Talk to anyone in Oregon and you will eventually hear about their love affair with this place. Whether you are a 10th generation Oregonian, moved here last year, or visited the state for a vacation, the place takes a hold of all of us in a thousand ways.

 

The story you're about to see is about how Oregon State Parks came to define that special relationship with the outdoors for so many people in Oregon. How it came to connect us to our natural environment, and to our culture. How it got its start, how it has grown up, and what it means in the life of the people here.

 

This three-part video (approximately four minutes each)  tells the story of how Oregon State Parks grew from a few highway waysides into the renowned park system we have today.

 

Land to Legacy

 

Milestones in OPRD history

 

1921

Oregon State Parks is "born" as part of Oregon's highway system.

 

1922

Land for Oregon's first state park, Sarah Helmick State Park, is deeded to the state. 

 

1929

Samuel H. Boardman is appointed state parks superintendent. The "father of Oregon State Parks" adds more than 50,000 acres of new parkland in the 21 years that follow. 

 

1933

Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era begins. This massive, Depression-era relief work builds roads, trails & buildings at 45 state parks.

 

1952

Postwar recreation demands lead to developed campgrounds in 27 parks across the state.

 

1957

First permanent State Parks Advisory Committee established. Uniforms for rangers appear.

 

1965

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 brings grant administration, widespread planning responsibilities to Parks.

 

1967

Oregon Beach Bill. Parks later assumes responsibility for ocean shoreline.

 

State Historic Preservation Office created.

 

1970

Oregon Scenic Waterways Act passed.

 

Friends of Tryon Creek State Park becomes the first (unofficial) “friends group” in Oregon.

 

1971

Parks takes on responsibility for statewide recreational trails system.

 

Mail-in reservations begin.

 

1973

Willamette River Greenway program introduced. First master plan by park staff written (Bowers Rocks State Park).

 

1979

Volunteer hosts become an organized part of Parks.

 

1980

Parks funding from gas tax abolished.

 

1981

Seasonal day-use fees introduced at 21 parks.

 

1985

Legislation enabling Friends Groups is passed.

 

1989

Legislation creates Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

 

1993

Discovery Season (discounts on camping in spring and fall) introduced.

 

1995

Oregon Heritage Commission added.

 

1996

New, centralized reservation call center opens in Portland. Replaces mail-in reservations.

 

Chronic financial pressure forces the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission to consider closing some 64 properties. Emergency funding from the Legislature averts the crisis.

 

1998

Measure 66 passes. Dedicates Lottery funds to State Parks for grants, new parks and infrastructure repair. Funds end in 2014, unless voters reauthorize.

 

Oregon celebrates its first State Parks Day, the first Saturday in June.

 

1999

ATV permits and grants move to Parks. Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries also added.

 

2000

Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission adopts “Target 2014” goals. Spells out business direction for Lottery dollars.

 

2004

Governor Ted Kulongoski announces park-a-year initiative.

 

2005

Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center becomes part of OPRD.

 

2007

Stub Stewart State Park opens. It is the first new park/campground to open in 30 years.

 

2008

Parks takes on responsibility for Capitol Mall grounds.

 

Centennial Horizon

Information listed below available through the

 Oregon State Library Online Catalog