels without any recreational facilities.
Community Parks. Moderate developments that provide a variety of
recreational needs and maintain the natural qualities of the environment.
Hiking, picnicking, and limited sport opportunities are offered within 20-
to 25-acre sites.
Regional/District Parks. Large developments of 100 acres or more that
provide for dispersed activities such as picnicking, primitive camping,
hiking, organized field sports, and nature study. Some regional parks
represent special scenic and natural qualities and serve a major portion
of the area's population or several different population centers. Areas are
selected and developed for broad public recreational opportunities which
are fairly well dispersed in a natural setting.
Linear or Ribbon Parks. Areas designed similar to the natural zone's
greenbelt concept with the added function of providing recreational
activities.
Parkways. Elongated or linear parks for non-commercial vehicle travel that
connect parks, landmarks, and recreational areas. Access and roadside
development can be controlled and appropriate turnouts, picnic areas,
and other recreational developments can be provided where space
permits.
Scenic Routes and Roads. Rural highways within areas of scenic and cultural
value that emphasize safe and pleasant recreational driving. Kiosks and
information for interpreting the scenic and cultural features of the route
and for picnicking and hiking/walking should be provided.
Trails. Extended, looped, and usually continuous strips ofland dedicated to
recreational travel including hiking, bicycling, all-terrain vehicles, or
horseback riding and retained for recreational use through ownership or
easement.
Beaches. Area with frontage on lakes and rivers designed primarily to provide
swimming, boating, fishing, and other waterfront activities.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Park management zones and standards for the Benton County Parks System
classify and describe recreational opportunities and planned developments. The
Benton County standards are consistent with the professional National Parks and
Recreation Association (NPRA) policies. They represent areas of interest and use
in providing, protecting, preserving, conserving, and maintaining County
parkland.
EXISTING PARKlAND AND FACILITIES
Benton County Parks Division currently operates and maintains 776.17 acres of
developed and undeveloped parkland. Over 215,000 visitors use the sites and
facilities per year. Below is a current list of Benton County parks classified
according to the parks system's zones and standards. Descriptions of existing
recreational uses, site and facility characteristics, and conditions follow.
Benton County Parks System Property Locations
Mill Creek
Boat Landingl
Robinson Grove
Salmonberry
Boat Landingl
Campground
s
F rt H k· H' t . s·t 0 North Albanyo os inS IS OriC I e pen Space Park Adair Park Park
f····· . . -'J'-)--- .". ';..:"":!... . - : ···;:t\~
• , ~ ! \~ ~ t"-- \ \ ':
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:l) ( ; ..' .<~k Park
: ~ <'::o.~ \ 'ackson-Frazier
! tIIII.f ~1~, \ I //) Wetland preserve
~...,l-----"'"i. ~ '" " " ./ I ~
: \,p':, \, '-{--'--,,+ Corval s/ ._.=>'
lSi , \ t'"~'/'v"\ ...' f, ......::l{ \........... ( r........~_ ....J I
.:> ,'\ ",:. __.' Benton County
i '..,fhil~~1 ~ . '~' Courthouse
~:'" ! 'z/ r ~ . e!lton County! : ~ alrgrounds
; ,i--'..5 r;n .¢onnecting Trail
'(- ~_i-~1 V~
------, t' ' : "'0;
.......-------+-...... . Saxton Property
. : I: ~~
-. ~'" i i (?-",,\
. ,- • i ')
'" ~ I ~;§.:!1 • ~" !}Irish Bend Park
~ \ f""" m'l~ Bellfountain i '.~
• . "1"'1 '....!'-··>~-<::::> ..··-r'"i..~-,-
1
t'.... i i c;~I '- 1\ '-.&! .•...J . ~...... Bundy Bridge Property
: onr~,
j •....• ..•.. ··iil~ffie·-·..·-..J \ \.: ~
_ _.....•-_ ~~",\
Bellfountain Park Anderson Park
23

Existing Parldand
PARKLAND MANAGEMENT
ZONE
STANDARD STATUS
24
NORTHWEST .•
Fort Hoskins historic historic site development stage
NORTHEAST
North Albany recreational community park active
Adair recreational regional park active
Hyak recreational special use park active
Open Space recreational! natural regional park! open space development stage
(temporary name)
Jackson-Frazier Wetland natural nature preserve development stage
Fairgrounds to Bald Hill recreational trail active
Trail
Benton County historic historic site active
Courthouse
SOUTHEAST
Bundy Bridge recreational small parcel undeveloped!
inactive
Irish Bend recreational special use park undeveloped
Saxton recreational small parcel undeveloped!
inactive
Anderson recreational special use park undeveloped
Bellfountain recreational community park active
SOUTHWEST
Clemens recreational community park active
Mill Creek! Robinson recreational special use park active
Grove
Campbell Boat Landing recreational special use park active
Salmonberry Boat recreational special use park active
Landing! Campground
Note: The Benton County Scenic Loop is managed by the Benton County Public Works
Department. The Highway 99W Scenic Route is managed through a consortium of regional visitors
bureaus.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Northwest Benton County Parks
FORT HOSKINS mSTORIC SITE
Acquired in 1992, the Fort Hoskins archaeological site and historic house is listed
on the National Register ofHistoric Places as one of the most significant
archaeological sites in Oregon. Established in 1856 to protect Siletz Indians, Fort
Hoskins served as an important outpost for the Indians, Union soldiers and
Pacific Northwest settlers during the Civil War. The original purpose of the fort
was to encourage better relations among the Indians and settlers. Later, it served
as an outpost and infirmary for Union soldiers. The fort was abandoned in 1866.
Surrounding the original 15-acre site on a V-shaped loop of the Luckiamute River,
a total of 127 acres are devoted to educational and recreational purposes. The
site is only open to the public at prearranged times - usually coinciding with a
scheduled archaeological dig. Oregon State University's Anthropology
Department and a Fort Hoskins Task Force ofvolunteers work closely with the
Benton County Parks Division in managing this site. University archaeology
students and volunteers have uncovered thousands of artifacts associated with
the fort.
In 1992, the County purchased the historic property through grant funds from
Meyer Memorial Trust (a $90,000 Challenge Grant award) and loan funds from
the Benton County General Fund. The site is in its initial development stage and
not open to the public. Planned improvements will be possible as additional
outside funding and assistance is received. Improvements include site access,
signage, parking, restrooms, and some limited recreation such as picnicking and
interpretative trails. Rehabilitation is needed of the historic structure since it is
currently unsafe. Displays and educational interpretation of artifacts are also
needed.
127.0 acres I NW location - 12 miles northwest of Philomath, 1.5 miles west of
the Kings Valley Highway on Hoskins Road I historic site - development stage -
not open to public
Northeast Benton County Parks
NORTH ALBANYPARK
Seating for 150 picnickers, kitchen facilities with special barbecues, open fields,
and a unique children's play area makes North Albany Park a popular site for
group events. The open fields and some sports facilities including
baseball!softball and volleyball provide space for a variety of field games,
summer youth programs, and special events. Parking is limited. The park is
located in a residential district far removed from the highway; a somewhat
25
26
obscure route leads to the park entrance. Collaborative master planning,
including possible parkland expansion, will occur with the City ofAlbany.
21.59 acres I NE location offU.S. Highway 20, follow NW Scenic Drive west to
NW ValleyViewDrive, then east on Hillcrest Drive I closed during winter
months I high use picnicking, children's play area and open turf areas for field
games
ADAIR COUNTY PARK
Adair Park is the largest, most developed park in the system. Two group picnic
areas with kitchen shelters and barbecue pits seat approximately 300 picnickers.
Extensive sports facilities including baseball!softball fields, tennis courts, sand
volleyball courts, open turf areas, walking paths, and a small children's play area
receive heavy use. Hiking trails are available but affected by poison oak. Planned
improvements to this high use site include expanded covered picnic facilities,
children's play area, interpretative trails, and restrooms. Located off Highway
99W Scenic Route, the park has an ideal wooded area for camping as additional
funding and assistance is received.
A 6,221 sq. ft. indoor clubhouse with adjacent landscaped patio is available for
banquets, receptions, and meetings. On adjoining property, two area hobby
clubs maintain an active radio-controlled aircraft aerodrome (model airplane
flying field) and a model railroad workstation. The former Adair Officer's Club
clubhouse and undeveloped land was obtained from the U.S. Department of the
Interior in 1971 when the property was declared surplus, following the closure of
Adair Air Force Station. The property served as an active training camp during
World War II.
123.05 acres I NE location off State Highway 99W on Arnold Avenue and Ebony
Lane I closed during winter months I active recreational sport facilities,
picnicking, indoor clubhouse and model airplane aerodrome
HYAKPARK
Centrally located on the banks of the Willamette River between Corvallis and
Albany, Hyak Park is a popular boat launching site and rest area with outstanding
views of the river. Formerly called the Adair Water Intake Park of the Adair Air
Force Base, ownership ofthe park was transferred to the County in 1971. Deep
water just off the picnic area makes swimming a hazard. Parking and picnicking
facilities are limited. A$147,400 ramp access and dock tie-off improvement
project funded by the State Marine Board and Benton County General Fund has
been approved by the Board of Commissioners for FY1994-95.
5.15 acres I NE location 7 miles north of Corvallis directly offU.S. Highway 20
on the Willamette River I high use boating, picnicking and rest area
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
OPEN SPACE PARKIPROPERTY
Open Space property was donated to Benton County to protect and preserve as a
resource land with limited recreational improvements. It occupies an important
position in a northwest Corvallis greenbelt. Park entrance is along a gravel road;
there is no signage, parking, water, or landscaping. Potential recreational use
includes a mix ofhiking, birdwatching, and great panoramic views. Planned
improvements involve parking, signage, erosion control, and expanding the open
space site as outside funding and assistance is received. The property is in the
initial planning stage.
85 acres' NE location, 5 miles west of Corvallis and 2 miles north ofPhilomath,
off Cardwell Hill Road and Panorama Drive 'low use - development stage
JACKSON-FRAZIER WETIAND
Jackson-Frazier Wetland property was formally placed under the Parks Division
in 1993. Management objectives include protecting, maintaining or enhancing
vegetation, hydrology, and wildlife habitats. A short looped path and footbridge
across Stewart Slough provide limited access within the site. There are no
restrooms or water available. The wetland property came under Benton County
management through tax foreclosure. AJackson-Frazier Technical Advisory
Committee works closely with Benton County Parks Division in the conservation
of this natural preserve. Improvements are planned for an elevated walkway,
educational kiosk, foot path, interpretive signage and materials as additional
outside funding and assistance is received.
147 acres' NE location off State Highway 99W east on Lancaster Street' nature
preserve with some hiking , development stage-limited public access
BENTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO
BALD HILL PARK CONNECTING TRAIL
Alinear connecting trail of 2.0 miles provides recreational hiking and bicycling
from the Benton County Fairgrounds west to City of Corvallis' Bald Hill Park. This
first phase trail segment is coordinated with the West Corvallis Bikeway Project
managed by Benton County Public Works Department. A second phase will
extend west from Bald Hill Park to Benton County Open Space Park and Cardwell
Hill Road. Design and initial construction began in FYI993-94. Additional
construction depends on securing necessary commitments and easements. This
connecting trail will eventually become the start of the proposed Corvallis to the
Sea Trail as the trail expands across Mary's Peak and on through to the Pacific
Coast.
4.5 miles' NE location starting at the Benton County Fairgrounds' hiking,
bicycling, and equestrian trail
27
28
BENTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Benton County Courthouse is the oldest Oregon courthouse still used for its
original purpose. Completed in 1888, the four-story building was designed by
Portland architect Delos Neer in the Italiannate style of architecture. A tower-like
pavilion and single story portico on the east end form the main entrance. A
broken pediment is set in the tower cornice, in which stands a Goddess ofJustice.
