The human spirit is emphasized in all Willamalane does, resulting in superior services and an atmosphere of cooperation, openness, inventiveness, and trust.
Voters in Springfield and Glenwood approved a proposal to organize Oregon’s second special-purpose park and recreation district. Much of this was due to the pioneering efforts of then Lane County District Attorney William S. Fort. In the same election, voters selected Dr. Melville S. Jones, E. H. Silke, and Earl James to become the District’s first Board of Directors. Its first fiscal year began the following July with Willamalane having neither a budget nor property. First formed to serve a population of only 3,800 people, by the close of the 1940s, Springfield had doubled in size to approximately 3 square miles and a population of nearly 10,000.
As of the year 2002, the District covers some 18 square miles and serves more than 57,000 patrons. With an annual operating budget of $7 million, Willamalane maintains approximately 680 acres of land in 31 park sites and a wide range of open spaces and recreational facilities.
You are Here: Home >
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1944At right: Willamalane Swim Club members in the 1950s.
Voters organize and pass a park and recreation district measure to encompass the Springfield, Glenwood, and Maple School Districts.
Major park and recreation needs are emphasized through a community survey.
Walter Hansen becomes Willamalane's first superintendent.
First annual budget of $25,000 is proposed.
Park and recreation district law is amended to permit districts to use bonds for capital improvements after voter authorization.
Willamalane Park and James Park are purchased. The former for approximately $200, the latter for $10.
Irene Squires becomes Willamalane's second superintendent.
Board of Directors increases from three to five members.
Plans are formulated for acquiring and developing land, buildings, and swimming pool.
In August, a $285,00 bond issue to develop Willamalane Pool, develop Willamalane Park, and complete the Memorial Building is presented to voters. Bond is approved but is challenged by Portland attorney on the grounds the District was not legally established. Proved valid in 1950.
Willamalane Park is developed with the aid of a $25,000 gift from the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1950 At right: Willamalane staff and volunteers dressed for one of the the first Easter mEGGa Hunts.
Veterans Memorial Association donates the uncompleted Memorial Building to Willamalane with the understanding that it will assume the $6,000 liability and complete the building.
Swimming pool plans are revised.
Memorial Building and Willamalane swimming pool are completed. Dedications take place on May 30 and July 4, respectively. Summer athletic programs move into full swing.
In December, voters reject an $85,000 bond issue for building and construction.
Willamalane Pool opens as an outdoor facility.
The Willamalane Recreation Council (a citizen’s advisory group) forms.
Clayton Anderson becomes Willamalane's third superintendent.
In March, voters approve a bond issue for $72,000 for building and construction.
The Willamalane Golden Age Club forms and continues into the 1980s, after the Willamalane Senior Adult Activity Center is built. The Club is the only organized senior group in Oregon and provides the impetus for developing programs of interest to senior adults.
The first Program Guide is mailed to District patrons. It is a double-sided,
one-page bulletin sponsored and printed by Weyerhaeuser.
A broken gas main near the Memorial Building causes a major gas explosion
causing $10,000 in damage. The building custodian is hospitalized.
Willamalane's preschool program opens at the Memorial Building. Youth and adult basketball leagues begin, with all games played at the Memorial Building. Tennis and boys baseball programs begin.
Grand opening of "The Lounge" at the Memorial Building, a center
for high school teens. This is the beginning of the District’s Teen
Center. For a period in the 1960s, the lounge was known as the "Sugar
Shack."James Park is dedicated to William E. James, one of Willamalane's
organizers.
Softball and baseball lights are installed at Willamalane Park.
A bronze plaque is installed at the Memorial Building in memory of those
who died in WWII.
In May, voters approve a one-year operating levy of $14,435.
Square Dance Club is established.
Robin Park is donated to the District.
Maintenance building is built at Willamalane Park.
District annexes area north to McKenzie River in the Wayside Lane and
McKenzie Manor areas.
In April, voters approve one-year operating levy of $29,536.
In November, voters reject a new tax base of $80,000.
The Willamalane Art League is organized.
Willamalane acquires Island Park. Robin Park is developed.
In April, voters approve a one-year operating levy of $29,536.
Gamebird Park is donated to District.
New District tax base is established.
Annexation to the north and west increased District area by 20%.
In May, voters approve an increase in the tax base to $78,000.
