Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Accessibility and Inclusion



Welcome

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s varied landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves the state of Oregon through the properties and programs it oversees, and recognizes that Oregon’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces, and as such are welcome to all. Accordingly, OPRD is committed to valuing and serving everyone and actively working to provide safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. To this end, the department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation in any form.

Accessibility

We strive to welcome park visitors of all abilities and are working diligently to remove barriers to accessing our facilities, programs and services. Our ultimate goal is to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone. 

Standards and Design Guidelines

A work group has convened in 2022 to develop and implement universal design standards and guidelines for new park improvements.

2021 ADA Transition Plan

The 2021 ADA Transition Plan identifies those barriers to parks and park programs for people with disabilities, and provides a roadmap for removing them. Identified barriers range from inaccessible picnic areas and restroom facilities to parking lots with limited accessible parking. To develop this plan, we surveyed 273 unique facilities and identified 4,872 individual barriers, then grouped them into categories defined by the level of complexity and cost. The plan calls for remediation efforts to begin in July 2021.

We are also adding accessibility information and photos to our park web pages so visitors can plan trips that meet their accessibility needs. Example (opens in a new window).

We have trained 75 OPRD park rangers and managers as ADA Site Evaluators and are developing accessibility training to deliver to all OPRD staff in the near future.

How to request information in an alternate format

An individual may request any of our public documents in an alternate format by sending an email or by calling 1-800-551-6949. Alternate formats are available in large print, braille, audio tape, computer diskette, and oral presentation. 

Park Explorer Series

The Explore Cabins and Yurts program introduces communities that are underrepresented in outdoor recreation to a camping experience. The program focuses on removing barriers to camping and creating a meaningful and positive experience for campers, which we hope will lead to many more park visits.

Each March, we invite organizations to apply to coordinate one of eight small group camping trips. Each recipient organization is awarded five cabins or yurts for a two-night weekend stay Visit Explore Cabins and Yurts for more information.

Contacts

Accessibility

Helena Kesch 
Americans with Disabilities Act, and accessibility comments and questions
503-881-4637

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Vacant
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator

Resources

2021 ADA Transition Plan

2021-23 OPRD Affirmative Action Plan

Oregon Accessibility Travel Guide features Beaver Creek at Brian Booth State Park