Topped by a mansard-like roof and clock tower with bell and carillon, the
courthouse is a prominent local landmark.
In 1970, the courthouse was listed on the Statewide Inventory ofHistoric
Properties. In 1976, it was extensively renovated for the purpose of resorting and
preserving the historic character of the building as well as providing functional
work space for the county offices of the District Attorney, Records & Elections,
and the state offices and courtrooms of Circuit and District Court. The building's
architectural integrity is intact and its condition is excellent. In 1977, the
courthouse was listed on the National register of Historic Places.
The courthouse lawn is well landscaped with rose bushes, flower beds, and
ornamental shrubbery. Park benches invite residents and visitors to stop and
enjoy this historic block in downtown Corvallis. Guided tours are available by
appointment.
2 acres I NE location -120 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis I historic site
RIVERVIEW HEIGHTS PARK
Note: Parkland ownership and responsibility for operating and maintaining
Riverview Heights Park was transferred to the City ofAlbany on April 21 , 1993.
Riverview Heights, a small 1.79 acre neighborhood park with picnicking and a
play court, can best be managed through the City's neighborhood park program
rather than the County parks system.
Southeast Benton County Parks
BUNDY BRIDGE PROPERTY
Bundy Bridge is an undeveloped, unmaintained parcel originally acquired in
1960. Aprivately-owned primitive campground is available on adjacent property.
It is not currently part of the active Benton County Parks System.
2.3 acres I SE location 2 miles east ofState Highway 99W at Old River Road I
undeveloped-inactive
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSNE PLAN
IRISH BEND PARK
Irish Bend Park located 18 miles south of Corvallis provides boat launch access to
the Willamette River for non-motorized boats. The site was acquired by the State
in 1968 through federal greenway funds and turned over to the County Parks
Board for local management. Irish Bend is primarily undeveloped with no
parking, signage, restrooms, water, or landscaping. Picnicking and swimming are
available. Boat access is hampered by the presence of a sand bar at the launch
site.
7.95 acres I SE location offDawson Road on the WillameUe River I swimming
and limited boating - unimproved landing-undeveloped
SAXTON PROPERIY
Saxton, located on Muddy Creek, north of Finley Wildlife Refuge, was the first
Benton County park site. The County purchased the land for $10.00 from the
Trustees of the Willamette Grange #52 in 1960. The site was heavily damaged by
the 1964 flood and is still subject to flooding and has a high water table. No
signage, parking, or facilities exist. The property is undeveloped and not part of
the active parks system.
2.02 acres I SE-centrallocation along Muddy Creek on Greenberry Road I
undeveloped-inactive
ANDERSON PARK
Property on Anderson Road was acquired through tax foreclosure. No signage,
parking, or facilities exist. Parks staff and board members view this property as
significant in that it is close to state parks property and has potential for quality
river access in the future. The property is undeveloped and not part of the active
parks system.
26 acres I SE location on Anderson Road I undeveloped
29
30
BEILFOUNTAINPARK
The site ofBellfountain Park has been used as a meeting place since 1860. In
1970, the department purchased the park for $1.00 from the Bellfountain Park
Association. It is a small, high use 10 acre community park including a group
picnic pavilion complete with an 85 foot covered picnic table and kitchen shelter,
ball field, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, unique children's play area, and
freshwater spring. Horseback riding is allowed. Aging restrooms are inadequate
and do not meet ADA accessibility requirements. Facility improvements are
planned as additional funding and assistance is received.
10.0 acres I SE location one mile west of the community of Bellfountain on
Dawson Road! closed during winter months I high use picnicking, children's
play area, and some group sports
Southwest Benton County Parks
CLEMENS PARK
Clemens Parks features a .6 mile fishing and swimming frontage along the Alsea
River and a 2 mile self-guided interpretative nature trail. Facilities provide
riverfront picnic sites, birdwatching, horseback riding, hunting, and an
information kiosk. No covered picnic areas are available for winter use.
Improved signage is needed to identify recreational use areas and along the trail.
Rex and Ethel Clemens donated the land for this park to the citizens of Benton
County in 1968.
37.58 acres I SW-coast range location directly off State Highway 34, 1 mile east
of the town ofAlsea I active water play, fishing, picnicking and trails
MILL CREEK BOAT IANDING/ROBINSON GROVE
Mill Creek Boat Landing is located three miles west ofAlsea and provides drift
boat access to the Alsea River. Acquired in 1966 for boat launching only, the site
receives heavy use during fishing season from both local fishermen and state and
regional visitors. Picnicking, bank fishing and swimming is also available in the
Dick Robinson Memorial Grove. Awide naturalized turf trail connects the boat
landing with the attractive oak grove picnic area. Bank stabilization measures are
needed along the riverbank. Boat ramp conditions are affected by annual river
silting.
4.0 acres I SW-coast range location directly off State Highway 34,2 miles west of
the town ofAlsea I active water play, fishing and picnicking
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CAMPBELL BOAT LANDING
Campbell Boat Landing (aka Pink House Public Access) provides drift boat access
to the Alsea River. It receives heavy use during fishing season from both local
fishermen and some regional and state visitors. The asphalt boat ramp is in fair
condition. The parkland is owned by the Oregon Department ofFish and WIldlife
and managed by Benton County Parks Division.
1.0 acre I SW-coast range location directly offState Highway 34, 4 miles west of
the town ofAlsea I active fishing and picnicking
SALMONBERRYBOAT LANDING AND CAMPGROUNDS
Salmonberry Boat Landing provides bank fishing and an easy access concrete
boat ramp. A20-unit campground with flush toilets, water, barbecue grills, and
picnic tables was constructed in 1993 and is open on a seasonal basis. Gravel
access and parking is in fair condition. A short natural trail along the elevated
bank provides very limited hiking.
10.2 acres I SW location directly off State Highway 34, 5 miles west of the town
ofAlsea I active bank fishing, boat landing and camping on a seasonal basis
RECREATIONALACTIVITIES AND FACILITY CHARACTERISTICS
Benton County Parks Division offers a diversity ofparks with traditional
provisions like picnicking, hiking, fishing, and some organized sports such as
volleyball and baseball. Recreational activities are divided into two categories: 1)
resource-based centers on the natural environment and 2) community-based
related to passive and active organized (sports-like) activities. The attached pages
detail the range of community-based and resource-based recreational activities
at each Benton County location. Additional pages include pertinent site and
facility characteristics.
31
32
RECREATIONAL USE sight seeing
Resource Based view wildlWe
Benton County Parks hiking/walking
System birdwatching
fishing
horseback riding
interpretive trails
nature study
powerboats
non-motorized boats
water-skiing
camping
S~e Name other
NORTHWEST
Fort Hoskins 0 0 0 0 0
[not yet open to public]
NORTHEAST
Adair Park • • • • •
Fairgrounds to Bald Hill Park • • • • •Connecting Trail
Hyak Park • • • • • • • •
Jackson-Frazier Wetland • • • • •
North Albany Park • • •
Open Space Park • • • • • panoramic views
Benton County Courthouse
SOUTHEAST
Anderson Park • • • • • • •
Bellfountain Park • • fresh spring water
Bundy Bridge Property
Irish Bend Park • • • • • • •
Saxton Property • • •
SOUTHWEST
Campbell Boat Landing • •
Clemens Park • • • • • • •
Mill Creek Boat • • • • •Landing/Robinson Grove
Salmonberry Boat • • • • • • • •Landing/Campgrounds
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RECREATIONAL USE swimming area
Commun~y Based jogging
Benton County Parks bicycling tour wayside
System basebalVsoftball
horseshoes
children's play area
archeological/historical site
fitness area
tennis
volleyball
group activities/reservations
picnicking
Site Name other
NORTHWEST
Fort Hoskins 0 0
[not yet open to public)
NORTHEAST
Adair Park • • • • • • • • • • • • aerodrome &aircraft club/
RR club
Fairgrounds to Bald Hill Park • •Connecting Trail
Hyak Park • • • •
Jackson-Frazier Wetland
North Albany Park • • • • • •
Open Space Park
Benton County Courthouse • group tours
SOUTHEAST
Anderson Park
Bellfountain Park • • • • • • • • •
Bundy Bridge Property
Irish Bend Property •
Saxton Park
SOUTHWEST
Campbell Boat Landing • •
Clemens Park • • • • •
Mill Creek Boat • • •Landing/Robinson Grove
Salmonberry Boat • •Landing/Campgrounds
33
34
SITE/FACILITIES
CHARACTERISTICS
Benton County Parks
System
#of NPRAClass Open Use Signage Park Parking
Acres seasons Rate entrance
S~eName
NORTHWEST
Fort Hoskins 127 historic site development - - gravel - dirt
[not yet open to public] stage
NORTHEAST
Adair Park 123 regional no high good good paved good paved
winter
Adair Park 2 - all med. good good paved fair paved
(Benton Co. Clubhouse)
Fairgrounds to Bald Hill 2 trail all med. good good paved good paved
Park Connecting Trail
Hyak Park 5 special use all high good good paved good paved
Jackson-Frazier Wetland 131 nature restricted low fair poor dirt fair paved
preserve
North Albany Park 22 commun~ no high good good paved poor paved
winter
Open Space Park 85 regional/ open development none poor gravel none
space stage
SOUTHEAST
Anderson Park 26 special use all low none poor gravel none none
Bellfountain Park 10 commun~ no high good fair paved good gravel
winter
Bundy Bridge Property 2 small parcel
(undeveloped)
Irish Bend Park 8 special use all low none poor dirt none none
Saxton Property 2 small parcel all low none poor dirt none
(undeveloped)
SOUTHWEST
Campbell Boat Landing 1 special use all low fair good paved good paved
Clemens Park 38 commun~ all low fair fair paved fair paved
Mill Creek Boat Landing/ 4 special use all low fair good paved good paved
Robinson Grove
Salmonberry Boat 10 special use all low fair fair gravel gravel fair
Landing/Campgrounds
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SITE/FACILITIES
CHARACTERISTICS
Benton County Parks
System
Restrooms Water Landscaping Irrigation River
access
SneName
NORTHWEST
Fort Hoskins none non potable poor: specimen none NA
[not yet open to public] trees, turf
NORTHEAST
Adair Park Serviced! potable fair: natural & none NA
handicap specimen trees, turf
Adair Park Serviced! potable good: formal, turf good: Toro NA
(Benton Co. Clubhouse) handicap
Fairgrounds to Bald Hill none NA
Park Connecting Trail
Hyak Park Serviced! potable good: naturalized & good: Toro good: asphalt
handicap semi-formal, turf boatramp
Jackson-Frazier Wetland none none none none NA
North Albany Park Serviced! potable fair: naturalized, turf none NA
handicap
Open Space Park none none none none NA
SOUTHEAST
Anderson Park none none none poor: bank
access
Bellfountain Park handicap potable fair: naturalized, turf none NA
Bundy Bridge Property
Irish Bend Park none none none poor: bank
access
Saxton Property none none none none NA
SOUTHWEST
Campbell Boat Landing vault-type/ none fair: naturalized, none fair: asphalt
handicap specimen trees, turf boatramp
Clemens Park vault-type/ none none: naturalized none poor: bank
handicap access
Mill Creek Boat Landing/ vault-type/ none poor: naturalized, none poor: asphalt
Robinson Grove handicap semiformal, turf boatramp
Salmonberry Boat serviced/ vault- potable fair: naturalized, turf none good: concrete
Landing/Campgrounds type/ handicap boatramp
35
County Parks Division Profile
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The role and responsibilities of the Benton County Parks Division can be
summarized as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
RECREATION
PROTECTION
MAINTENANCE
PIANNING
PARTNERING
COMMUNICATION
provide sites and facilities in significant areas for
outdoor recreational use and education;
protect, conserve, and preserve unique natural,
historic, and recreation areas of local, regional,
and state significance;
maintain and rehabilitate sites and facilities to
secure investments;
assess natural, historic, and recreation resources
of the County to meet present and future
recreation or conservation demands and
continually improve operation;
coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate efforts of
agencies and organizations that supply
recreation and conservation;
build awareness for the economic and social
values of parkland investments and activities;
market sites and facilities; resolve conflicts of
recreational users; build teamwork,
volunteerism, and a sense of community.