University of Oregon students build play sculptures for Willamalane Park.
James Park shelter is constructed.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1960 At right: Indoor water skiing was a bold experiment at the Willamalane Park Swim Center in 1965.
Willamalane adopts first Master Plan.
Meadow Park is acquired from the Lane County Housing Authority.
Royal Delle Park is acquired.
A portion of Island Park is acquired from Lane County, which includes
the future site of the Senior Adult Activity Center.
New cedar signs are installed at parks. Robert Artz becomes Willamalane's
fourth superintendent.
Menlo Park is donated to the District.
Kelly Butte and Willamette Heights Park sites are acquired for $1 each
from the City of Springfield.
Douglas Gardens and North 35th Street (Tyson) park sites are acquired.
District adopts Master Plan.
In July, two tax measures are approved by voters. The first is a $285,000
bond issue to add a cover to Willamalane Pool. The second is a 10-year
serial levy to pay for general park development. The serial levy will
raise a projected total of $300,000. Twelve park sites are purchased
and nine parks are developed with the money. It will be another ten
years before the District presents another issue to the voters.
Guy Lee Park site is donated to the District and is developed.
Page and Thurston Middle School park sites and a portion of the North
51st Street park site are acquired. The Thurston Middle School park
site is now part of the Jack B. Lively Memorial Park. The North 51st
Street Park becomes Bob Artz Memorial Park.
Willamalane Park Pool cover construction begins.
Lights are installed at tennis courts.
Meadow Park, Kelly Butte Park, and Tyson Park are developed.
Remainder of Bob Artz Memorial Park is donated to the District.
Harvest Landing park site is purchased. Royal Delle Park and Page Park
are developed.
Indoor water skiing and jogging are new District programs.
Mushball leagues are formed and continue for 14 years until the switch
in the 1970s to slow pitch softball.
Springfield School District begins using Willamalane pool facilities
for elementary school swim instruction.
District is awarded interest-free loan to finance work on Master Plan.
Menlo Park is developed.
Annexation of east city area is defeated at polls.
National Award: Merit Award as one of the ten outstanding governmental agencies in the United States.
Federal grant of $11,000 is received for site improvement.
Springfield Lions Club constructs south picnic shelter at Island Park.
Master Plans are completed for Willamalane parks and facilities.
School District #19 agrees to save two acres of land at their new Thurston
High School site for the construction of a proposed community center and
pool. Construction is dependent on successful annexation of the area.
Final payment is made for Island Park, the District’s largest park
at the time.
Willamalane Baton Twirlers present their first annual recital.
Willamalane Swim Club beats world record for marathon swim—103 miles
in 66 consecutive hours (the equivalent of the distance from Willamalane
Pool to Portland).
Willamalane Art League goes independent and becomes the Emerald Empire
Arts and Crafts Association.
Former Willamette Heights Arboretum is dedicated as Spencer Alexander
Memorial Arboretum.
Robert Haworth becomes Willamalane's fifth superintendent.
District closes all restaurant operations at the Memorial Building.
Willamalane Swim Club earns second place at a statewide invitational
meet, edging out the Portland Swim Club.
Development begins at Island Park under a federal Land and Water Conservation
Fund grant.
The physical plant at the Willamalane Park Pool is renovated.
Willamalane Easter activities include an egg hunt with 15,000 eggs.
Three pre-teens present a petition (with 90 signatures) requesting that
Willamalane reverse its plans to close the gym and pool tables at the
Memorial Building for the summer. The closure is nothing new, but a
policy that has been used to encourage youth to be out-of-doors when
the weather becomes favorable and reflects previous patterns of reduced
use.
Rosboro Lumber Company donates a 40-passenger bus to District.
Gary Walker becomes Willamalane's sixth superintendent.
District celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The Mayor of Springfield appoints committee to explore the feasibility
of city operation of the park district; however, studies show that funding
and services would be reduced.
District adopts policy to prohibit motor vehicles and horses in parks.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1970At right: Willamalane dancers at a Springfield birthday party.
Springfield’s population stands at 26,874, more than a 100% increase from 1950.
Willamalane creates the first community recreation programs at Maple and Brattain Elementary Schools. The programs provide after-school activities to elementary-aged children.
