Accessing Lane County Parks
Lane County Parks
strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all visitors feel
safe and respected. These spaces are intended for everyone to enjoy, free from
hate and discrimination.
Universally Accessible Trail - Mount Pisgah Arboretum at Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA).
As part of our efforts to build a more inclusive County Park System, our partners at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum spent the winter and spring modifying a loop of the lowland trails within the Arboretum lease area.
Improvements include:
- Aligning the trails with universal accessibility standards
- Designating another trail loop as “barrier free.”
- Developing a communications plan for the trail system which will allow persons with disabilities the opportunity to make informed decisions about which trails they might feel comfortable using.
- Updated trail maps, kiosk signage, and visual and verbal descriptions of trails.
- Partnering with community organizations to lead tours for people with disabilities.
This effort is funded with grant support from the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund and was undertaken following a research project on accessibility at HBRA conducted by Liza Holtz (then Masters of Landscape Architecture candidate at the University of Oregon). Project partners include: Friends of Buford Park, City of Eugene's Adaptive Recreation Program, Lane Independent Alliance, and the Arc of Lane County.
New Accessible River Access Point in the Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Under the guidance of Cameron McCarthy, Lane County Parks is actively engaged in designing and permitting a groundbreaking project at the Howard Buford Recreation Area along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. This initiative focuses on creating accessible, non-motorized waterway access points, marking a significant milestone as the first fully handicap-accessible entry to the river.
Beyond providing inclusive access, the project is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of adjacent riparian areas, preventing unauthorized access and preserving the natural environment. We are grateful to acknowledge the support received for this endeavor through funding from the Oregon State Marine Board Facility Grant program, emphasizing the collaborative efforts shaping the future of our recreational spaces.
Lane County Parks Partners with David's Chair to increase accessibility at Heceta Beach.
In a pivotal partnership, Lane County Parks allocates grant money to support the ongoing maintenance of David's Chair at Heceta Beach in Florence. David's Chair - dedicated to enriching outdoor experiences by providing free mobility chairs to those in need. Enjoy the stunning beauty of Heceta Beach with this complimentary chair, available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Secure your reservation through David's Chair website.
In November 2022, Lane County voters underscored their dedication to community accessibility by approving a 5-year local option levy. This levy dedicates funds to diverse local projects, with a specific emphasis on enhancing accessibility in parks, such as David's Chair. This collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to creating inclusive and accessible outdoor spaces, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can enjoy the natural beauty of our parks.
Driftwood Shores also plays a crucial role by providing electricity for the chair, and volunteers manage the check-in/out process with guests. To become a volunteer visit David's Chair website. This collaborative effort ensures the smooth operation of David's Chair, making the outdoors more accessible to all.