36
Citizen surveys and town meetings have helped the Benton County Parks
Division determine what community members want and need in their parks
system. Beyond traditional recreational activities, new initiatives have
developed to pursue educational parkland of historic and scientific
significance. The need for conservation of open space areas and management
of resource lands has gained interest to help balance increasing urbanization.
This expanded role reflects public sentiment. It recognizes the need for
recreational amenities to support community livability as well as critical
property management investments that protect and conserve areas before they
are lost forever.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Planning is a top priority for the Benton County parks in the 1990s. Master plans
for the Fort Hoskins Historic Site and Jackson-Frazier Wetland preserve are
underway. The concept of connecting parks through a linked trail system has
been applied to recreational sites west of Corvallis. The initial phase stretching
from the Benton County Fairgrounds to a City of Corvallis park has been
completed. This new approach offers expanded or value-added use of both sites,
partnering public and private ownership along the trail, unique maintenance and
safety practices, and ongoing public relations to guarantee the proper level ofuse.
A proposed Corvallis-to-the-Sea trail has been recorded in local public agency
plans since the 1970s. Now through the joint efforts and leadership of the Bureau
ofLand Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Benton County, a planner on
contract with Benton County is detailing the alternative routes and necessary
property easements. It is hoped that the initial phases of the fairgrounds to Bald
Hill connecting trail will prove a successful pilot program for this major trail
system to the coast.
Sites acquired by Benton County since 1990 offer special interest and educational
activities about ecology, as found at the Jackson-Frazier Wetland preserve, and
history, recorded at Fort Hoskins Historic Site. These sites require a different kind
of planning and expertise, specialized management and maintenance, and public
access plans. Their investment is extremely valuable for the regional uniqueness
represented and now preserved.
The new Benton County park investments and initiatives are exciting, creative,
and innovative. The Division is continually arranging their ideas and energies to
capture unique opportunities, provide valuable sites and facilities for public
viewing or use, and improve the quality ofwhat is available.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three and a half decades of site acquisition, planning, and development have
been invested in the present Benton County Parks System. The system has
progressed from a volunteer board with no staff and 89 acres of donated
recreational land, to 6.2 staffpositions, an advisory board, and 776.17 acres of
recreational, natural, and historic lands.
A brief outline of historical highlights follows. Amore detailed description
appears in the Appendix.
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38
Benton County Parks Historical Highlights
1957 Benton County Parks Board established
1960 Acquired property for Saxton Park, followed by acquisitions of Oakland
Wayside, Mill Creek, Campbell Boat Landing, and Salmonberry /
Bundy Bridge site donated / Benton County Public Works Department
provides maintenance after volunteers and Parks Board members
construct facilities
1967 Benton County Urban Area Park Plan prepared for Benton County
Planning Commission focusing on urban growth in Corvallis, North
Albany, and Philomath
1968 Acquired Clemens and Irish Bend properties
1972 Acquired North Albany, Bellfountain, Hyak, and Adair sites increas ing
total holdings from 89 acres (16 acres developed) to 216 acres
1973 Benton County Parks Department created / Parks Board assumed
advisory role
1974 System-wide parks plan outlined / Benton County Comprehensive
Plan for growth and development prepared / staff hired / annual
department budget totals $124,000 with $77,000 for capital
improvements
1976 Citizens for Benton County Parks Committee formed to campaign for
major park improvement financing / Capital Improvements Serial
Levy passes / five-year development plan prepared
1977 Benton County Courthouse listed on National Register of Historic
Places
1982 Update of 1974 Benton County Comprehensive Plan released
1983 $780,000 of improvements made throughout parks system over last
seven years / parks and recreation serial levy monies end
1984 Visitor count estimates reach 150,000 persons per year / Corrections
Work Crew established to assist in park maintenance & construction
1986 Benton County Fairgrounds merges with Parks to form one
department, initial staff commitment placed on improvements to
fairgrounds
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PIAN
1988 Acquisition discussions begin for Fort Hoskins / Concentration and
staff commitment to fairgrounds improvements decreases /
Centennial of Benton County Courthouse
1989 Public surveys and town meetings begin to explore community
interests and needs / Preliminary site plan designed for IS-site
campground adjacent to Salmonberry Boat Landing
1990 Benton County assumes ownership of 147 acre Jackson-Frazier
Wetland property / Fort Hoskins Task Force formed by Benton County
Historical Society / Open Space Report prepared by Greenbelt Land
Trust
1991 Acquired 8.80 acres located north of Salmonberry Boat Landing along
Alsea River for proposed campground / option agreement signed for
Fort Hoskins property / Oakland Wayside deeded back to original
owners / open space conservation criteria drafted
1992 Benton County dedicates $20,000 toward the purchase of Fort Hoskins
property followed by a $ 76,000 loan from the general fund / Meyer
Memorial Trust awards $90,000 Challenge Grant toward the purchase
ofFort Hoskins property / Jackson-Frazier Wetland Management Plan
Task Force appointed / Wetland Management Plan approved by the
Board of Commissioners
1993 Oregon State Parks and Recreation Division awards $62,480 toward
site preparation and construction of Salmonberry Campground /
design and construction begins on a Fairgrounds to Bald Hill Park
multi-use connecting trail/Benton County transfers the property title
ofRiverview Heights Park to the City ofAlbany / Benton County Parks
System Comprehensive Plan started / $6,000 grant received for trail
planning and development with the City of Corvallis / Benton County
Trail System Plan started / Donation of Open Space Park Property
1994 Benton County Commissioners commit $10,000 and the Oregon State
Marine Board awards $30,000 plus in-house design and engineering
toward an improvements at Hyak Park / Fort Hoskins master plan
started with receipt of $10,000 planning grant / Corvallis to the Sea
planning is approved by all partners to move beyond feasibility study
and into actual trail development planning / Jackson-Frazier public
access plan started with the construction of a visitor boardwalk /
Donation process developed for parkland and resource management
property
39
ADMINISTRATION AND PlANNING
In 1986, two divisions, Parks Division and Fair Division, merged into one
department to maintain, operate, and market the Benton County parks system
and fairgrounds facilities/events. Initially management and staffmembers
concentrated on deferred maintenance and facility improvements greatly needed
at the Fairgrounds. Time away from parks planning and maintenance had a
severe impact on the system and its properties. In 1988, the transition was
complete and a more balanced approach taken.
Today, the two divisions work cooperatively under the direction of a Fair and
Parks Director and various advisory boards and committees appointed by the
Benton County Board of Commissioners. A current organizational chart appears
below.
Benton County Fair & Parks Department Organizational Chart
Benton County
Board of
'" '" Commissioners .. .. ..
-'" ~-~_...~~- - ~~,~ ~~,~
Fair and Parks
Director
Parks
Superintendent I---------t Executive SecretaryI---------t Fairground Manager
Seasonal Hires
Parks Maintenance
Workers (2)
Caretaker
Seasonal & Extra
Hires
CiVic Supervisor Gardener
40 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The nine-member Parks Advisory Board is responsible for:
• initiating advice and recommendations based on observations ofpark
operations, public concerns, and matters submitted by the
Commissioners; .
• providing leadership and promoting cooperation between public and
private organizations in the provision of adequate recreational
opportunities; and
• safeguarding and representing the public interest in park issues and
encouraging citizen participation in and support of parks programs.
Additional advisory committees and task forces are appointed for specific
management projects. This report deals with the overall responsibilities and
operation of the Parks Division.
Financialperfonnanceobjectives
Financial performance objectives for the Parks Division include parks
administration, maintenance, grounds maintenance, the Benton County
Clubhouse operations, Community Service Work Program, and a Capital
Improvement Program.
Parks administration involves planning and acquisition of parkland and
open space properties, resource land management, budget preparation
and control, cost accounting for maintenance and development projects,
parks system and special event marketing, comprehensive planning, and
organizational support.
Parks maintenance serves over 215,000 visitors per year, providing expertise,
tools, equipment, and labor to maintain over 776.17 acres ofparkland
and new and aging facilities.
Grounds maintenance accentuates the historic Benton County Courthouse
with quality landscaping and maintenance as well as maintains attractive
public grounds at three Benton County government facilities: the Law
Enforcement Building, Public Service Building, and Avery Services Unit.
Benton County Clubhouse operations serves approximately 15,000 visitors
per year, maintains and markets the Clubhouse for group rental, and
supports a resident caretaker.
Community Service Work Program provides a constructive alternative to
incarceration and other detention methods for minor and non-violent
offenders through a coordinated work program involving special projects
and maintenance of County parks, County facilities, and other public
projects.
41
Capital Improvement Program projects, plans, and allocates funds for capital
improvement projects including land purchase, and the design,
construction, and rehabilitation ofpark sites and facilities. The program
also attracts federal, state, private, and charitable sources to assist in
improvement funding.
FUNDINGAND FEES
Development, management, and maintenance of parks systems are generally
funded through the following methods:
tax revenues
property & special taxes
assistance grants
funds, & endowments
gifts, bequests, trust
fees and charges
bonds
leases and rentals
concessions
sale of surplus property
42
The Parks Division operation is supported by unrestricted funds and taxes from
the Benton C0.tmty general fund, recreational and equipment fees, and dedicated
program funds secured through grants and state collected recreational vehicle
registration fees and marine fuel taxes. Division operations are largely supported
through tax dollars from the Benton County general fund (Le., FY1993-94 at 83.9%
and FY1992-93 at 84.3%). The following table outlines the
departrnent's/division's budget history since its creation in 1973.
Benton County Parks Budget History
During the five-year serial levy from FY1977-78 to FY1981-82, $780,000 in major
park facility investments were made. The department successfully matched
outdoor recreation funds from state and federal sources including the Land and
Water Conservation Fund and the State Marine Board. AState of Oregon Grant-
in-Aid program provided revenue sharing funds from FY1982-83 to 1986-87, but
this source no longer exists. Grants and loans such as the $90,000 Challenge
Grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust toward the purchase and preservation of
Fort Hoskins property is held in a separate trust fund. A second trust fund holds
private donations and a foundation grant for conservation of the Jackson-Frazier
Wetland preserve.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
BUDGET HISTORY - BENTON COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT
Operations Capital Projects
Beginning Budget Appropriation Actual Revenue by Source
Year Total Budget Unrestricted Unrestricted General Serial Levy Revenue Other! Total
Share %share Fund Sharing Grants
94-95 * 415,583 328,783 79.1% 20,000 137,400 157,400
93-94 369,795 310,135 83.9% 12,500 12,500
92-93 380,424 320,864 83.9% 12,500 118,815 131,315
91-92 # 367,302 320,302 84.3% 18,385 9,625 28,010
90-91 390,259 366,259 87.2% 0 0
89-90 347,676 325,776 93.9% 35,000 0 35,000
88-89 326,324 304,824 93.7% 22,250 0 22,250
87-88 + 301,239 280,489 93.4% 22,924 0 22,924
86-87 264,411 241,871 93.1% 14,782 0 14,782
85-86++ 259,014 230,604 91.5% 15,000 31,018 810 46,828
84-85 236,713 208,322 89.0% 20,000 1,089 21,089
83-84 226,919 212,689 88.0% 42,909 3,060 45,969
82-83 226,216 209,265 93.7% 18,352 0 19,532 18,840 56,724
81-82 A 294,371 236,935 92.5% 96,552 116,870 213,422
8D-81 227,312 202,599 80.55 102,065 59,575 161,640
79:-80 191,904 170,813 89.1% 95,364 78,048 173,412
78-79 188,350 157,447 89.0% 95,187 9,918 105,105
77-78 147,578 133,058 83.6% 89,980 9,129 99,109
76-77 78,090 74,690 90.2% 0
75-76 ** 141,302 139,802 95.6% 0
74-75 *** 123,660 123,160 98.9% 0
73-74 ## 54,600 54,600 99.6% 0
Total 5,559,042 4,953,287 89.1% 18,352 479,148 128,241 1,347,479
Footnotes:
Approved Budget (CWC leader reduced .40 FTE)
# Management FTE reallocated to Fair Fund
+ Corrections Work Crew leader .50 to 1.00 FTE
A Peak of serial levy supported park construction &development
**
***
##
++
$96,143 in capital outlays
$77,110 in capital outlays
$43,800 in capital outlays
Corrections Work Crew Program added
43
Changes in management responsibilities have occurred with the addition of the
Corrections Work Crew Program in FY1985-86 and the reallocation of
management staff to the Fair Fund in FY1991-92. Parks has never had a large
staff. The FY1994-95 staff consists of only 6.2 regular full- and part-time staff
positions. During the peak of the serial levy in 1981, there were two to three
. additional park rangers/maintenance personnel and a park planner beyond the
current 6.2 positions.
