Salem, OR—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) formed a rule advisory committee with representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, safety staff and park hosts in order to update the process for excluding individuals who endanger the safety of park staff or visitors.

The committee’s first meeting is 8:30 a.m. June 28. The public can watch the first meeting at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27c...

The rule advisory committee will work on a set of recommendations to update OPRD’s current process for excluding individuals who violate park rules, No. 7 in general park area rules: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule...

OPRD appointed ten members to the advisory committee including community members, OPRD staff and volunteers. The committee will present its recommendations to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission and open the proposed rules for public comment later this fall.

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at Helena.KESCH@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.

Media Contacts:
Chris Havel
503-931-2590
chris.havel@oprd.oregon.gov

Stefanie Knowlton
(971) 803-0154
stefanie.knowlton@oprd.oregon.gov