Willamalane 2021–22 Annual Report

2021–2022

MOVING TOWARD

THE FUTURE

Join an organization that makes a difference.

NOW HIRING!

Lifeguards and Swim Instructors

NOW HIRING!

Youth Program Leaders and Coaches

Learn more about Willamalane’s job openings, willamalane.org/jobs incentives, and inclusivity at willamalane.org/jobs.

CONTENTS

Delivering exceptional parks and recreation to enrich the lives of everyone we serve.

3 Board of Directors

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED SINCE 2022

4 Executive Director’s

Message 6 DEI Update

willamalane.org 541-736-4544

7 By the Numbers 8 District Map

Si desea leer este informe en español, vaya a la página web: willamalane.org/report o pase por cualquiera de nuestras instalaciones.

10 Parks and Trails 16 Recreation 22 Financial Report 24 Get Connected

ON THE COVER: A southwest view from the top of the new Cascadian Thumb Trail at Thurston Hills Natural Area.

Board of Directors

Chris Wig PRESIDENT

Renee Jones

VICE PRESIDENT

Denise Bean DIRECTOR

Greg James DIRECTOR

Brook Reinhard DIRECTOR

Board meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month, except August.

Work sessions are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, as needed.

Board meetings and work sessions begin at 6 p.m.

All meetings and work sessions are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Please call (541) 736-4002 or visit willamalane.org/board to make arrangements.

To view minutes and agendas, visit willamalane.org/board. To see a list of all upcoming public meetings visit willamalane.org/meetings.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

|3

A MESSAGE FROM THE

Executive Director During the last year, while planning for updates to our 20-year comprehensive plan, we heard from thousands of community members about what you want to see next from Willamalane. Through these conversations, surveys, and listening sessions, you’ve given us all the answers to the test. Now it’s my job to lead the district to ensure we meet the needs of our community.

As we look into 2023 and finalize the updates for our comprehensive plan, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Executive Director Michael Wargo at the grand opening of Arrow Park.

To be in the best position to build on what we have and what you have come to expect from us, we sought national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This accreditation signifies an organization’s overall quality of operations, management, and service to the community are aligned with industry best practices set by CAPRA and the National Recreation and Park Association. Out of more than 10,000 eligible organizations in the United States, just 196 agencies are CAPRA accredited.

CAPRA required Willamalane staff to go through a two-year period of reviewing and updating the district’s processes, procedures, management practices, and community services standards. This process made us a more robust park and recreation agency and an even greater asset to Springfield.

In addition to earning CAPRA accreditation, we added a new park, several new multi-use trails, outdoor fitness amenities, and so many new programs and classes. We developed vision statements to guide and focus our work; we will be continuously improving engagement, service levels, and the health and well-being of our employees. We’ve reinvented hiring models, secured new funding from private sponsorships and public grants, and implemented new initiatives to better serve our community and meet the demands for exceptional park and recreation experiences.

We had record-setting attendance at special events, including Haunted Hayride and concerts at Sounds like Summer.

Over the last year, Willamalane has taken steps to become more fiduciarily responsible despite challenges such as rising costs of goods and services, supply chain issues, and labor force shortages. As you will see in the financial report section (pages 22–23), Willamalane continues to be a good steward of the money we have been trusted with. We have secured additional funding to offset deficiencies. This has allowed us to deliver parks and recreation at the level you deserve and stay within operating budgets.

As we look into 2023 and finalize the updates for our comprehensive plan, there’s a lot to be excited about. Read all about it in the pages ahead, subscribe to email newsletters, follow our social media channels, and explore our website.

We are honored to be an important part of what makes this community special and will continue to deliver what Springfield needs most.

Michael Wargo EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

4 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Team Springfield Team Springfield is a unique collaboration between Willamalane, the City of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools, and Springfield Utility Board. This group shares ideas and resources to solve problems and make Springfield a great place to work, live, and play.

Formed in 1991, Team Springfield has partnered on a variety of projects to better the Springfield community. Some projects have been large development projects like the construction of Springfield jail and the completion of the Mill Race Path. In recent years, this group has evolved to problem-solve for the greater good of the community. Here are some notable projects that Team Springfield tackled together in 2022.

Representatives of Team Springfield and others at the dedication ceremony for Shana’s Trail at Willamalane Park.

• Created respite shelters for the community during inclement weather, especially during times of hazardous air quality.