The State of Oregon collects fees and taxes for county park maintenance,
operations, and improvements from recreational vehicle registration fees and
marine fuel taxes. The 1993 legislature 'approved a local lodging tax to allow
counties to assess a tax on overnight campers in publicly-owned campgrounds.
Lodging tax rates added by Oregon counties range from 3 to 9 percent, adding
about $1 per night at most campgrounds. There are five campgrounds in
Benton County at Salmonberry, Benton County Fairgrounds, Alsea Falls
(managed by Bureau of Land Management), Mary's Peak (managed by Siuslaw
National Forest), and Willamette (managed by City of Corvallis). Benton County
has not assessed this tax.
General fees and charges used by parks systems include:
Entrance fees:
Admission fees:
Rental or user fees:
Sales revenue:
License and permit fees:
Special service charge:
entrance into large outdoor areas
admittance to buildings or structures
exclusive use ofproperty and equipment
purchase of merchandise, food, or drink
legal consent for regulated or controlled actions
such as fishing, hunting, or model plane flying
unusual services for a particular purpose such as
group membership or seasonal equipment
storage.
44
County rental fees are assessed and collected by the Parks Division for group
picnicking reservations at Adair Park, Bellfountain Park, and North Albany Park,
camping fees at Salmonberry Campground, and one-time or multiple use of the
Benton County Clubhouse. An average annual total of $7,500 is collected from
reservation and permit fees and $23,000 from Clubhouse rental fees. The Parks
Advisory Board annually reviews park fees and wrestles with the balance
between providing services for community use and the trend for "pay-as-you-
go" outdoor recreation. Public park and recreation programmers have
generally found that the minimal charge for use of parkland and facilities has
had little or no negative effect on the amount of visitation as long as the charge
is reasonable. Programmers have also found that public education is required
to help citizens become aware that general tax funds cannot cover the
increasing costs for park recreation.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Revenue sources principally used by the Oregon State Parks include park user
fees, recreational vehicle registration fees, general tax funds, miscellaneous
revenues, and some federal aid. Miscellaneous revenue can come from land
rents, payment for services rendered to the state Highway Division by State
Parks Division, timber sales, land sales, interest, damage claims, property
rental, charge for services, and fines. For the Oregon State Parks, more and
more revenue is expected from user fees and recreational vehicle registration
fees rather than the general fund or federal aid.
With the recent increase in usage and the necessity for more sites and facilities,
the United States Forest Service not only charges fees for facility use that had
once been free, but now private concessionaires are allowed to operate on the
grounds to provide services to park users. Concessionaires provide food,
equipment, supplies, and lodging. Some concessionaire arrangements are
successful, almost risk-free and profitable, while other arrangements can
negatively impact the park environment, facility maintenance, and recreational
programming.
For Benton County Parks Division, user fees and state-collected revenues
cannot support the overall parks system operation. Most resources from
federal and state grant funds and private foundations are highly competitive
and restricted to specific eligible projects. To help support its general
operation, the Benton County Parks Division will continue to 1) regularly seek
out additional revenues, resources, donations, and matching funds, 2) as
appropriate, pursue major capital improvement financing through bond issues
and/or grant opportunities, 3) continue to arrange planning partnerships and
equipment trades, and 4) attract volunteer assistance.
Benton County Capital Improvement Program
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Benton County estimates costs for
planned projects that exceed $ 10,000.00. Projects for roads, bridges, bikeways,
fairgrounds, parks, and county government facilities are described with a total
estimated cost for all project construction phases over a five-year period. A
financial summary of CIP FY1995-99 park projects appear in the Appendix.
NUUNTENANCEANDREPMR
Capital improvements, maintenance, and repair is an ongoing exhaustive
requirement of any outdoor development. The design, construction, and
maintenance should withstand heavy use, dry rot, vandalism, weed control,
and erosion. Making the right initial investment the first time saves time,
energy, and expense in the long run. Unfortunately even the best facility design
or construction materials do not hold up forever.
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During FY1994-95 the Parks Division will begin using a computer database
program designed specifically for parks system maintenance. This program will
help the Division track individual park needs, seasonal trends, and system-wide
collective repairs and requirements-information beyond what is listed in these
tables. Staff time and training to fully utilize this database maintenance
package is required. Tools, equipment, materials, and supplies are adequate
and, in some cases, on loan. The Division often arranges trades or rentals with
other public agencies to keep the costs down. Park maintenance is labor
intensive. The assistance and man-hours provided by the Corrections Work
Crew is not only helpful but essential for maintaining these investments.
MARKETING
Marketing performed by the Benton County Parks Division has been limited.
There are currently no funds available to update a recreation guide which
outlines the features and locations of county-wide parks. Some County parks
are not included in the brochure since they were acquired after its printing.
Parks Division staff recently formed a "Passion for Parks" team to review
potential communications and advertising that would require little or no costs.
Three priority areas were recommended:
1 - improve park signage to include County identification and recreational
symbols along the highway or access road and within the parks to
stimulate park use and recognition;
2 - develop and distribute park-related stories (e.g., stories of historic
significance, seasonal highlights, and family fun) to the media, schools,
and community groups; and
3 - create a distinctive visible identity for the Benton County Parks Division
through unique park features such as signage and landscaping or
identifying marks such as a slogan or logo on all correspondence and
park vehicle doors.
The recommendations of the "Passion for Parks" team build on two citizen
surveys which sampled the perceptions and use of Benton County parks: 1) a
needs assessment survey and public meetings conducted by the Benton County
Parks Division in 1991, and 2) an image study to probe the impressions and
awareness of Benton County government conducted by Market Decisions
Corporation, Portland in 1989.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1991 Survey Results
Parks Division results indicated that residents value the recreational
opportunities offered by the Benton County Parks System. Specific park use
and recommended improvements were reported as follows:
• Byvisitor ratio, the high use parks include:
Adair, Clemens, Hyak, North Albany, and Bellfountain.
• The mo st frequented recreational activities include:
hiking/walking, picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, organized group
activities, and wildlife viewing. The rate of frequency for
hiking/walking is once a week; once a month or more for
playgrounds and wildlife viewing; and four times a year or more for
picnicking, fishing, and organized group activities.
• Requested park development improvements include:
land acquisition for parks and open space and improvements to
existing facilities.
• Requested recreational activity improvements include:
interpretive and hiking trails, organized recreational programming,
water access for swimming, boating and fishing, and
playgrounds/children's play areas.
• Requested administrative improvements include:
more publicity and a three-year serial levy for funding development
and improvements.
1989 Survey Results
Market Decisions Corporation reported that residents were most likely to have
knowledge of, usage of, and satisfaction with parks as a county service than any
other primary or secondary service.
• 92% of respondents reported having used parks.
• On a five point scale, parks recorded an average rating of4.37 for
satisfaction with service-the highest of all services presented.
• County residents are most likely to agree that area parks are well
maintained.
• Given a choice between city and county government, most
residents would choose county government to administer parks
and recreation facilities.
47
SECTION TWO
FINDINGS and STRATEGIES
FOR IMPROVEMENT
Parks System Trends
Trends can be identified in 1) changing attitudes in the value of resource
management and recreation, 2) the expansion of recreational opportunities
and use, 3) parkland acquisition, and 4) site and facility funding and
maintenance. These trends help assess how well a parks system is responding
to the interests and needs of its current users. Trends also project the needs
and expectations of future users and prepare a system for the next six to ten
years. The following trends were identified as relevant to the Benton County
Parks System.
Increasing Appreciation for and Use of Resource Management
and Recreation
• A growing trend shows increasing recognition from elected officials and
the public for the range of tangible and intangible assets of dedicated
natural, historic, and recreational parkland.
There is public interest for providing a balance of regulatory and non-
regulatory programs to protect both the natural landscape and provide access
to recreational areas. Park management literature suggest that community
members value parks for:
1 -- the sense of community togetherness and quality of life,
2 -- physical well being and recreation, and
3 -- solitude, reflection, and sense of self in the environment.
Recent articles from the LA Times-Washington Post Service and Knight-Ridder
News Service advise millions of readers to use leisure and recreation as "a
necessary component to human balance and satisfaction." They warn society
not to undervalue leisure - suggesting that time spent recreating is as important
as sleeping, eating, and breathing. Caution is given to the weekend practice of
escapism and "cocooning" - remaining indoors watching television or playing
computer games with the kids.
48 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The same public that is concerned with individual wellness and physical fitness
will utilize outdoor recreation. The trend toward awareness and societal
pressure generally leads to increased interest and use. This growing public
education combined with increased sentiment for preserving natural resources
will position parks systems.as necessary investments rather than amenities.
Expansion ofRecreational Activities for Today's Park Users
• In the 1990s, a diverse population looks close to home for
individual health and fitness activities - increasing numbers of park
users want to work hard, then play hard ... or rest quietly.
Outdoor recreation activities increased with the population growth and
prosperity from the 1950s through the 1970s. Natural resource-based
recreation sites and group sports facilities were developed by federal, state, and
local agencies to serve the general public. By the 1980s, demographic and
economic changes brought less time and available income for recreation with
single parent households and more dual career couples.
In the 1990s, new recreational equipment including mountain bikes, jetskis,
and all-terrainvehicles perpetuate this trend. Park management literature
suggests that children, teenagers, young adults, and adults respond to market-
driven demands in the 1990s and look for locations to "play hard". It is often
difficult for parks systems to keep up with these changing influences and
facilities for new recreational equipment.
• Amaturing generation of Baby Boomers, the first generation that
experienced organized little league play and access to well-
developed playgrounds, have become regular park users.
Trends literature explain that Baby Boomers look for traditional family-oriented
recreational activities with organized activities and events, well-signed and
maintained facilities, and plenty of descriptive information in pamphlets, tour
books, entrance signs, and kiosks. Park management literature recommends
expending the extra effort to attract this target market since by the year 2020
there will be 77 million senior and retired Boomers with discretionary time and
income.
• Groups arid families are interested in a greater mix of recreational
activities.
The trend of something for everyone - from active to passive recreation at one
site - will bring the shopping mall influence to the outdoors. Areas are to be
both predictable and controlled as well as completely natural, wild, and full of
adventure. All age groups and physical abilities are to be considered. Large
49
50
sites such as the regional!district size parks of 100 acres or more best serve the
range of dispersed recreation activities and facility investments now desired.
Information to Stimulate and Satisfy
• Trends also suggest that the amount, type, and distribution of available
information affects the use and level of satisfaction.
Recreational symbols on highway signs inform motorists and stimulate use.
Some large urban parks have invested in computer-aided information kiosks to
introduce park users to the various activities, policies, and significant features
at a site.
• More and more park users are interested in learning experiences
including scientific, historic, and cultural interpretation.
