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Prison Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance to Tour
On Sunday, March 12, Two Rivers Correctional Institution will lock its doors for at least one hundred years.
The new medium security prison in Umatilla will be secured and searched, a process called "shake down," in anticipation of the arrival of medium custody inmates at the end of the month.
The public is being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tour the 650,000 sq.ft. prison on Saturday, March 11 during Two Rivers’ opening "cell-abration." After Saturday, only Two Rivers’ staff will have the unprecedented access being offered the public.
"We’re opening our doors this one last time to express our appreciation for the support the community has given us during our lengthy construction process," said Superintendent Bob Schiedler. "Although we’ll welcome tours from interested groups in the future, this is the only chance folks will have to walk through the prison unescorted and at their own pace. It’s a chance to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes."
The Two Rivers Open House follows a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited to the ceremony or to stop by anytime after that to join an organized tour or wander through the prison on their own. The festivities will end at 5 p.m.
For people who are interested in being locked up in prison for a few hours, Two Rivers is offering a "Cell-In" experience Saturday afternoon. "Tours will be going on at the same time as the Cell-In," explained Mr. Schiedler. "We want people to have a choice about just how much prison they want to experience." Members of the public interested in the 4-hour cell-in option should register by calling Kathy Moore at 541-922-2037.
No registration is necessary for the ribbon cutting or open house tours. "We hope that many, many people will take advantage of this great opportunity," Mr. Schiedler concluded. "Come on out anytime from 10 to 5."
Two Rivers Correctional Institution is located on Beach Access Road in Umatilla. Directional signs to the open house will be posted and ample parking is available. The prison is accessible for people with physical disabilities.
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