• Secured federal funding to support the 42nd Street Levee project (City of Springfield), a new cosmetology program (Springfield Public Schools), Dorris Ranch orchard replacement (Willamalane), wildfire prevention (Willamalane), and student mobile technology lab (Willamalane). In total, these projects brought about $1 million to Springfield over a two-year period.

• Hosted community events like Light of Liberty and Sounds Like Summer at Island Park.

• Coordinated diversity, equity, and inclusion training and communication.

• Provided free summer programming and 1PASSes for more than 3,800 Springfield Public School students.

• Supported the development of Shana’s Trail at Willamalane Park.

Planning for the Future In 2022, Willamalane kicked off a project to update its Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year plan for the future of parks, facilities, and recreation programs. This plan prioritizes projects and guides Willamalane’s staff in how to serve the community best.

All summer long, Willamalane asked community members what they wanted from parks and recreation in Springfield. Community members shared their feedback at events, on Willamalane’s website, in focus groups, at town halls, and through an in-depth survey. In total, Willamalane connected with more than 3,800 people, and all the collected feedback will serve as the foundation for the updated comprehensive plan.

Now, it’s time to put the community’s feedback into action!

Willamalane is working with BerryDunn, a consulting firm, to use this information to make recommendations to Willamalane’s Board of Directors and staff and deliver a new comprehensive plan by June 2023.

Community members shared their feedback at 22 different events last summer.

Your feedback is an essential part of this process, and by sharing your ideas, you did an incredible service to the Springfield community. In 2023, stay tuned for updates and more information about this project. You can also follow updates and share your ideas at willamalane.org/future.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

|5

UPDATE ON

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Willamalane is committed to addressing and dismantling the systems of oppression that contribute to ongoing and continued acts of hate and trauma against Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+ people, women, and individuals experiencing visible and invisible disabilities in our community. To implement this commitment, Willamalane created a strategic action plan in 2021. The strategic action plan established goals and objectives for 2021-2026. The plan’s first phase aims to increase staff awareness around DEI topics and update policies and procedures to ensure that they promote inclusivity.

PROJECTS IN 2022: • Hired a full-time DEI supervisor who started in March.

• Hosted listening and conversation sessions with Latinx and American Indian/Alaskan Native community members to ensure better inclusion and understanding while soliciting community feedback during Willamalane’s comprehensive planning process. This was an essential part of Willamalane’s comprehensive plan update.

• Installed a hearing loop at Bob Keefer Center to better meet the needs of community members and staff with hearing loss.

• Expanded a staff Spanish language competency program to better serve community members who prefer to communicate in Spanish.

By educating staff and updating policies, Willamalane will be better equipped to serve the needs of our community.

• Updated Spanish translation processes and developed more bilingual materials, including marketing materials, program guides, and park signs.

• Conducted staff, board, and partner training sessions about DEI concepts and how they affect staff at all levels. This included partnerships with Team Springfield organizations.

• Held ongoing personal growth and educational opportunities for staff, such as book clubs, guest speakers, and newsletters on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.

• Implemented an ADA transition plan, which was board approved in December of 2021.

• Hosted “calm down” sensory stations at Sounds Like Summer concerts to help community members relax in an environment that can be overstimulating.

• Reviewed and updated the strategic action plan.

By educating staff and updating policies, Willamalane will be better equipped to serve the needs of our community. View the full strategic action plan at willamalane.org/DEI.

Willamalane staff and volunteers encouraged Eugene/Springfield PRIDE attendees to apply for jobs at Willamalane.

6 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

BY THE NUMBERS 3,230

HIKE YOUR WAY MILES

4,988 1PASSES SOLD

FACILITY RENTAL HOURS

2,700

153

SWIM LESSONS TAUGHT

G.R.O.W. BOXES MADE

424

DOGS TRAINED

29,018 GROUP EXERCISE PARTICIPANTS

22,238

7,439

VOLUNTEER HOURS

3,800

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEYS

4,839

FITNESS CENTER VISITS

7,200

100

LBS OF FOOD DONATED

LIFEGUARDS CERTIFIED

1,054

TENNIS LESSONS

STATISTICS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2021–22 ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

|7

Facilities ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER 215 W. C St. 541-736-4444 willamalane.org/center 0.5 mile walk from Springfield Station BOB KEEFER CENTER FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION 250 S. 32nd St. 541-736-4544 willamalane.org/keefer LTD route: 11

CAMP PUTT ADVENTURE GOLF PARK 4006 Franklin Blvd.

