The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission is all set to convene for a two-day meeting in Newport on September 17 and 18, addressing multiple key issues including the budget, real estate, and park improvement projects. The Commission will also be discussing proposed increases in rate ranges for various park services, a move intended to cope with the rising costs of maintenance and operations.
Day one of the gathering, September 17, will offer commissioners a tour of ocean shore locations, as well as a work session heavy with discussions on drone policy, the current state of the ocean shore, and how construction impacts these areas. This session, which takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, is a chance for an in-depth review of the past, present, and what lies ahead for Oregon's ocean shorelines.
The following day, discussions move behind closed doors for an executive session at 8:15 a.m. at the same venue, where they will deliberate on real estate acquisition and potential litigation. While this session is not open to the public, the commission's business meeting at 9:30 a.m. is and provides a platform for public interaction. Those interested in listening in on the conversation can find instructions on how to do so on the commission's web page, with the agenda and detailed information already accessible.
Additionally, the commission will evaluate recommended grant awards for the 2024 Local Government Grant Program, which include small grants totaling $884,226, large grants totaling $31,733,800, and planning grants of $301,990. Approval of rate range increases for campsites, amenities, day-use parking fees, and group sites is also on the agenda, with the intent to give the director the flexibility to adjust rates over time as needed. The information provided on the OPRD website clarifies, "Rates will not start at the top of the range."
Public participation is encouraged with the provision to submit comments and register to speak at the meeting until 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16. Registration for virtual attendees is accessible online at bit.ly/registerseptember2024commission. For those choosing to attend in person, no prior registration is required, and comment time is limited to three minutes per person. Written comments can also be sent directly to [email protected] by the mentioned deadline.