Renovations are made to the Memorial Building. (Roof, glass, fire-sprinkler
system, refinish gym floor, carpet, plaster, and wiring).
In May, voters pass a serial levy to finance park development projects
for five-year period. A projected total of $250,000 will be raised.
Senior Citizens' Advisory Council is formed and senior programs are expanded.
Tyson, Gamebird, and Guy Lee Parks are developed with funds from the
Federal Neighborhood Development Project.
District voters approve match for $141,200 federal-matching grant for
neighborhood park development.
District purchases first 150 acres of Dorris Ranch property.
District purchases north portion of Island Park. Memorial Building is
renovated.
A $75,000 donation from Ben and Kay Dorris makes possible the purchase of the remaining 100 acres of Dorris Ranch property with matching money from the LWCF and the State of Oregon for the Willamette River Greenway.
In February, for the first time since 1958, it becomes necessary to exceed
the tax base. Voters reject a one-year operating levy of $146,920 due
to another measure on the ballot, the controversial City of Springfield
Tax Increment Plan.In March, the issue was resubmitted and approved by
voters. In November, voters reject an increase in the tax base to $78,000.
Willamalane receives a $500 donation from Pacific First Federal to
plant a special landscaped area in Island Park that will be designed to
produce color at all times of the year.
Work on Douglas Gardens, Gamebird, Tyson, and Guy Lee Parks is completed under a $79,000 federal grant from HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development).
Ballew property adjoining Island Park on the north is acquired with 75%
matching funds from the State of Oregon and the Federal Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation.
New Willamalane recreation programs are introduced to meet the needs of
swing-shift workers. Late-Late sports leagues are formed (basketball, bowling,
and softball) that practice and play between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Willamalane Track Club earns 18 first-place ribbons at a Hayward Field
all-comers track meet.
Willamalane Diving Club member Mark Bradshaw sets a new division record
at the Oregon Junior Olympic Diving Championships. And, at the Oregon Indoor
Diving Championships, he is named the "Most Outstanding Male Diver
in Oregon."
The Board of Directors again proposes the annexation of East Springfield
and begins petition drive to gather signatures.
State Award: Distinguished Award in Recreation.
Willamalane initiates community garden program on vacant lot donated
by McKenzie-Willamette Hospital.
Voters again reject measure to annex East Springfield, by 44 votes.
In June, voters approve a one-year operating levy of $192,800.
Major remodeling and renovation begins at Willamalane Pool.
Play equipment is installed at Island Park.
Voters approve a serial levy, raising $1,000,000 over a five-year period
to buy maintenance equipment and upgrade existing parks and recreation
facilities.In June, voters approve a one-year operating levy of $265,681.
National Award: Community Model Program for community education.
In April, voters approve a one-year operating levy of $318,425.
In September, voters approve a bond issue raising $1,300,000 to fund
Senior Adult Activity Center construction. Property adjacent to Island
Park is acquired for the Senior Adult Activity Center and construction
begins.
Guy Lee Park development begins, with funding assistance from the LWCF.
Construction begins at Page and Meadow Parks (tennis courts and irrigation), with grant assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Guy Lee Park is completed.
Voters approve an annexation of the east end of Springfield. Willamalane's
service district increases in size by more than 50%.
In March, voters approve a new tax rate of $2.26/1,000 for general operating
expenses.
National Award: Allied Organization Award for developing community
education programs.
Willamalane adds cultural arts and specialized recreation programs to
its offerings. Specialized recreation programs serve the needs of disabled
teens and adults.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Lively donate $100,000 to Willamalane.
Dorris Ranch Land Use Plan, recommending development of a living history
farm, is completed and adopted.
In compliance with Land Conservation and Development Commission guidelines,
Willamalane begins work on a Comprehensive Plan for the provision of
future park and recreation services.
District acquires new bus.
The Senior Adult Activity Center is completed.
In March, voters approve a new tax rate of $1.89/1,000 for general operating
expenses.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1980 At right: A 1970s photo of teams competing in Willamalane summer softball league.
Survey shows that twice as many people use Senior Adult Activity Center as originally anticipated.
The Willamalane Comprehensive Plan is completed.
Thurston Park property site is donated by Thurston Park Homeowners'
Association.
In May and June, voters reject the operating budget and new tax base
proposals. The $2.58 million tax base fails. District closes for six
weeks. In November, the operating budget is approved and new tax base
is approved. This is based on a promise that the District will no longer
require frequent serial levies to operate.