541-852-4653 willamalane.org/CampPutt LTD route: EmX

SPLASH! AT LIVELY PARK 6100 Thurston Rd. 541-736-4244 willamalane.org/splash LTD route: 11

WILLAMALANE PARK SWIM CENTER 1276 G St. 541-736-4080 willamalane.org/wpsc LTD route: 18

Parks

ARROW PARK

DORRIS RANCH

GAMEBIRD PARK

JASPER MEADOWS PARK

BLUEBELLE PARK

DOUGLAS GARDENS PARK

GEORGIA-PACIFIC NATURAL AREA

JESSE MAINE MEMORIAL PARK

EASTGATE WOODLANDS/WHILAMUT NATURAL AREA

GUY LEE PARK

KELLY BUTTE PARK/ OVERLOOK

2500 Otto St.

50th Pl. and Bluebelle Way

BOB ARTZ MEMORIAL PARK 7807 Thurston Rd.

BY-GULLY BIKE/JOG PATH Mill St. to Anderson Ln.

CLEARWATER PARK 2400 Clearwater Ln.

8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

205 Dorris St.

3455 S. Redwood Dr.

512 Aspen St.

EWEB BIKE PATH

Pioneer Pwy. to 35th St.

FORT PARK 300 58th St.

1500 Mallard Ave.

South of 3202 Jasper Rd. 890 Darlene St.

HARVEST LANDING

1600 S. 57th Pl.

770 S. 70th St.

937 Summit Blvd.

ISLAND PARK

LES SCHWAB SPORTS PARK/FITLOT

JAMES PARK

LIVELY PARK

Harvest Lane 200 W. B St.

4141 E. 19th Ave.

250 S. 32nd St.

6100 Thurston Rd.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

For a list of park amenities and trail maps, visit willamalane.org/parks.

BOAT RAMPS

Arrow Park

LYLE HATFIELD PATH

MILL RACE PARK

ROB ADAMS PARK

TYSON PARK

MARYLHURST PARK

PACIFIC PARK

ROBIN PARK

VOLUNTEER PARK

MEADOW PARK

PAGE PARK

ROYAL DELLE PARK

WEST D STREET GREENWAY

MENLO PARK

PIONEER CEMETERY PARK

RUFF PARK 576 67th St.

WEYERHAEUSER MCKENZIE NATURAL AREA

MIDDLE FORK PATH

PRIDE PARK

THURSTON HILLS NATURAL AREA

3809 Marcola Rd.

WILLAMALANE PARK

MILL RACE PATH

QUARTZ PARK

THURSTON PARK

WILLAMETTE HEIGHTS PARK

Behind RiverBend Hospital 859 18th St. 851 Mill St.

1080 Cottonwood Ave. Dorris Ranch to Clearwater Park S. B St. to Middle Fork Path at Georgia-Pacific Park

200 S. Mill St.

2163 Shadylane Dr. 1300 Hayden Bridge Rd. 398 S. C St.

277 S. 34th St. 2300 S. 60th St.

890 Mountaingate Dr. 2950 Wayside Lp. 401 Blackstone St.

7575 McKenzie Hwy.

6329 F St. or 747 64th St.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

3405 E St.

4350 Mt. Vernon Rd.

Aspen St. to Riverview St.

1276 G St.

508 Valley View Ave.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

|9

Parks and Trails Arrow Park Springfield has a new park! Located at 2500 Otto St, Arrow Park is situated along the EWEB Path making it a perfect destination for local bike enthusiasts to pedal to the park. New bike-themed amenities at the park include a bicycle playground, a bicycle skills course, and several bike racks. The park also features two play structures, a picnic shelter, walking paths, a basketball court, natural landscaping and trees, benches, and more.

This park was designed for you. Willamalane heard from community members throughout the design and development process, from the amenities to the name.

As the park was under construction, Willamalane asked for ideas for the new park name. Arrow Park emerged as the top choice with more than 300 submitted names and multiple rounds of voting. The name Arrow Park also evokes forward movement, propelling our community to a play space that bicyclists, walkers, and playgroundgoers can enjoy together.

An aerial view of Arrow Park, taken in December of 2022.

10 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

Park Rangers In 2018, Willamalane wanted to make the district’s parks safer and more welcoming for community members.