This extends productive recreation beyond its traditional goals of physical well-
being, individual skill, exercise, or self-reliance. Education, understanding
one's past, honoring local heritage, and preserving the ecological balance in
nature broaden recreational interest. These same visitors are known to
volunteer to research historic data, act as tour guides and docents, become
campground hosts, and help develop and maintain facilities.
Planning and Target Markets
• Park management literature recommends that parks systems
should match recreational interests and activities to target markets.
Target markets range from the traditional age, income, and lifestyle groups to
participation and attitude profiles for those who are described as resource
conservation enthusiasts, "excitement-seeking competitives," "health
conscious sociables," "safe and satisfied," high-stressed, strained career
professionals or unstressed, reflective absorbers.
Recreational opportunities for specific target markets often requires parks
systems expand to new areas of focus and adaptation. Some examples of target
market programming include:
Measured walking trail routes which connect major recreational
destinations;
Year-round, accessible facilities including all-weather trails and indoor
and outdoor soccer fields;
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
More wilderness areas for scientific study of unmodified plant and
animal communities;
Adding asphalt or concrete paths (and policies) for running/jogging,
bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading;
Scenic routes and information for pass-through special interest or
theme tours such as eco-tours;
Identifying and signing peaceful sitting areas for solitude,
contemplation, and spiritual refreshment; and
Identifying and signing natural settings with fresh electrically charged
air - or negative ions - from concentrations of moving water near
streams and rivers for physical and mental health benefits and
restorative outcomes.
Limited Parkland Acquisition, More Costly Opportunities
• Planners caution that there are fewer useful recreational and
natural parcels available for purchase, and that the cost for
significant natural, scenic, and historic properties is increasing. It
is common belief that once open areas and wilderness are lost to
development, they are lost forever.
As the population grows, development continues. Parks systems have become
increasingly responsible for satisfying the recreational needs of the public at the
same time it protects, conserves, and preserves the natural, historic, and
cultural resources of an ever-growing area.
According to a Survey afValues and Beliefs conducted by the Oregon Business
Council in 1993: "Oregonians treasure Oregon's physical qualities, and they
acknowledge that these attributes underpin the state's economy. They fear the
future impact of population growth on Oregon's environment and livability."
Private developers who preserve open spaces and add recreational areas such
as a swimming pool, picnic area, and children's play equipment generally do so
in combination with specific residential subdivision or commercial
developments. Use is restricted to the residents and their visitors and the
consumer.
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Collective Public-Private Acquisition
• Land acquisition efforts currently underway are generally made
possible through private, public, and personal financial
commitments and donations.
According to a Greenbelt Land Trust Open Space Report, significant natural
resource areas in Benton County are threatened or well-positioned for
development. These sites include Owens Farm across from the Jackson-Frazier
Wetland preserve, Grass Mountain along the crest of the Coast Range, and
Cardwell Hill Road. Value is placed on preservation of natural areas, open
space, and greenways through a trend in public-private partnerships.
Creative Financing
• Public sentiment indicates a strong support for quality recreational
activities. The sentiment, however, might decline if increased taxes
are the sole funding source.
Entrance and user fees, lodging taxes, and merchandise and food sales are
increasing. Reasonable rates for "pay-as-you-go" recreation is considered
justified if a site has activities of the right quality and quantity. Privatization or
public-private partnerships are developing to offer major tourist and
recreational developments such as guide services, restaurants, golf courses,
marinas, and resorts and motels.
Creative Constant Maintenance
• Planning and maintenance partnerships between public agencies
and volunteers are used as a way to share expertise, labor,
materials, and maintenance.
Park management literature identifies the demands for site planning, site
maintenance, equipment, and training as a constant. Creative maintenance is
to find ways to do more with less even if park use and recreational activities are
increasing. "Adopt-a-park" and "adopt-a-highway" programs illustrate a
growing trend toward shared responsibility between government and its
constituents as well as society's acceptance of basic systems that can be
acknowledged and maintained as the fabric of a healthy community.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Economic Impact of County Parks
Economic impacts ofparks systems have been used to justify everything from
operational expenses, increased construction costs for facilities, and land
acquisition within a community, to increased recreational programming, and
marketing and promotion. Almost all levels of government are finding it
difficult to fund existing public services. Government leaders are scrutinizing
all operations and investments against the needs and expectations of citizens.
Park systems that have gathered evidence of economic impacts demonstrate
both direct and indirect economic influences on communities. The following is
an overview of such influences listed in order as to the perceived level of impact
in Benton County.
• Parks, open spaces, and available recreation opportunities contribute
to a community's quality of life - whether it is a desirable place to live
and work.
• Natural and scenic areas strengthen the overall image and
attractiveness of a community - for the aesthetic enjoyment, sense of
community, and personal sense of well being.
• Parks serve to protect natural resources including scenic areas, plants,
and animals for the preservation and enjoyment of future generations.
Ifparkland investments are not made and unalterable development or
damage occurs, the resources are lost forever.
• According to a former chief administrator for the City of New York,
there are some properties where it would be financially advantageous
to acquire land for open space or parks to preclude its residential
development. The City ofBoulder estimates that it costs approximately
$2,500 - 3,000 to provide public services to an acre of developed land
and only $75 per acre for public services to open space areas.
• Greenways, open space and park availability and design can have a
positive economic impact on neighborhood property values, the sale
and selling time of property, and new real estate development. A study
of property values in Boulder, Colorado and Boise, Idaho showed that
values of properties adjacent to greenbelts were 26 - 32% higher than
values further away. And according to the International City
Management Association, people may be willing to pay more for a
house located closer to a park or greenway than they would for a
comparable house further away.
53
54
• Recreational activity and time spent outdoors result in measurable
benefits to health and wellness. The U.S. Department ofHealth and
Human Services and Healthy People 2000 are bringing together state
and local health agencies with parks and recreation to promote
increased availability and accessibility of physical activity and fitness
facilities. Targeted activities include hiking, biking, fitness trails, public
swimming, and acres of open space parks and recreation.
• In a report prepared by the non-profit Trust for Public Land, it was
reported that crime drops in areas where adequate parks and
recreational activities are available. The trust is helping to create
hundreds ofparks and playgrounds in inner-city neighborhoods
through a five-year, $2.5 million Green Cities Initiative.
• Development ofhistoric sites have spurred economic renewal of
depressed economies - some have generated as much as seven times
the initial public investment in less than ten years. Cultural or heritage
tourism is a growing trend in several states. According to the
International City Management Association, preservation groups
believe it is more attractive than recreational tourism in attracting
families on vacation.
• A 1989 poll of tourists conducted by the President's Commission on
Americans Outdoors found that natural beauty was the single most
important criterion in selecting a site for recreation.
• Park-related expenditure multipliers for counties average 1.4 - 1.8 for
each dollar spent by a visitor. Once a dollar is spent by a visitor, the
same dollar may change hands several times in the local economy. This
multiplier represents the sale of gas, food, sporting goods, and t-shirts
to a visitor.
• Keeping local money home - if parks were not available, park users
would need to travel outside the area to find facilities, companionship,
change, and solitude.
• Recreation activities and the need for equipment have a positive effect
on related businesses in the community including purchases of
sporting goods, clothing equipment, film, and picnic supplies. Below
are average expenditures for participation in recreation activities.
Some parks systems survey local retailers, summer camps, and youth
clubs to estimate the number of new participants per year. The total
economic benefit to local businesses is equal to the number of
participants multiplied by the expenditures given below.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Activity Equipment Shoes Clothing
Hiking 35.00 50.00
Birdwatching 60.00
Fitness 40.00 37.00
walking
Jogging 39.00 42.00
Bicycling 190.00 75.00
Softball 42.00 40.00
Canoeing 650.00
Camping 225.00
Source: National Sporting Goods Association
• Fishing and hunting licenses, recreational vehicle registrations, and
marine fuel taxes generate revenue for parks and conservation and
result in other equipment-related sales by related businesses in the
community.
• Tour-guide businesses are appearing in communities to provide both
horse-trail and hiking excursions to day-use and overnight visitors.
Fees are charged for outfitting each visitor with equipment, gourmet
meals, and a tour. Tour experiences generally result in return visits and
additional equipment sales. Remote rural communities can attract
visitors and outside dollars on a regular basis.
From theory to practice, such economic impacts have as much or as little value
as a decision maker or taxpayer wishes to give them. Public parks systems like
other government services should reflect the social values and preferences that
are needed within society. Economic impacts are tools or measurements used
to describe the utility of parks systems.
Systems are large and small, urban and rural, developed and primitive. Parks
do not stand alone in a community but are a part of the overall composite of its
quality of life. Growing public education combined with increased sentiment
for preserving natural resources will position parks systems as necessary
investments rather than amenities.
When placing a value on parkland investments and recreational activities,
economic impacts should be used along side other indicators and outcomes
involving health, the environment, social influences on children and families,
and cultural heritage.
55
Findings and Observations
The following findings describe the status or condition ofBenton County
investments and the viability of its parks system operation. The assessment
was based on available information. The major fmdings were useful in
identifying needs and framing Implementation Strategies.
SITE AND FACILITY USE
• New and existing sites are in various stages of development. Some sites
are not ready for public use until substantial improvements are made.
Much of the recreational resource is undeveloped and unpublicized.
• Major park investments have been made in the northeastportion of the
County including large parcels of 85 to 123 acres with a mix of
recreational activities. Other areas lack the same major investments
which result in a deficiency oflarge regional or district parks.
• All sites but one in the southeastportion of the County are undeveloped
and unmaintained. Willamette River access is severely limited.
• Parks in the southwest portion of the County feature resource-based
activities along the Alsea River. The largest parcel is 37.58 acres. No
community-based activities are available for walking or bicycling,
outdoor sports or games, or children's play areas.
• Only one site exists in the northwest portion of the County.
• Special interest natural and historic sites are beginning to receive
attention. Out of 15 park sites, only two represent sites of unique
natural and historic value.
• Out of 15 park sites, six sites are special use parks with single or limited
activities. Limited facilities and an inadequate mix of recreational
opportunities exist at some locations.
• There are insufficient opportunities for high growth activities involving
measured and interpreted trails for hiking, picnicking, boating,
camping, field sports, outdoor concerts and craft festivals.
• Barrier-free facilities are needed for park users with disabilities. Some
existing facilities need improvement to comply with the 1990
Americans with Disabilities Act.
56 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CITIZENAWARENESS
• Signage, park information, and marketing could stimulate additional
park use.
• The perceived value of recreational parkland and natural areas is on the
rise in Benton County.
• Park use and interest in participating in community activities is
significantlyinfluenced by the presence ofchildren in a household.
• Barriers to park use include lack of time, lack of awareness of park
locations and facilities, and lack of recreational skills or discipline.
• As found nationwide, citizens lack awareness of county parks distinct
from federal, state, and other local parkland.
• Volunteers are an active resource for park management.
PARK PlANNING
• Through the assistance of the Oregon Department of Natural Resources
and Greenbelt Land Trust, unique natural areas have been identified.
Continued assessment and additional public-private conservation
agreements are now needed to preserve these areas for future
generations.
• Small parcels of relatively undeveloped, unmaintained parkland
(especially in the southeast portion of the County) should be evaluated
and appropriate actions taken to develop or dispose of the properties.
• Due to budget constraints, additional park planning and development
is severely limited.
• The criteria and processes for accepting donated parkland and property
are relatively new.
• Recreational trends call for large sites of 100 or more acres with both
passive and active activities and developed and undeveloped, natural
areas.
• Infrastructure investments are costly and often cannot be made
without additional resources from competitive grants and private
donations.
• Parks systems need to include both traditional recreation sites and
special interest sites of natural or historic significance.
