Lane County Parks Funding
How is the Lane County Parks Division funded?
With over 3 million visitors per year to Lane County Park’s sites, it is easy to recognize how important open space and recreational opportunities are to both residents and visitors of Lane County. The Lane County Parks Division operates on an annual budget of $1.9 million. This provides amenities and services necessary for residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of Lane County’s open space and recreational opportunities.
These include reservoir and lake access at 11 sites, 38 river access sites, ocean beach access at 3 sites, developed swim areas at 5 locations, 16 reservable picnic sites at five different locations, 24 boat ramps, 17 miles of hiking trails, moorage at three locations for a total of 502 slips, 177 campsites at three different locations and an organizational camp that sleeps up to 160 people.
The Lane County Parks Division does not receive any General Fund (property tax) support.
Funding for the Parks system is through four major categories:
- County Car Rental Tax
- Transient Room Tax
- Fees Collected from Parking, Camping, Moorage and Picnic Reservations
- Support through Oregon State Parks and the Oregon State Marine Board
- Grants, Partnerships, Miscellaneous Revenue
The benefits of parks can be demonstrated in four major areas:
¨ Individual
Improving health and wellness, building self-esteem, providing alternatives to self-destructive behavior, reducing stress and providing opportunities for learning and living a more balanced, productive life.
¨ Community
Building stronger families, reducing loneliness and alienation, enhancing community spirit, reducing crime, and promoting ethnic and cultural harmony.
¨ Economic
Attracting business relocation and expansion, contributing to healthy and productive work forces, attracting tourists and retirees, and enhancing real estate values.
¨ Environmental
Protecting natural resources and open space areas, enhancing air and water quality, reducing congestion, providing and protecting wildlife habitat, and improving overall community livability.