To fill this need, the district hired Willamalane’s first park ranger, which led to immediate improvements in safety at parks and special events. In 2022, Willamalane hired a second full-time park ranger.

Willamalane’s park rangers are advocates that help educate community members about park rules. The rangers take a hands-on approach.

They help clean up litter and vandalism. They supply food aid and housing information to those in need. When needed, they also work closely with law enforcement to report Ranger Alan talking with attendees at Sounds Like Summer. criminal activity that occurs at a Willamalane park or facility.

Park rangers also help teach the importance of sharing responsibility for the parks, and that’s especially true when it comes to vandalism.

Over the last few years, many parks in the area have seen an increase in graffiti and vandalism including spray paint or “tags” on signs, knife carvings in wood structures, and damage to plants and trees. Often, the park rangers are the first ones to notice the vandalism in parks. The rangers work closely with other park teams to clean, repair, and replace vandalized park features. However, the best way to curb vandalism is to prevent the damage before it begins. The best way to do this is through awareness and education.

In Springfield, teens are often responsible for some of the more serious vandalism.

They often don’t recognize the serious impact vandalism can have, including permanent damage to park features and fatal consequences to trees. At home, families can help with education and awareness. Try these three things to help teach the kids in your life the importance of taking care of the spaces we all enjoy and work to preserve: • Emphasize a “pack it in, pack it out” mentality as kids grow up.

• Practice leaving the park better than you found it on family visits.

• Make sure your kids are aware of the possible consequences of vandalizing, such as fines and community service hours.

Willamalane’s park rangers are advocates that help educate community members about park rules...

They teach the importance of sharing responsibility for the parks.

If you see one of Willamalane’s park rangers patrolling the parks and trails, feel free to say hello. The rangers love to talk with community members. Share what you enjoy about the park and your hopes and concerns. Your feedback is crucial.

If you see a non-emergency issue in the park that could use Willamalane’s attention, please feel free to call the park safety line at 541-736-4104 or report it at willamalane.org/contact. Emergency concerns and illegal activity should be reported directly to law enforcement by calling 911.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

| 11

New filbert trees planted at Dorris Ranch.

Dorris Ranch Orchard Replacement Dorris Ranch is one of the most beloved and unique parks in Willamalane’s district.

The park is a wonderful escape to experience nature. It’s recognized as the first commercial filbert orchard in the United States, and you’ll find it listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While the orchards are unique, they’re not without challenges. Unfortunately, the filbert orchards have been in jeopardy since 2016. Many of the filbert trees have been battling eastern filbert blight, a fungus that has infected hazelnut orchards throughout the Pacific Northwest. If left untreated, eastern filbert blight creates raised sores on filbert tree limbs and most trees will die within about eight years of infection.

In the fight against eastern filbert blight at Dorris Ranch, Willamalane will need to replace about 6,000 trees. To make this issue a problem of the past, the new trees selected for replacement are a blight-resistant species. These new species also require less chemical treatment.

Willamalane replaced 1,200 trees in 2016. Six years later, those trees are thriving. In 2022, they even produced a healthy crop of filberts! The best news is, the trees show no signs of blight infection. Although planting 1,200 trees was substantial progress, this still left thousands of trees at Dorris Ranch struggling with eastern filbert blight.

While orchard replacement has been effective, it does carry a significant expense.

It will cost more than $500,000 to replace all 6,000 trees in 12 of the 13 orchards.

New, innovative partnerships make saving the filbert orchards possible.

THE FAST FOREST In 2022, Willamalane partnered with an organization called Endless Mileage to create the first-ever Fast Forest. The Fast Forest at Dorris Ranch recognizes one of the most storied feats in track and field and replaces fields of filbert trees at Dorris Ranch. So far 692 trees have been dedicated. These honor the 692 American men who have achieved the sub-4-minute mile and women who have achieved the sub4:30-minute mile. As more athletes break this barrier, Endless Mileage will donate funds and dedicate a new tree on behalf of those runners.

12 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Tags hanging from each new sapling feature the athlete’s name, date of achievement, official time, and space for the athlete’s signature. Ready to visit your favorite track star’s tree? Find a searchable website that provides the location of each tree at EndlessMileage.org.

HELP FIGHT THE BLIGHT When you visit Dorris Ranch, you’ll see the baby filbert trees in the orchards near the pump house. Treat them with caution and care. If you’d like to help save the filbert orchards, donate to the Willamalane Park Foundation at willamalane.org/donate. Or, run a mile at a record-breaking pace.