• The Division draws upon outside expertise and experience for
responsibilities involving real estate negotiations, property deeds and
57
58
easements, infrastructure design and management, plant and animal
habitat conservation, historic preservation and restoration,
communications and public relations.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
• Active coordination, cooperation, and collaboration exists between the
Parks Division and other public recreation agencies and community
groups. There is a desire to pool resources and expertise to accomplish
collective goals.
• Several areas with scenic and recreation potential could be developed
through additional cooperative arrangements with state and federal
agencies.
• Community groups and volunteers actively participate in parks system
planning and management.
• Current Division staff are natural team builders and team players.
• Some public-private partnerships and privatization opportunities may
be explored in the future to accomplish various improvements.
FUNDING
• Few opportunities exist to attract substantial alternative resources
outside oflodging taxes (e.g., hotel, motel, and campground taxes) and
major bond issues.
• No substantial revenue can be gained from assessing additional fees
and charges.
• Aregular infusion of capital is needed to make significant, substantial
improvements!additions to facilities.
• The current process to systematically pursue critical investments such
as land acquisition in a timely fashion is relatively slow and
underfunded.
• Alack of stable funding from federal, state, and local alternative sources
makes financial planning difficult and continues the parks system's
reliance on general fund monies.
BENTON COUNlY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
I~LE~NTATIONSTRATEGIES
Management Strategies and
Recommended Actions
Alist of priority management objectives of immediate and long-term needs and
opportunities for the Benton County Parks System has been developed. To be
feasible, the actions must be scaled to fit available financial resources over the
next six to ten years. The list is optimistic. All barriers and obstacles have not
been identified or resolved to insure completion of every action suggested. The
concepts, however, represent the best judgments ofwhat can and should be
accomplished based on research, professional assessment, and creative drive.
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Below is a complete list of potential improvements and recommended actions.
The list will be pursued as energies, opportunities, and funds become available.
The list is not intended as a strict outline ofwhat the Benton County Parks
Division can and should do over the next six to ten years. Instead, the list
should be used to identify and direct actions as barriers are removed and
favorable conditions develop.
SITE AND FACILITYUSE
The Benton County Parks System needs to offer more river access points, hiking
trails, scientific and historical interpretation, and large recreational sites with
activities for all ages. It needs to develop a mix of recreational opportunities at
strategic locations, respond to both traditional and market-driven recreational
and educational interests of park users, coordinate inter-agency planning and
management, protect investments, avoid deferring maintenance, meet ADA
requirements for the physically impaired, and resolve areas of negative impacts
caused by inappropriate park use.
59
Recommended objectives and actions:
Site and Facility Use
OBJECTIVE 1 Develop more river access points for boating, bank fishing, and day use
Investigate and develop potential
sites that enhance current park
locations: Digger Mountain on Alsea
River, Anderson Park, Half Moon
Bend (between Corvallis and Hyak
Park), Irish Bend, near Mary's River
Estates, along the Luckiamute
River; along the Alsea River at
South Fork, and near Lobster Creek
Explore undeveloped state
parklands along the Willamette
River for potential partnership
arrangements to develop, manage,
and provide additional river access
points
Determine feasibility and interest in
a joint management arrangement
with the City of Corvallis to expand
and improve recreational activities
and river access at the Willamette
Park Campground
OBJECTIVE 2 Acquire and provide more open space and large sites of natural and cultural significance
Define and establish Benton
County's open space philosophy
and role in maintaining and
improving the quality of our natural
environment
Work with such organizations as the
Greenbelt Land Trust to investigate
significant areas and assess their
appropriateness and availability
Determine feasibility and interest in
conservation easements, joint
property management
arrangements, stable funding
sources, and establishing an
efficient method for site acquisition
OBJECTIVE 3 Develop and maintain trails for hiking, interpretative routes, and biking and continue Inter-
agency planning efforts
Complete County-wide trail plan
with general specifications and
standards
Explore, develop and maintain
potential cooperative trails including
Corvallis to the Sea, Willamette
River Greenway, Corvallis to
McDonald Forest
Build interest in potential trails and
develop volunteer pool to support
trail development and maintenance
OBJECTIVE 4 Pursue special projects and acquisitions which involve unique opportunities for
recreation, education, and leisure
Further develop existing sites
including Jackson-Frazier Wetland
and Fort Hoskins Historic Site
Investigate potential special interest
sites including watershed
management, and demonstration
farms or logging operations
Continue to seek site development!
preservation assistance from
special advisory councils and
volunteer task forces
OBJECTIVE 5 Protect existing land, facilities, and equipment by completing a comprehensive
management plan and database
Develop plan scope and
requirements
Secure the appropriate levels of
staff and volunteer involvement to
identify and record findings
Update and evaluate records to
address repair and replacement
needs
60 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
OBJECTIVE 6 Provide regional/district parks that include a range of recreational activities for all ages in
all four quadrants of the County (northwest, southwest, southeast, and northeast)
.Select best s~es for further
development that provide adequate
space, represent the unique natural
characteristics ofthe area, and are
accessible to residents and vis~ors
(e.g., Adair Park, Clemens Park,
Fort Hoskins Historic Site, and Irish
Bend)
Determine appropriate mix of
activities (e.g., camping, picnic and
all-weather shetters, interpretative
trails, boat access, and open
field/family fun areas) and design
master plans to further develop
existing sites
Develop operational policies and
practices for expanded sites such
as on-site managers, entrance or
reservation fees, promotion, and
signage
OBJECTIVE 7 Develop quality overnight camping near urban areas
Select best sites to develop fully
serviced and maintained
campgrounds near urban areas that
may include use by youth groups
FUNDING
Pursue planning and capital
investments with assistance from
State of Oregon Parks Department
Develop operational policies and
practices for campground sites such
as on-site host, reservation or
overnight fees, promotion, and
signage
Funding
OBJECTIVE 1
Planning and parkland acquisition, facility improvements, and increased
recreational capacity are just some of the areas in need of immediate funding.
Additional financial resources are required to ensure timely purchases,
construction, and repairs. Some funding opportunities such as private-public
arrangements require extensive research, increased liability, legal
documentation, and policy enforcement. It is important to balance the
appropriate level of service to park users with a standard for (free) access and
availability for all. Increased fees, revenue-generating special events, bond
issues, and privatization are not risk-free. After sufficient planning and analysis
has been performed, only those funding opportunities which promote
increased recreational use and organizational efficiency should be pursued.
Recommended objectives and actions:
Pursue bond opportunities and levies for a major infusion of capital for facility improvements
Outline scope, costs, and benefits for
targeted park improvements and
propose financing options (e.g., public
facility bonds or special tax levies)
Draft a list of capital improvement
sources in use and other matching
grant sources that might be added
or attracted (and their specific
requirements and legal limits)
Survey taxpayer interest in and
support for park improvements and
financing options. If favorable, seek
approval of County commissioners
for proposed financing option and
prepare informational materials for
voters
61
OBJECTIVE 2 Pursue creative funding ideas and future revenue sources such as a hotel/motel tax that
can be dedicated to parks
Identify general and special purpose
revenue sources (e.g., hoteVmotel tax,
rental or user fees, sales revenues,
service charges, craft fairs, historic
celebrations, and park concerts)
currently used by parks operations or
by other visitor-related organizations
Investigate the utility and
appropriateness of new sources for
the County parks system
Depending on the kind of additional
revenue generation proposed,
prepare revenue forecasts and
sample operating budgets to
demonstrate financial impacts
Organize or gain author~y for
additional revenue sources that
involve significant proceeds,
charges, or earnings
OBJECTIVE 3 Review the criteria and processes for accepting donations of land to the County by private
parties to ensure that the processes are effective
Recognize that donations of land to
the County by private parties account
for a large part of Parks holdings and
inventory any contractual
requirements or standards currently
being upheld
Review and revise cr~eria and
processes for accepting donations
of land to ensure that such
agreements are effectively and
reasonably carried out over the
long term
Build interest in and awareness of
County practices for accepting and
managing donated lands
OBJECTIVE 4 Establish a parks trust fund to be able to efficiently act on acquiring significant parkland
property
Evaluate requirements such as
timeliness and capac~y for future
parkland acquisitions
Determine scope, feasibility, and
trustee requirements for
establishing aparks trust fund and
outline method and manner for
attracting and recording resources
(e.g., gifts, bequests, and
donations)
Present proposal to County
commissioners for approval. If
approved, establish trust fund
operation and seek resources
OBJECTIVE 5 Pursue additional state-approved tax and permit revenues similar to the marine fuel tax
and recreational vehicle registration fee
Identify ongoing alternative financial
resources that could generate sizable
revenues if adequately collected and
dedicated to parks
Provide information to the
legislature that demonstrates the
need for and benefit of parks
programming
OBJECTIVE 6 Continue to evaluate pay-for-use opportunities
Continue annual review of fees and
charges
Evaluate where and when
significant park developments
warrant increased use fees or other
reasonable charges such as an
entrance fee
Investigate public-private
opportunities for appropriate lease
management arrangements and/or
concessionaires
62 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PARK PlANNINGAND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Public agencies are being asked to both steward the preservation ofnatural
resources (e.g., wetland, endangered species, historical amenities) and provide
for increasing traditional and non-traditional recreational opportunities (e.g.,
hiking, picnicking). Benton County can continue and enhance existing positive
relationships with state, federal, and local recreation providers and community
groups to provide both regional comprehensive and special project planning.
Such cooperation and collaboration brings energies and expertise to County
projects. It supplements the annual budget with in-kind service and
accomplishes common goals.
Benton County should strive to continuously resolve and transcend inter-
agency and public-private competition, barriers, and shrinking budgets.
Partnership agreements and regional efforts provide a broad-base approach to
planning, construction, and maintenance. The Division should continually
seek to improve efficiencies and opportunities through cooperation,
coordination, and collaboration.
Recommended objectives and actions:
Partnerships
OBJECTIVE 1 Utilize existing network with governmental agencies for regional planning efforts
Identify goals and priortly
recreational needs for future
acquisition, preservation, and
management
Continue efforts to inform policy-
makers of significant threats,
barriers, and opportunities that
influence service delivery
OBJECTIVE 2 Continue to investigate opportunities for cooperation with community groups and
governmental agencies
Determine and act on opportunities
that include such benefits as cost-
savings, efficiencies, job sharing,
equipment sharing, staff training, and
additional revenue sources
Co-sponsor planning efforts that
utilize existing staff, shared staff,
community volunteers, or contracted
consukants
Continue joint interests in regional
planning for coordinated river
access, trail development, wetland
preservation, facility maintenance
and improvements, recreational use
and capacity, and land acquisition
63
CITIZENAWARENESS
There is need to demonstrate the positive community and personal benefits of
parks and open space. Increased citizen awareness should lead to greater
regard and value ofinvestments for current and future generations. Citizens
are unaware of existing recreational opportunities and their social, physical,
and economic benefits. Information should be made available to help citizens
use available facilities and appreciate the recreational values and influences.
Recommended objectives and actions:
Citizen Awareness
OBJECTIVE 1 Utilize existing network with governmental agencies for regional planning efforts
Identify goals and priority
recreational needs for future
acquisition, preservation, and
management
Continue efforts to inform policy-
makers of significant threats,
barriers, and opportun~ies that
influence service delivery
OBJECTIVE 2 Continue to investigate opportunities for cooperation with community groups and
governmental agencies
Determine and act on opportunities
that include such benefits as cost-
savings, efficiencies, job sharing,
equipment sharing, staff training,
and add~ional revenue sources
Co-sponsor planning efforts that
utilize existing staff, shared staff,
community volunteers, or contracted
consuftants
Continue joint interests in regional
planning for coordinated river
access, trail development, wetland
preservation, facility maintenance
and improvements, recreational use
and capacity, and land acquisition
64 BENTON COUNlYPARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Performance Measures
and Benchmarking
Parks systems exist to produce something ofvalue to a community and its
environment. These values or service "outputs" and "outcomes" are central to
the management objectives and operation of the overall system. Outcomes are
external, outside-the-organization. They focus on results rather than efforts.