National Award: Outstanding Board-Commission Award.
State Award: Professional Honor Award. Given to Willamalane Board member.
State Award: Under 30 Award. Given to Willamalane Board member.
State Award: Special Citation Award.
Board of Directors adopts Comprehensive Plan.
Planning begins for 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
District acquires six acres on 42nd Street.
Thurston Park is developed.
Rest rooms are constructed at Guy Lee Park.
Board of Directors examines programs to insure greater citizen participation
in Willamalane's decision-making process.
National Award: Board of the Year presented to Willamalane's Board of Directors.
State Award: Merit Award for Planning. Awarded for the Comprehensive
District Plan.
Special Events and Outdoor Recreation departments are created.
First Chicken Classic 8K Road Run is held.
Board adopts the five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Fire causes $75,000 in damage to the Memorial Building. Building is renovated
and rededicated.
Willamalane Pool is upgraded and landscaped.
Daniel Plaza becomes Willamalane's seventh superintendent.
Development starts on the Bob Artz Memorial Park with a $101,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
School Recreation program expands to include 15 schools.
District initiates Scholarship Fund for needy residents.
Willamalane sponsors first triathlon.
Recovery Action Plan is completed.
Two acres are acquired from St. Paul’s Church, completing five-acre
William S. Fort Memorial Park on 58th Street.
District leases Administration Building.
Improvements are made to the Health Fitness Center building.
Gymnastics area at Willamalane Pool is renovated.
Dorris Ranch Facility Development Plan is completed and adopted.
Bob Artz Memorial Park Phase I development is completed.
Kelly Butte Overlook is developed.
Willamalane celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Willamalane holds first Summer Day Camp at Dorris Ranch.
District acquires Jack B. Lively Memorial Park land.
Bob Artz Memorial Park Phase II development is completed.
The City of Springfield celebrates its centennial.
National Award: National Gold Medal as the outstanding park and recreation department in the United States in the 20,000-50,000 population category. Willamalane had been nominated for this award on six previous occasions.
State Award: Oregon Fitness Leadership Award.
State Award: Best Maintained Recreation Building Award. Given to the
Willamalane Pool Building.
South 34th Street property is acquired.
Willamalane Pool gets a new slide.
In June, voters reject a $5.15 million bond measure for a new swimming
pool at Lively Park and improvements to Willamalane Pool and Park. In
November, voters approve a $5.46 million bond issue for new swimming
pool at Lively Park and improvements to Willamalane Pool and Park.
The Jack B. Lively Fund donates $29,000 for Willamalane Park play equipment. Construction begins.
Willamalane Park parking lot is completed.
Groundbreaking ceremony is held for the development of the Lively Park
Swim Center.
By-Gully Bike and Jogging Path is completed.
Island Park boat ramp, parking lot, and rest rooms are renovated.
National Register of Historic Places accepts and lists Dorris Ranch in its registry.
National Award: National Specialized Recreation Gold Medal.
National Award: Award of Merit for Planning and Analysis. Given for the
Dorris Ranch Facility Development Plan.
State Award: Maintenance Award. Given for outstanding park maintenance
at Willamalane Park.
Regional Award: Golden Spade Award. Given in recognition of investment
made in the community.
Willamalane Park gets new play equipment.
James Park gets new play equipment and irrigation systems are renovated.
Development of Fort Park begins.
Addition is made to Operations and Maintenance Center building.
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
Dorris Ranch Living History program begins for second graders.
Lively Park Swim Center opens to the public. It is the first indoor wave
pool in the Northwest.
District begins commitment to a strategic planning program.
Renovation of Willamalane Pool bathhouse begins.
Fort Park development is completed and park is dedicated.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
1990 At right: Hundreds enter the water at the start of the Willamalane triathalon.
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
State Award: Design Award. Given to the Lively Park Swim Center for
incorporating innovative design features, which are cost effective,
and energy efficient.
State Award: Merit Award. Given for professional excellence to the architects
of the Lively Park Swim Center.
Regional Award: People's Choice Award.
Clearwater Park is acquired from Lane County. Installation is completed
on gate and signage.
Willamalane Pool bathhouse renovation is completed. The facility reopens
and is renamed Willamalane Park Swim Center.