Wildfire Awareness

Fast Forest tree tag at Dorris Ranch

Willamalane preserves and protects approximately 40 miles of trails and 1,500 acres of parks, open spaces, and natural areas that help connect you with nature.

One of the biggest threats to these natural areas and the Springfield community is the growing risk of wildfires. Reducing wildfire risk is a top priority for Willamalane.

The district partnered with private and government agencies to coordinate efforts to increase wildfire awareness and preparedness. With the help of grants, volunteers, and partnerships, Willamalane conducts regular fuel reduction work at properties throughout the district.

This work uses a variety of tactics to reduce the amount of fuel a fire could use to spread, including thinning and limbing trees, removing underbrush, and prescribed (hazard-reduction) burns. Habitat preservation and restoration is a crucial part of this work. While most fuel reduction work takes place at Thurston Hills Natural Area, it also takes place in other parks and natural areas including Dorris Ranch, Georgia Pacific Natural Area, and Mill Race Path.

All community members can contribute to wildfire awareness and mitigation work.

Be aware of high-risk activities including smoking, campfires, or fireworks. These activities are prohibited in all Willamalane’s parks and natural areas. If you see anything that poses a fire risk, report it immediately. Community members can report any non-emergency, fire-related concerns to Willamalane’s park safety line at 541-736-4104. If there’s an emergency or active fire, call 911.

One of the biggest threats to these natural areas and the Springfield community is the growing risk of wildfires.

Reducing wildfire risk is a top priority for Willamalane.

Willamalane conducts prescribed burns at Thurston Hills Natural Area to reduce wildfire risk.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

| 13

New Trails and Outdoor Fitness Equipment THURSTON HILLS NATURAL AREA TRAILS Thurston Hills Natural Area is even more exciting for hikers and mountain bikers!

This summer, Willamalane opened some new trails leading to an incredible panoramic view atop the Basalt plateau.

These trails offer more mileage for those who would like a longer hike or ride. Both hikers and bikers share the trails while headed uphill but travel downhill separately.

With a moderately-graded elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet, the new routes provide a different experience than the trails that already exist at Thurston Hills. The payoff at the top is the view, which provides a one-of-a-kind overlook of the eastern side of Springfield. Shorter loops are possible as well — find a route that works best for you.

Ready to hit the trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area? To hike the north side start at the main trailhead at 7575 McKenzie Highway. To check out the new trails, start at Quartz Park and use the map to the right to get to the trailhead.

DELLINGER TRAIL Dellinger Trail is a new 800-meter bark trail at West D Greenway. Named in honor of track and field legend Bill Dellinger, the trail is perfect for runners and walkers. It offers manicured, soft surface bark, tailor-made for running and walking year-round.

The trail seamlessly connects to Pre’s Trail through West D Greenway. Stop by Dellinger Trail for your next jog or walk.

The trail was officially dedicated in September, to an audience of current and former track athletes, as well as Dellinger himself.

OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT AT WILLAMALANE PARK Come enjoy new outdoor exercise equipment at Willamalane Park! This new outdoor, year-round accessible fitness station features an array of equipment and has accessible options that include a chin-up station, chest press, and a bench dip station. You’ll find the new fitness station right next to the basketball courts and Shana’s Trail.

New outdoor fitness equipment at Willamalane Park.

14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

S

S 6 7 th S t

R id

Jesse Maine Park

ge

R

d

1.5 miles

Dr

HIKERS AND UPHILL BIKES ONLY Holly St

Fo

er

DOWNHILL BIKES ONLY

St

Mossy Maple Trail (Lower) S 72nd St

e Rd

Gla ci

r est R idg

1247 ft

y

s

st

ai

re

Acer Spades Trail 1.1 miles

D S 72nd St

Fo

BEGINNER

PRIVATE PROPERTY

S 7 1 s t St

Fores t R i d g e R d

S 70t h P l

S 7 0t h S t

Pl

St 6 8 th

As t e r

S 72n d St

Main St

S

North trailhead parking

Ma i n S t

S 7 9th S t

6

th Pl

A St

I vy S t

dams ark

INTERMEDIATE

i c a Dr

S 69 t h

a te

Jess

Dr

Yew Haw Trail

Pl

1.0 miles

DOWNHILL BIKES ONLY PRIVATE PROPERTY

PRIVATE PROPERTY

PRIVATE PROPERTY

1397 ft INTERMEDIATE

Super Maple Trail

Mossy Maple Trail (Upper)