They identify the effects of services delivered in and for society. Change is
measured by the percentage or amount ofvariation from one year to another.
General outcomes include:
• the experience the visitor receives,
• extended use of facilities for community purposes,
• preservation, education, and enjoyment of historical ad natural
resources,
• conservation of representative plants, animals, and natural landscape
within the County,
• identification, interpretation, and restoration of significant landmarks
and artifacts,
• transitions from urban to rural areas and parcels of undeveloped
natural relief from urbanization,
• opportunities for volunteerism and training, and
• commitment to activities and investments which promote quality of life
and sense of community.
The State of Oregon has developed Oregon Benchmarks to measure how the
State and its communities are meeting current needs and shaping their future.
Benton County is currently reviewing the statewide benchmarks and drafting
organizational outcomes. It is expected that urgent and core benchmarks will
help County government set program and budget expectations and act on the
most critical needs over the next few years.
Below is a list of applicable Oregon Benchmarks. The Parks Division will revise
and refine its benchmarks as the Benton County Strategic Plan is completed
and adopted in early 1995.
65
66
APPLICABLE OREGON BENCHMARKS
Planning
• Acres ofprimitive and wilderness public land in Oregon
• Acres ofmulti-purpose land available for recreation in Oregon
• Acres of Oregon/Benton County parks and protected land per 1,000 Oregonians
• Percentage of new developments where occupants are within 1/2 mile ofa mix of
stores and services, transit, parks, and open spaces
• Percentage of existing developments where occupants are within 1/2 mile of a mix
of stores and services, transit, parks, and open spaces
• Acres of community parks designated recreation areas and designated open space
per 1,000 Oregonians in communities
Facilities and Site Use
• Percentage ofpublic buildings and facilities accessible to Oregonians with physical
disabilities
• Real per capita capital outlays for facilities
Citizen Awareness
• Percentage of Oregonians who think Oregon/Benton County is doing a good job at
protecting natural resource lands
• Percentage of Oregonians who think Oregon/Benton County is doing a good job at
providing easy access to work, shops, parks, and recreation
• Percentage of Oregonians who think Oregon/Benton County is doing a good job at
making available cultural and entertainment opportunities
Infrastructure and Environment
• Percentage of native fish and wildlife
• Percentage ofnative plant species
• Percentage of key sub-basins in which wild salmon and steelhead populations are
increasing or at target levels
Health
• Percentage of adults who exercises aerobically for 20 minutes at least three times a
week
• Percentage of children in grades 9-12 who exercise aerobically at least three times
per week
• Percentage of adults with good health practices
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Partnerships and Grant
Opportunities
EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS
The Benton County Parks Division is very successful in developing and
maintaining effective partnerships. Partnerships generally form around
specific project areas to coordinate resources and collaborate planning efforts.
A short list of existing partnerships appear below.
Open Space Acquisitions
Purpose: to protect resource lands through gift of property, conservation
easements, or other forms of protection
Partners: Greenbelt Land Trust, donors
Contract: conservation easements
Description: The Greenbelt Land Trust (GLT) is a non-profit organization
whose mission is to review and identify open space areas that should be
protected and/or acquired in and/or near Corvallis andPhilomath. GLT
acquires then transfers ownership of open space property to a public
agency (such as Benton County Parks Division) who can manage the
resources and hold a conservation easement. The easement identifies the
main principals ofproperty management. The GLT in partnership with the
public agency maintains the right to enforce the conservation terms of the
easement.
Trail Agreements
Purpose: to collaborate on specific trail projects including planning,
construction, maintenance, and ownership of trails plus combined
financial resources for recreational hiking
Partners: City of Corvallis, Trails 2010 (GLT) Bureau ofLand Management,
US Forest Service, various user groups
Contract: Benton County and City of Corvallis have written agreements
regarding spending authority on joint projects
Description: Trails in and around Corvallis and Philomath, including
development of the proposed Corvallis to the Sea Trail
Fort Hoskins Preservation
Purpose: to plan, purchase, and develop/preserve Fort Hoskins Historic
Site
67
68
Partners: Oregon State University, Benton County Historical Society,
Benton County Historic Resources Commission
Contract: Benton County Commissioners established the Fort Hoskins
Task Force through an Executive Order
Description: Fort Hoskins Task Force was organized to assist Benton
County in the purchase and initial development of the Fort Hoskins
Historic Site
Jackson-Frazier Wetland
Purpose: to assist Benton County with the management of a wetland
resource
Partners: Oregon State University, Division of State Lands, private resource
consultants, citizens
Contract Benton County Commissioners established the Jackson-Frazier
Technical Advisory Committee through an Executive Order
Description: The committee assists the Parks Division with management
issues
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Competitive public and private grant and loan funds are available for planning,
property acquisition, facility construction (with limited rehabilitation and
repair), and marketing. Preapplications and proposals vary in detail required
and application submission cycle. Benton County Parks Division has been
successful in receiving funding assistance from most sources. Staff time is very
limited to devote to drafting grant proposals. Ifmajor investments from
alternative financial sources are to be received, application materials will need
to be developed. Some federal and state grant programs are described below.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PARKS &RECREATION GRANT PROGRAMS
State
Administered
Program! Agency Applicable Eligible Applicants Eligible Projects Grants When to Apply
Objectives
Public Works Grant Cities, counties, Public 50 to 80% of cost. Year-round.
Federal Economic water districts, non- infrastructure Typically does not Phone 326-2735
Development profits, in exceed $1 million.
Administration economicallydistressed areas
Oregoo Community improve the cities &counties public works, $750,000 Year-round.
Development Block availability and housing and maximum, up to Phone 326-2735Grants (CDBG) adequacy of public community 100% of cost for
State Executive facilities facilities, economic construction. Up to
Dept./lntergovern- development, $100,000 for final
mental Relations imminent threat engineering
Division and technical design.
assistance
Land and Water for the acquisition, Cities, counties, sport &playing up to 50 percent of submit to the
Conservation Fund rehabilitation & park and recreation fields, picnicking, the total project Oregon State
National Park development of districts, port swimming, boating, cost Parks &Recreation
Service public outdoor districts, Indian fishing/hunting and Division by January
recreation areas & Tribes and some camping facilities 1of each year
facilities state agencies and wetland 503-378-5019
County Opportunity for the acquisition, all counties 50 percent match
Grant Program development & basis
rehabilitation of
county park and
recreation sites
that provide
overnight camping
facilities
Marketing Grants Marketing & $5,000 1/matching proposed for FY
(Proposed) promotion projects Fund 1995-97to attract visitors/
State of Oregon no capital
Tourism Division construction
projects
69
PARKS &RECREATION GRANT PROGRAMS
Federally
Administered
Program! Agency Applicable Eligible Applicants Eligible Projects Grants When to Apply
Objectives
Surplus Property To transfer surplus Only State or local Use of Property, Recreation Grants
Program Federal real units of Facilities,and Division
National Park property for public government are Equipment National Park
Service park and recreation eligible to apply Service
Department of use, or for historic
the Interior preservation use. 206-220-4161
Urban Park and for the Cities &counties Rehabilitation grant Rehabilitation None
Recreation rehabilitation of meeting the eligible activities grant: matching
Recovery Program recreation areas eligibility include: capital grants (70
National Park and facilities, requirements as rebuilding, percent Federal- For more
Service demonstration of listed in the remodeling, or 30 percent local) information:
Department of innovative October 9, 1979, expanding existing Recreation Grants
the Interior approaches to Federal Register. facilities. Divisionimprove park MSA or population Innovation grants: Innovation grants: 202 343-3700
system over 50,000 to cover costs of matching grants
management and
Jurisdictions must personnel, (70 percentrecreation facilities, Federal- 30
opportunities, and have an approved equipment, percent local)development of Recovery Action supplies orimproved Program on file services designed
recreation with the National to demonstrateplanning. Park Service in
order to complete innovative and cost
for rehabilitation & effective ways to
innovation grants enhance park and
recreation
opportunities at the
neighborhood level Recovery action
Recovery action grant
grant Up to 50 percent
Eligible activities matching grants
include: resource
and needs
assessments,
coordination,
citizen involvement
and planning,
program
development
activities to
encourage public
definition of goals.
70 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PARKS & RECREATION GRANT PROGRAMS
Federally
Administered
Program! Agency
Rivers, Trails &
Conservation
Assistance
(RTCA)
National Park
Service,
Department of the
Interior
Applicable
Objectives
To provide staff
assistance to
support
partnerships
between
government and
citizens to increase
the number of
rivers and
landscapes
protected and trails
established
nationwide.
Eligible Applicants
Private nonprofit
organizations and
Federal, State and
local government
agencies.
Eligible Projects
New trails and
greenways, protect
and restore river
resources, access
and views; convert
abandoned
railways to multi-
purpose trails,
conserve open
space
Grants
Advisory Services
and Counseling.
No fixed amount.
When to Apply
Varies from region
to region.
Proposals should
generally be
submitted in May.
For more
information:
Recreation
Resources
Assistance Division
202 343-3780
Note:. The Oregon Department ofTransportation's bikeway program information is handled by Benton County Public Works.
71
Expectations and Next Steps
It is anticipated that through the Benton County Parks System
Comprehensive Plan, a clearer definition and vision ofparks system
management will be demonstrated. The plan represents the direction and
rationale for parkland investments and operation. Community and
recreational trends as well as financial resources will influence service
delivery. Planning goals, management zones, and standards remain
constant to assess the existing inventory and form the framework for
needed improvements. Much flexibility must be exercised to create the
right combination of projects at the right time. The plan should help guide
budgetary decisions, volunteer actions, staff energies (for the 6.2 current
positions and volunteers), plus capital improvements.
Since 1957, the Benton County Parks System has continuously
accomplished more with less. Officials, advisory board members, and staff
are creatively positioned to move ahead to the future. This comprehensive
plan should help frame the issues to be resolved and opportunities
considered most pressing for system improvements. Regular updates
should be made to measure progress and evaluate perceptions of
performance outcomes.
72 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
APPENDIX A
Benton County Capital Improvement Program
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Benton County estimates costs
for planned projects that exceed $ 10,000.00. Projects for roads, bridges,
bikeways, fairgrounds, parks, and county government facilities are
described with a total estimated cost for all project construction phases
over a five-year period. Other capital improvements, or purchases of
normal operating equipment are not part of the plan. Estimated costs,
project descriptions, status, and projected funding sources are detailed.
The program has a positive impact. It is an effective tool for organizing
critical maintenance projects and leveraging/securing alternative
resources. Although no constant designated CIP fund has been financially
created as part of the annual Benton County budget process, the Board of
Commissioners use the plan to allocate one-time major investments for a
. mix of projects.
73
CIP FY95-99
FINANCIAL SUMMARY BY PROJECT - Benton County Parks Department
Funding Source
Estimated Road Fair Previous Federal State Private
Budget Fund Fund orCany Sources Sources Sources
Parks over
Hyak Park Boat Ramp 157,400 137,400
Bald HilVOpen Space Park Trail 28,500 3,500 6,000
Bellfountain Restroom Rehab. 20,000 10,000
Wetland Boardwalk &Bridge 72,000 30,000
Open Space Park Expansion 150,000 150,000
Clubhouse Water Line 20,000 10,000
Fort Hoskins Development 260,000 50,000 10,000 100,000
Total 707,900
° °
13,500 96,000 147,400 250,000
CIP FY95-99
FINANCIAL SUMMARY BY PROJECT (continued)
Funding Source
Special Other Volunteer Internal General General Other or
Assess- Local Value Service Fund Fund Unknown
Parks ment Gov'ts Charge Confirmed Request
Hyak Park Boat Ramp 20,000
°
Bald HilVOpen Space Park Trail 7,500 11,500
°
Bellfountain Restroom Rehab. 10,000
°
Wetland Boardwalk &Bridge 2,000 20,000 20,000
°
Open Space Park Expansion
°
Clubhouse Water Line 10,000
°
Fort Hoskins Development 100,000
Total
°
9,500 31,500
° °
60,000 100,000
Note: Bikeway projects are developed and managed by Benton County Public Works Department.
