Blue River Park gains funding

BLUE RIVER: There was good news this week for revitalization efforts, thanks to a $750,000 grant awarded by the Oregon State Parks Department. This funding was earmarked for the recreation site’s much-anticipated reconstruction, which has been a long-standing community goal. Josh Cloke and Tony Casad, who developed the grant proposal, said Lori Roach of Studio 6 Consulting and the National Park Service provided invaluable assistance.

In addition to the major grant from Oregon State Parks, Blue River received a $70,000 grant to construct new restrooms within the park.

Lane County will manage the reconstruction of Blue River Park, ensuring expert oversight. Robert Woodard, a project manager with Lane County, will lead the project.

A Brief History of Blue River Park

The story of Blue River Park is deeply intertwined with the history of the Behm family. Fred and Dorothy Behm moved to Blue River in 1941, where Fred worked as a logger and tree farmer. The Behms were known for their deep community involvement and support of local causes.

Initially, the park property operated as a quarry used during construction of portions of the McKenzie Highway. However, growing concerns from Blue River residents about dynamite use, combined with the State Highway Commission’s plans for a rock crusher, and potential impacts on water quality led to discussions about returning the land to the county.

In 1952, Fred and Dorothy Behm generously donated a portion of their property to establish Blue River Park.

Over the years, the park has been a gathering place for the community, hosting little league baseball games, community softball, Easter egg hunts, square dancing events, and more. By 1984, the park became an official Oregon Special District, managed by volunteers and sustained by donations.

In 2014, the Ford Institute Leadership Program contributed to the park’s development by creating a two-mile circular trail connecting the park to the Blue River Dam and Blue River Trail base.

Improvements under the grant include:

* A permeable parking lot

* Picnic and BBQ areas

* Playground and nature-play area

* The Blue River Historic Trail

* Basketball and tennis courts

* A new restroom

* A covered stage and stage loading zone

* A pollinator garden and memorial garden

* Potential disc golf course

* Off-leash dog park

The park will continue to serve as a vibrant community hub, offering recreation and relaxation opportunities. With these improvements, Blue River Park will remain a treasured gathering place for future generations.

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