Basalt Rim Trail

1.5 miles

1607 ft

Chinquapin Chutes Trail 0.6 miles

DOWNHILL BIKES ONLY

HIKERS AND BIKES

1.0 miles

HIKERS AND BIKES

1633 ft

1.0 miles

DOWNHILL BIKES ONLY

EXPERT

Path Hills ston Thur

St S 60 th

Cascadian Thumb Trail

PRIVATE PROPERTY

0.4 miles

HIKERS ONLY NO BIKES

Camas Crest Trail (Upper)

Cervus Road

0.3 miles

1.5 miles

Parking

HIKERS AND BIKES

Quartz Park

RADIO TOWER

HIKERS AND UPHILL BIKES ONLY

Camas Crest Trail (Lower)

PRIVATE PROPERTY

N

1.3 miles

HIKERS AND UPHILL BIKES ONLY

0

0.25

0.5

1

w

Trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area

Ba

ke

Miles

d rR

Trail junction

Beginner mountain biking descent trail

Parking

Intermediate mountain biking descent trail

Park boundary

Double Black Diamond mountain biking descentTrail trailJunction

Hiking and mountain biking allowed

Gravel road

Hikers and uphill mountain biking only

Hiking & Mountain Biki Access to Camas Crest trailhead from Quartz Park

Hikers only (one-way loop), no mountain biking New trail names are in brown, existing trail names are in black.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Thurston Hills Tra Parking

No Mountain Biking

For more detailed information about mountain No Downhill Mountain bike trail ratings, please visit lMBA.com.

Beginner Mountain Biki | 15

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

Recreation Summer program partnership with Springfield Public Schools Keeping kids active and engaged all summer long is an essential role of a park and recreation agency. Thanks to Springfield Public Schools, summer programs were more accessible to kids in Springfield.

For the second year, students could attend Willamalane summer camps, youth sports camps, swim lessons, science, technology, engineering, and math classes, and other summer programs at no cost, thanks to the school district’s grant funds.

Willamalane offered 125 camps over the summer and 728 students participated at no cost.

The 1PASS program is a family favorite for summer activities. Kids can use a single pass with a one-time fee to access more than 15 different healthy and fun activities in Springfield and Eugene all summer long.

Since the 1PASS was designed to offer healthy and educational activities, every Springfield Public School student was also eligible to receive a 1PASS, paid in full by grant funds.

Since the 1PASS was designed to offer healthy and educational activities, every Springfield Public School student was also eligible to receive a 1PASS, paid in full by grant funds. Willamalane also received support from the Willamalane Park Foundation and International Paper to fund additional scholarships for children who lived within Willamalane’s district boundaries but were not students at Springfield Public Schools.

Thanks to this support, in 2022 more Springfield kids than ever before received a 1PASS. In total, 4,988 passes were sold in Springfield, and those passes were used 50,735 times across all destinations.

1PASS recipients on the first day the passes were sold.

16 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Children in Willamalane summer camps enjoyed a foam party at Bob Keefer Center.

Willamalane Childcare Programs As the 2022-23 school year approached, many Willamalane childcare programs were limited or unavailable due to staffing challenges. This meant limiting the number of preschool and Kids Club programs until there were enough qualified employees to run them.

To combat these limited offerings, Willamalane embarked on a mission to recruit and hire as many people as possible who are both qualified and passionate about working with children. These efforts included offering hiring and retention incentives for staff and revising many hiring processes to move qualified applicants through the hiring process as quickly as possible. So far, those efforts have been effective.

In the first few months of the school year, Willamalane doubled the number of Kids Club sites, with six of the 11 schools having programs in place. In Willamalane’s preschool programs, an influx of new teachers allowed Willamalane to offer four different preschool programs for the community, including part-time and full-time options.

Looking forward, Willamalane set a goal to open Kids Club at all Springfield elementary schools this year. After the district meets this milestone, Willamalane will look to open Early Start at as many elementary schools as possible.

All elementary schools without Kids Club have interest lists available. You can sign your child up on a list at willamalane.org/KidsClub. New sites will open based on the number of students signed up on the interest list and the number of hired and trained staff.