Dorris Ranch greenhouse is removed.
Landscape improvements begin at Jack B. Lively Memorial Park and Willamalane
Park.
Willamalane cosponsors the first annual Filbert Festival, which was held
at Island Park. The festival has now become a Springfield tradition hosting
hundreds of vendors and drawing thousands of visitors every year.
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
Regional Award: Design Award. Given for Lively Park Swim Center.
Regional Award: Blue Heron Destination Promotion Award.
District Rehabilitation Plan is prepared.
The North Douglas Neighborhood Association, Willamalane, and the City
of Springfield join to develop the 34th Street property as a neighborhood
park. It is renamed Pride Park.
Landscape improvements at Lively Park and Willamalane Park are completed.
Clearwater Park boat ramp is repaired and picnic table is installed.
Dorris Ranch gets connected to Springfield Utility Board water service.
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
Historic Barn at Dorris Ranch is improved to provide a sheltered site
for interpretive programs and an entrance rest room facility is constructed.
Willamalane participates with the City of Springfield and the National
Park Service in developing a long-range vision for the Springfield Millrace.
Island Park south entry is improved (road improvements, lighting, and
sidewalk).
Renovations completed on Meadow Park playground.
The City of Springfield realigns West D Street. The old street is
restored as a bicycle/pedestrian pathway.
Board adopts the new District Mission and Value Statements (replacing
the ones created in 1983)
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
The Teen Center opens with coordination of the District, the City of
Springfield, concerned citizens, and interested teens.
The District's first annual Children's Celebration is held at the Senior
Adult Activity Center.
Dorris Ranch entrance and kiosk are designed and built by University
of Oregon students.
Wallace M. Ruff, Jr. Memorial Park and Pierce Park land is donated
to the District.
The District acquires West D Street Greenway and Alton Baker Park Eastgate
Woodlands.
Property along the north bank of the Springfield Millrace is acquired.
Existing structures on the site will house a new Administration Building,
Dorris Ranch Office, and Dorris Ranch Information Center/Gift Shop.
In order to accommodate growth in Springfield, the District implements
park system development charges (SDCs) on new residential construction.
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
The District's first annual A Day on the Farm is held at the Dorris Ranch
Living History Farm.
Springfield School District #19 and Willamalane sign cooperative agreements.
The Dorris Ranch Interpretive Store opens, promoting and selling a
wide range of Oregon-produced filbert products.
The National Park Service awards the City of Springfield and Willamalane
a $20,000 grant to develop historical-information kiosk and site improvements
along the north bank of the Springfield Millrace. Willamalane again
engages the University of Oregon to assist in the design and construction
of the kiosk and site improvements.
The dilapidated south shelter at Island Park is demolished to make
way for a new shelter.
In consideration for sewer easements to the City of Eugene, improvements
are made to the parking area at the Alton Baker Park Eastgate Woodlands.
Memorial Building ramp and ADA accessible rest rooms are constructed.
Using SDCs, the District works with developers to acquire and expand
park land at Douglas Gardens Park.
Willamalane joins the City of Springfield and the Springfield Utility
Board in a discounted purchase of 125.3 acres of land between the Millrace
and the Middle Fork of the Willamette River from the Georgia-Pacific
Corporation.
Willamalane purchases two acres for a neighborhood park in the South
Thurston Hills area. The land will be named Jesse Maine Memorial Park.
The District initiates the first bond issue in eight years, but looses
at the polls by 500 votes. The bond was to be used to replace the roof
at Willamalane Pool, add a community center to the site, make improvements
to the pool tank, improve the fitness center, make improvements at the
Senior Center, and upgrade all District parks to bring them up to a basic
standard.
National Award: National Waterpark Safety Award.
The District's third annual Children's Celebration is moved to Willamalane
Park.
The District's first annual Haunted Hayride is held at the Dorris Ranch
Living History Farm.
Timber Products Co. donates a vintage 1910 house (Tomseth House) to the
Dorris Ranch Foundation for relocation to Dorris Ranch as on-site offices.
A new south shelter is constructed in Island Park with the help of the
Springfield Lions Club.
Mobile stage is purchased.
District patrons and the Springfield School District assist in developing
a playground and school/park at Maple Elementary.
Willamalane and the City of Springfield dedicate Millrace Park, unveiling
display panels interpreting the history of the Springfield Millrace.
A Citizen Planning Committee completes its plan for passive recreational
uses in East Alton Baker Park.
The Willamalane Board of Directors signs an intergovernmental agreement
with the City outlining planning roles and responsibilities as required
by state law.
A bond measure advisory committee including representatives from each of
the District’s 24 neighborhoods, community leaders, and public agencies
is formed to review the District’s capital needs, prioritize them,
and make a recommendation regarding future bond measure proposals. The
committee will have access to all District information related to capital
needs and will tour District facilities to see their condition.
National Award: KUDOS Award for Best Television Public Service Announcement.
State Award: Oregon Lifesaving Award. Given to the Lively Park Swim Center
lifeguard team.
The District's fourth annual Children's Celebration is moved to Island
Park, hosting over 90 activities for children and 3 entertainment stages.
The District's Easter mEGGa Hunt is moved to the Jack B. Lively Memorial
Park (adjacent to the Lively Park Swim Center).
Extensive concert series programmed for mobile stage.
The Willamalane Board adopts East Alton Baker Park Plan.
District acquires 11 acres on 79th Street from Springfield School District
in Bob Artz Memorial Park trade.
New Island, Gamebird, and Menlo Parks playgrounds are installed.
Jesse Maine Memorial Park dedicated.
Sand-volleyball courts installed at Fort Park.
New Senior Adult Activity Center siding and roof installed. In November,
Willamalane Pool is closed due to flood damage in the pool tank
and rain damage to the roof structure. Board of Directors closes Willamalane
Pool indefinitely, directs architects to look into roof removal and
outdoor summer operation only.
Statewide Measures 47 and 50 pass, lowering property taxes, limiting
property tax growth, and requiring that 50% of the electorate cast ballots
for an issue to be ruled valid (super majority rule). Staff immediately
begins response planning.
The bond measure advisory committee formed in 1995 recommends that the
District pursue a $15.4 million bond measure. The money would
be used to replace the failing roof at Willamalane Pool and to add a community
center to replace the inefficient and outdated Memorial Building.
The committee recommends that all other items should be removed from
bond consideration. The Board accepts the recommendation without change.
In September, voters reject the $15.4 million bond measure proposal
by 1,000 votes.
Island Park Master Plan is adopted.
New playgrounds are installed at Jesse Maine and Bluebelle Parks.
Summer Teen Challenge Camp for middle school-aged youth is launched.
Computer Learning Center opens at Senior Adult Activity Center.
Measure 47 response plan is adopted. District eliminates 26 positions.
Fitness Center is closed.
In May, voters approve a pared-down, $5.1 million bond measure to replace
the Willamalane Pool roof by a margin of 63%. However, fewer than 50%
of the electorate cast ballots and the vote is ruled invalid.
Free Park Playground program increases from 8 sites to 22 sites, experiencing 9,553 visits over the summer.
The Memorial Building remains open over the Memorial Day holiday for
Red Cross teen counseling in response to the Thurston High School shooting
tragedy.
Willamalane Pool roof is removed, facility opens as an outdoor pool.
Island Park North shelter replaced. Island Park pathway and bridge are
completed.
New playground at Royal Delle Park is installed.
Completed payments on bonds issued in 1978 to build the Senior Adult
Activity Center.
In November, voters approve a $4.7 million bond measure for Willamalane
Pool roof and improvements.
Island Park Art Gallery opens inside the Senior Adult Activity Center.
Kids Club voted "The Best Place to Go After School" by the Eugene
Weekly.
Softball-league play begins at the new Bob Artz Memorial Park.
Willamalane Park tennis courts are resurfaced (paid for by Springfield
School District).
The performance stage at Island Park is completed by the Springfield
Community Concert Band. Maintenance and operation of the stage is turned
over to the District.
An additional .37 acres are acquired at the Park Services Center.
The Memorial Building is reroofed and portions of the interior are renovated
and repaired.
Springfield Tomorrow Update Survey respondents rate parks and recreation
as better than ten years ago.
Douglas Gardens Park Master Plan is adopted.
Neighborhood Parkland Needs Assessment and Recommendation Report is adopted.
Willamalane joins the City of Springfield, the Springfield School District,
and the Springfield Utility Board in forming Team Springfield, a public
agency cooperative venture.
