Willamalane Celebrates Dorris Ranch Improvements
Media contact: Bryan Beban, Community Engagement
Completion of first phase which includes long awaited restroom project and entry signage to be showcased
SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane Park and Recreation District today announced the completion of the first phase of the Dorris Ranch Master Plan which includes a new flush restroom, landscaping, ADA improvements and grand entry signage. A celebration of this accomplishment took place with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Dorris Ranch on Tuesday, October 15 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the new facility adjacent to the barn. Dorris Ranch is located at 205 Dorris St. in Springfield.
The improvements at Dorris Ranch are the final pieces to the completion of the 2012 bond measure. The park entrance sign for Dorris Ranch was demolished in a storm several years ago. With over 500 people providing feedback, the final design for the replacement sign was selected and constructed.
New flush restrooms are now a major feature of the ranch, located adjacent to the barn. These restrooms will support events and programs happening in and around that area and will also be available for public use. In addition to restrooms, some site work will be happening to address drainage and accessibility issues. These improvements include compacted gravel walkways, a permeable paver patio area, timber steps and landscaping improvements. These projects were constructed with use of Willamalane’s Bond & Systems Development Charges (SDC) funds and using orchard revenues.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District Superintendent Michael Wargo is excited to celebrate the completion of this phase of the Dorris Ranch Master Plan. “The two projects that will be recognized at this event are ones that we have heard from the public time and again that they wanted to see happen. The entry signage is beautiful. I’m excited that this historic park now has a proper front door for our patrons to come through. The restroom facility is wonderful and was a much needed feature considering the amount of events that are held here each year.”
For more information about the Dorris Ranch ribbon cutting celebration, contact Bryan Beban, Community Engagement Coordinator for Willamalane Park and Recreation District, at 541-736-4523.
About Willamalane:
Willamalane Park and Recreation District maintains and operates five recreation facilities and 46 parks and natural areas totaling nearly 1,500 acres. Highlights include 10 waterfront areas, 29 miles of hiking and biking trails, 9 turf and 4 synthetic sports fields and 27 playgrounds. Willamalane offers recreation programs to people of all ages and abilities. Created by voters in 1944, Willamalane is a special tax district, separate from the city of Springfield, with its own boundaries. It is governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by a district superintendent. Online information is available at willamalane.org.