Willamalane is committed to running childcare programs to serve as many families as possible, and we will continue recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining staff to meet your needs. We are currently offering a $500 hiring incentive for new staff, plus additional incentives for hours worked. If you know anyone interested in working with youth care programs, please visit willamalane.org/careers.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

| 17

Fitness, Athletics, Outdoor Recreation Willamalane offers recreation, sports, and fitness programs for community members of all ages and abilities. In 2022, you may have attended a lecture or took a guided snowshoe hike through the moonlight. Maybe you tried a wellness workshop or took a new fitness class. Or, maybe your kids took swim lessons or tried a new sport.

Willamalane’s recreation programs are growing quickly and cover a huge variety of ages, interests, and activities.

While the pandemic increased the popularity of parks and outdoor activities, Willamalane continues to see considerable demand for outdoor recreation opportunities. This summer, Camp Putt hosted 6,000 more visitors than in 2021!

The district has also increased its offering of guided outdoor trips and hikes, skillbased clinics to prepare you for your adventures, and increased inventories of outdoor gear rentals for anyone interested in charting their own adventures.

Willamalane’s youth athletic programs get youth involved in team sports through special programs at Springfield Public Schools sites. Willamalane also created new camps for youth to explore emerging sports, like disc golf and pickleball. Thanks to a grant, Willamalane offered free pickleball clinics for youth over the summer, and nearly 100 kids participated in these clinics. Grant funding is also paving the way for improvements to existing outdoor pickleball courts.

It’s not just kids who are eager for more programs and to get active! Adult recreation classes and program offerings have also nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022. Willamalane’s fitness classes are seeing more participants than ever, with classes now offered six days a week and in the evenings. Willamalane programs and classes are working to best meet your needs and are changing based on community feedback and attendance numbers.

Kids practice their aim at Willamalane’s first disc golf camp, held at Clearwater Park.

Aquatics Not unlike pools across the nation, recruiting staff for aquatics has been an immense challenge. These positions are essential to safely operate Splash! and Willamalane Park Swim Center.

High school and college students make up a huge percentage of lifeguards and swim instructors. They need jobs fast, but getting hired as a lifeguard takes time and certifications. The aquatics team realized traditional hiring methods weren’t cutting it, so they re-imagined the hiring process.

Previously, lifeguards and swim instructors needed to complete and pay for a certification course prior to being hired, which could be reimbursed upon employment. Under the new hiring model, an applicant can come to a hiring event, learn about the position, have a casual interview, and receive a job offer in two hours. All job offers are contingent on passing background checks and other eligibility requirements. Once hired, the new employees undergo lifeguard and safety training on paid time. The district pays for all certification costs.

Water exercise class at Willamalane Park Swim Center.

Additionally, thanks to funding from the City of Springfield’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation, the district created a hiring and retention program that helped recruit and retain staff.

Despite staffing challenges, demand for pool programming hasn’t diminished. At the pools, Willamalane has seen increases in interest in water fitness classes and general visits. While staffing challenges required extended closures at Splash! during the spring, Willamalane still offered key programs throughout the year.

Swim lessons have seen an unprecedented rise in demand, too. Swim lesson offerings have increased by more than 300% from 2021 to 2022 and are currently at an all-time high for program offerings. Swim lessons are crucial to swim safety success, and Willamalane will continue hiring staff to meet the demands of our community.

FOURTH GRADE SWIM LESSONS For more than 60 years, Willamalane has partnered with Springfield Public School to offer free swim lessons to all fourth grade students. This program is part of regular curriculum during the school day, making it easy for students to participate. The school district provides the transportation to bring students to and from the class.

Like most programs, the program paused in March of 2020. Finally, in the spring of 2022, free fourth grade swim lessons were back! Students who missed the program between 2020 and 2022 could enroll in free lessons with Willamalane.

There were 152 students who participated! In the 2022-23 school year, fourth grade swim lessons returned as part of regular curriculum thanks to partnerships from PeaceHealth and Springfield Public Schools.

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Under the new hiring model, an applicant can come to a hiring event, learn about the position, have a casual interview, and receive a job offer in two hours.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

| 19

MEGGA Hunt at Lively Park

Special Events in 2022 In 2022, all of Willamalane’s special events were back in person. It was so good to see your smiling faces!

After a two-year hiatus, MEGGA Hunt returned to Lively Park, offering an in-person group egg hunt for 670 kids and more than 1,500 attendees. For families looking for more intimate settings popular in the pandemic, Willamalane also offered private family lots and backyard kits.