Phone system upgrade completed.
Computer system now links all Willamalane facilities.
Willamalane Web site is launched.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
2000 At right: One of the many "talking stones" at the newly redeveloped Eastgate Woodlands. The Kalapuya word "Kanaa" means "going across place."
All Kids Club and Little Kids Club staff have become members of the Professional Development Registry program for the State of Oregon.
Full-time Teen Supervisor is hired to fill growing needs in the teen
community.
Willamalane Kids Club works with School District #19 to implement Second
Step. Second Step is a social-skills and conflict-resolution curriculum
that teaches children to change the attitudes and behaviors that contribute
to violence.
Bob Keefer becomes Willamalane's eighth superintendent.
Kingsford/Clorox Community Development Grant is awarded to the Willamalane Teen Center. Funds are used to remodel the Teen Center Annex. Oregon State Parks State Local Government Grant is awarded to Willamalane's skatepark project.Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan process begins.
Alton Baker/Eastgate Woodlands site improvements include upgrades to
trail systems and parking and addition of a playground and information
kiosk. Willamalane Park Swim Center reopens as an indoor facility.
Flag poles are upgraded or replaced at every Willamalane facility.
New staff position created: Community Development Coordinator.
Willamalane Web site is expanded to include details of all programs and
ongoing projects. Monthly updates increase repeat visits by patrons.
Jack B. Lively Fund changes name and charter to become "Friends of
Willamalane Parks and Recreation."
Oregon State Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant is awarded to Willamalane's neighborhood park project for the Mt. Vernon area.
Construction begins on the skatepark at Willamalane Park.
East Alton Baker Park is renamed The Whilamut Natural Area of East Alton
Baker Park, honoring the Kalapuya people and their language.
Willamalane partners with other agencies to provide out-of-school programming
through the BEST for Kids and the Schools Plus grants.
Willamalane collaborates with Springfield School District #19 to open
the Welcome Center at the Annex. The Center will help families whose
primary language is not English to enroll children in school and connect
them to any other services they may require.
Schools Plus funding allows for the expansion of programs for teenagers
in the Annex building at Willamalane Park.
The Skatepark at Willamalane Park is completed and the grand opening ceremony gets a visit from internationally acclaimed Tony Hawk and his crew.
Construction begins on the 32nd Street Community Sports Park. Willamalane
coordinates with the City of Springfield, Broadbase Inc., Arlie and Co.,
and KIDSPORTS on the project.
Morrisette Field is dedicated and opens at the 32nd Street Community Sports Park. It is the first artificial turf sports field in Springfield. The playground next to the field includes a popular climbing wall.
Willamalane throws a Birthday Bash to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Willamalane Games kicks off the effort to "Energize Springfield!" and
fight obesity.
Property at the former Mt. Vernon school site becomes Volunteer Park.
Willamalane's 20-year Comprehensive Plan secures approval, charting a
course for parks and recreation in Springfield for the next 20 years.
The 20-year Comprehensive Plan was adopted as a refinement plan to the Metro Plan.
A $500,000 Local Government Grant from Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department helped to construct the second artificial turf soccer field at the 32nd Street Community Sports Park.
In partnership with the Springfield School District, Willamalane received a five-year 21st Century Learning Center Grant for after-school programs at five elementary and one middle school. Willamalane will receive approximately $190,000 per year to provide activities.
Willamalane worked with the local Rotary Clubs to construct a new basketball court at Volunteer Park.
The District broke ground on a new
community center at the 32nd Street Community Sports Park. The center replaces
the Memorial Building Community Center and the Administration Center.
Mike Kelly Field is dedicated.
District offices and programs move into the new Community Recreation Center.
Planning and engineering work begins on the Middle Fork Trail following the receipt of Federal grant funds.
Willamalane begins construction of new parks in the Jasper Meadows and MountainGate subdivisions.
Volunteers construct a replica pioneer cabin at Dorris Ranch, similar to the cabin that housed Oregon Trail pioneers William and Eliza Masterson when they first homesteaded the property in the 1850s. The cabin is used for educational programs at Dorris Ranch.
State grant funds improvements at Royal Delle Park.
Willamalane purchases a wheelchair-accessible 35 passenger bus.
Quick links to the decades listed on this page
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s