74 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
APPENDIXB
Historical Background
In 1957, the Benton County Board of Commissioners established a parks board
of citizens familiar with rural properties in Benton County and land
appropriation. Following a belief that property could beacquired at little or no
cost to the taxpayers, Parks Board members TJ. Starker, Margaret Hull, Dr.
Quisenberry, OUo Vollstedt, Dee Simpson, and Dr. Peffer, worked countless
hours identifying undeveloped sites and negotiating donations or reasonable
purchases. In 1960, Benton County held six parks. Development was primarily
the responsibility of the Board members who worked with volunteers and
donated materials to accomplish their goals. Benton County Public Works
Department was responsible for park maintenance once improvements had
been made.
The first park planning effort at the County level was a preliminary report
prepared in 1967 for the Benton County Planning Commission entitled Benton
County Urban Area Park Plan. This document outlined general park needs for
the urbanizing areas of Corvallis, Philomath, and North Albany. The report
recommended a study of the entire County at a later date.
THE 1970'S
In early 1970, four additional park sites increased the size of the parks system by
two and one-halftimes. Development of these sites was considerably more
complex and expensive than before. From a recommendation of the Parks
Board, the Benton County Board of Commissioners established a separate
parks department.
The initial department staff (Le., one part-time and two full-time positions plus
two positions funded under the CETA program) with no department equipment
or tools, set out to develop and maintain 245 acres ofparkland. The FY1974-75
operations budget was $124,000 with $77,000 for capital improvements.
Realizing the need for a system-wide park plan, the Parks Board enlisted the
services of a private consulting firm to develop a comprehensive plan. The 1974
document was never formally adopted by the County, but led to the formation
of some general park planning policies.
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By the late 1970s, the annual department budget declined from $124,000 to
$75,000. This budgetary decline, coupled with the fact that approximately 70%
of the county parldands were undeveloped or unusable, led members ofthe
Parks Board and other concerned citizens to form the Citizens for Benton
County Parks Committee. This group, with the support of the Board of
Commissioners, successfully placed a five-year capital improvement serial levy
on the November 1976 General Election ballot.
During the next seven years, the Parks Board and staffplanned, engineered,
and constructed $780,000 of capital improvements to the parks system.
Property taxes contributed approximately $500,000 with the remainder from
state and federal grants and donations. There were improvements made to
virtually every County park.
THE 1980'S
In 1982, an update and revision to the original Benton County Comprehensive
Plan from 1974 was released including policies on Natural Resources and
Hazards; Public Facilities; Open Space, Scenic, and Historic Areas; Parks and
Recreation; and the Willamette Greenway. The revised plan provided a set of
guidelines for parks development, listed deficiencies in the existing system, and
recommended future improvements for the parks system. The recommenda-
tions assumed continued (or increased) financial support and stability, even
though the serial levy was ending. The revised parks and recreation plan was
not formally adopted by the Commissioners.
The flow of serial levy monies ended in 1983. Some State of Oregon grant-in-
aid programs helped fund additional improvements but the major investments
had been made. The recession of the early 1980's brought further constraints to
parks planning and development. Status quo was maintained but no new
developments could be made. Expensive maintenance items had to be
deferred. Late in 1989, Benton County began surveying the public to examine
their interests and needs.
THE 1990'S
A series of needs assessment surveys followed from 1990 to 1993. The surveys
indicated not only an interest in the traditional recreational activities of hiking,
picnicking, and fishing but also strong interests in conserving areas of natural
and historic value. During this time, three significant opportunities were
visualized, creatively planned and organized, and secured. The opportunities
included one wetland site - obligated to the County through tax foreclosure
(Jackson-Frazier Wetlands Preserve), one site of great panoramic quality with
mixed recreational opportunities (Open Space Park), and one extremely
valuable historic site (Fort Hoskins property). With the assistance of active
citizen groups and the approval of the Board of Commissioners, the Parks
Director and Advisory Board members negotiated acquisition and development
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
proposals. General tax fund monies, grants and donations, including over
$90,000 from the Meyer Memorial Trust was dedicated to securing these sites.
The investments expanded the Benton County parkland inventory of traditional
recreation areas to include new special interest sites for scientific and cultural
education and exploration. The Parks System's enlarged responsibilities
emphasized a new role for conservation, preservation, and restoration. A
Management Plan for Jackson-Frazier Wetland preserve was approved by the
Board of Commissioners. Additional initiatives including trail systems
planning and significant open space assessment were launched. The Parks
Division participated with related federal and local agencies and community
groups such as the Greenbelt Land Trust to identify recreation and
conservation opportunities.
In 1993, a 20-unit campground was constructed at Salmonberry Boat Landing.
Aunique connecting trail linking public and private property between the
Benton County Fairgrounds west to City of Corvallis' Bald Hill Park opens.
Planning begins on a Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan and an
overall Benton County Trail Systems Plan. Benton County Parks Division
focuses on:
• Protecting, providing, and maintaining opportunities for recreational
use of scenic and recreational parkland not only for the present
generation but generations to come.
• Conserving, preserving, and protecting natural, scientific, historical,
and archeological areas and explaining and portraying the significance
to park users and researchers.
• Coordinating, cooperating, and collaborating programs and related
services with other jurisdictions, community groups, special districts,
and state and federal agencies.
• Assisting in planning actions that provide for an orderly and efficient
transition between rural and urban land use. And involving the public
in all phases of the planning process.
Focus groups and the general public participated in identifying issues and
opportunities related to park improvements and long-range planning needs.
In early 1994, the property rights and management for the neighborhood park
Riverview Heights was transferred to the City ofAlbany. Funding for boat ramp
improvements at Hyak Park was committed by the Board of Commissioners
and State Marine Board.
77
APPENDIXC
Planning Goals and Policies
Land use and natural resource planning goals and policies guide park planning.
Policies represent how growth and development can meet the needs of the
public without complete unalterable harm to nature. They form the framework
for decision making regarding housing, transportation, energy, natural
resources and hazards, parks and recreation, open space and historic resources,
and the Willamette Greenway.
Benton County Parks Division must comply with:
• statewide land conservation and development planning goals and
guidelines;
• planning policies directed by the overall Benton County Comprehensive
Plan, the official guide to growth and development;
• public contracting, public facility, and public meeting ordinances as
dictated by the State; and
• recreational need guidelines identified in the Oregon Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Benton County Parks Division is guided by:
• a range of community initiatives including open space and natural resource
conservation, economic development and tourism, and historic
preservation,
• quality and leadership initiatives adopted by the Benton County
Commissioners in 1993;
• organizational goals and objectives identified in the Benton County
Strategic Plan to be adopted in August 1995; and
• performance outcomes identified as part of the Oregon Benchmarks and
Benton County Strategic Plan.
78 BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
STATEWIDE PLANNING GOALS AND GUIDELINES
Statewide planning goals (ORS 197.175) implemented by the Land
Conservation and Development Commission and directed in the Benton
County Comprehensive Plan outline responsibilities for local government
including:
Goal 1 Citizen Involvement: To develop a citizen involvement program
that insures the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the
planning process.
Goal 5 Open Space, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources:
To conserve open space and protect natural and scenic resources.
Goal 8 Recreational Needs: To satisfy the recreational needs of the
citizens of the State, and visitors.
Goal 11 Public Facilities and Services: To plan and develop a timely,
orderly, and efficient arrangement of public facilities and services to serve
as a framework for urban and rural development.
Goal 14 Urbanization: To provide for an orderly and efficient transition
from rural to urban land use.
Goal 15 Willamette Greenway: To protect, conserve, enhance, and
maintain the natural, scenic, historical, agricultural, economic and
recreational quality of lands along the Willamette River as the Willamette
River Greenway.
State law (ORS 197.190) also requires that "... each county, through its
governing body, shall be responsible for coordinating all planning activities
affecting land uses within the county, including those of the county, cities,
special districts, and state agencies, to assure an integrated comprehensive
plan for the entire area of the county."
The Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, currently being
updated, also utilizes the statewide planning goals in its assessment of
recreational needs. The plan outlines the primary objectives of state land use
law ORS 197 and identifies GoalS, Goal 8, and Goal 15 as well as Goal 17
(Coastal Shorelands) and Goal 18 (Beaches and Dunes) for recreation, resource,
and land-use responsibilities. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Division
provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions for needs assessment and
comprehensive plan revisions.
Oregon Benchmarks: Standards for Measuring Statewide Progress and
Government Performance, prepared by the Oregon Progress Board, identifies
performance measures to guide institutional goal setting, resource allocation,
79
80
and government performance. Benchmarks are identified for parkland
planning and acquisition, public infrastructure/public facilities investment,
and recreational programming. The Oregon Progress Board is currently
assisting Benton County in planning and implementing an organizational
benchmark program. Recommended benchmarks for the Parks Division will be
revised and adopted during the Benton County strategic planning process.
BENTON COUNTY PLANNING POLICIES
The Benton County Comprehensive Plan is the official policy guide for
decisions about growth, development, and conservation of natural resources in
Benton County. Plan policies related to the parks system include Natural
Resources and Hazards; Public Facilities and Services; Environmental Quality;
Open Space, Scenic, and Historic Areas; Parks and Recreation; and the
Willamette Greenway. The Benton County Parks System Comprehensive Plan
compliments the policies and guidelines of the overall County comprehensive
plan. Although revisions will be recommended for some policies of the overall
plan, the general plan elements are sound. A sample of these policies follows:
Natural.Resources
(54) Benton County shall determine what land with significant native
vegetation are owned by (local, state, and federal governmental
agencies) and encourage the use of appropriate management measures
to protect those lands. Some lands may be federal forests, ... Willamette
Greenway parcels, county parks ....
(58) The County shall encourage state, county or city open space or park
land acquisitions, and the protection and enhancement ofwoodland
and native vegetation within large existing parks.
Historic Resources
(2) Benton County in cooperation with the Benton County Historical
Society, shall actively promote the identification, preservation,
restoration and protection of historic resources.
Parks and Recreation
(22) Trails and pathways suitable for pleasure walking should be
incorporated into existing and future recreational sites. They should be
well marked (signed). (Trail) maps showing natural features in the
vicinity should be developed ....
(13) One-half to two-thirds of the picnicking needs of Benton County
residents should be met by picnic sites within Benton County. This
means that 226-301 additional picnic sites should be provided by 1990.
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
These sites should be provided at existing parks or at parks acquired
primarily for other recreational purposes. (Policy 13 to be revised and
updated.)
Policies such as these guide and support planning decisions. Since park
systems require at least some tax monies for development and operation,
policies should reflect the public preferences, needs, expectations, and values
of its citizens.
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APPENDIXD
BENTON COUNTY PARKS ADVISORYBOARD
Caryn Johnson
Nancy Rogge
Phillip Hays
J.T. Bucy
William N. Perry
Gary Hallett
Mary-Lynne Yamada
Richard P. Bryant
Betty Starker Cameron (term ended 6/95)
Roger N. Dunn (term ended 2/95)
Cleve Williams (term ended 6/94)
BENTON COUNTY PARKS COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING FOCUS GROUP
Jerry Davis, Benton County Fair and Parks
Sheryl Bennett, Comprehensive Plan Consultant
Rene Moye, Corvallis Parks and Recreation
Debbie Deagen, Trails Consultant
Larry Merryman, Greenbelt Land Trust
David Rukke, Bureau ofLand Management
John Stewart, LandscapeArchitect
Kathy Spero, Oregon Parks and Recreation
Benton County Parks staff:
AlKitzman
Mary Simpson
George McAdams
Charles Goodrich
BENTON COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN