Washington State Parks

Parks are about people's opportunity to get outside and connect to nature. During the 19th century industrial revolution, parks were built to improve physical health and wellness. Fredrick Law Olmstead created Central Park in New York City with this in mind. The significance of that park on people's well-being today is beyond measure. While the tim... es are very different, the values remain the same in Oregon's parks today. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) provides outdoor recreation to all Oregonians and visitors, and takes the lead and advises all government agencies, organizations, and recreation advocates on how to cooperatively meet Oregon's recreation needs. Since 1922, OPRD has provided outdoor recreation for "people's physical, spiritual, cultural and scientific benefits." In that time, Oregon has grown from 30 acres of state parks to 100,000 acres. Most recently, Ballot Measure 66, passed by Oregon voters in 1998, is enabling the company to:Take proper care of existing parks and natural areas and address a $120 million maintenance backlog. Expand Oregon State Parks to meet the company's growing population needs. Offer funding assistance and technical expertise to local park and recreation systems. With the Centennial Horizon, OPRD is proactively planning for the next 100 years, both as the state recreation leader and as a protector of Oregon's special places. Oregonians have an outdoor lifestyle and they love parks! These values are critical to Oregon's standard of living and the company want your pride in parks to grow and be passed on to your children. We've taken these values and created the Centennial Horizon to act as a guide in developing recreational, cultural, natural and scenic resources. The plan is designed to evolve and change as Oregonians demand change. Open discussions about the company's values and future direction will be held regularly.Read More