In June, Children’s Celebration offered more than 40 family-favorite attractions, including games, balloon animals, and big trucks. With the addition of a PetFest section at Children’s Celebration, attendees explored fun for all family members, whether they have two legs, four legs, fins, or scales. While the weather was very wet, that didn’t stop the community from showing up! More than 1,200 community members braved the torrential downpours and donated more than 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations (including pet food).

Children’s Celebration at Island Park 20 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

Children’s Celebration at Island Park WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Sounds like Summer returned for a five-part concert series in June and July at Island Park. Attendees could enjoy local music performances, browse an art show and handcrafted artisan goods, and grab a bite to eat. Candy Apple Bleu headlined the most prominent summer concert during the Oregon22 World Championships, with support from Team Springfield. Son De Cuba attracted large crowds, too, as they filled the park with modern and classic Latin American songs. Sounds like Summer set a new record for attendance, with 2,824 people at the five concerts!

October is one of the busiest and most festive times at the Willamalane, with four special events to celebrate the spooky season. After two years of modified offerings, Haunted Hayride and Halloween Carnival were back to their pre-pandemic setups.

Haunted Hayride was a three-night extravaganza and sold 1,800 tickets. Ghostly Golf filled each of the 210 slots over the seven nights of glow-in-the-dark magic at Camp Putt, and none were canceled due to wet weather! Halloween Carnival moved indoors to Bob Keefer Center and saw a record-breaking attendance of 1,778 community members, far exceeding any year prior. Haunted Lagoon moved from Splash! to Willamalane Park Swim Center as over 750 community members took a swim with goblins, ghosts, and spooky sea creatures. Thank you for making Willamalane the best place for Halloween fun!

Springfield had one heck of a Turkey Stuffer 5K, too. With more than 1,200 participants and not a single drop of rain, it was a fantastic way to kick off Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone who decided to crush their 5K before turkey-ing!

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Island Park Haunted Hayride at Dorris Ranch

Ghostly Golf at Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park

PHOTO BY BOB WILLIAMS

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

| 21

FISCAL YEAR 2021–22

Financial Report Willamalane is designated as a special tax district, which means the community members who live within district boundaries pay a unique tax that goes specifically to parks and recreation.

RECREATION 45.35%

$6,142,270

AQUATICS 15.19%

$2,058,318

SPECIAL EVENTS 9.45%

$1,279,637

EARLY CHILDHOOD & YOUTH PROGRAMS 9.18%

$1,243,891

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

Expenses

8.74%

$1,183,252

ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER

$13,546,080

1.43%

$193,570

OTHER 1.36%

$183,602

PARKS 27.19%

$3,682,545

PARKS

22.01% $2,980,884

PLANNING 2.80%

$379,682

NATURAL RESOURCES 2.38%

$321,979

ADMINISTRATION 22.44%

$3,040,352

FINANCE & TRANSFERS 5.02% 22 | ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

$680,913

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

Willamalane is incredibly grateful to our community for entrusting the organization to be stewards of your tax dollars. Additional revenue supports maintaining parks and facilities and operating hundreds of programs.

This revenue includes program and admission fees, grants, and sponsorships. Every dollar generated gets reinvested into our community and allows Willamalane to do more for Springfield.

The district operates on a fiscal year, so the financial report below displays the last full fiscal year from July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022.

DISTRICT-WIDE 75.49%

$10,776,104

TAXES

Note: These numbers are pending confirmation from an outside auditor.

75.30% $10,748,359

INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS 0.19%

Revenue $14,274,279

$ 27,745

RECREATION 20.94%

$2,988,679

EARLY CHILDHOOD & YOUTH PROGRAMS 5.93%

$846,537

AQUATICS 5.48%

$781,749

SPECIAL EVENTS 4.43%

$633,054

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES 4.09%

$583,147

ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER 0.78%

$111,567

OTHER 0.23%

$32,625

ADMINISTRATION 2.53%

$360,731

PARKS 1.04%

$148,765

NATURAL RESOURCES 0.71%

$101,194

PARKS 0.33%

WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT • 541-736-4544 • willamalane.org

$47,571

ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022

| 23

250 S. 32nd St. Springfield, OR 97478

Get Connected Explore upcoming classes and programs in Willamalane’s Rec Guide. The guide is available in all lobbies and online in both English and Spanish. Browse it online or sign up to receive the guide in the mail at willamalane.org/guide.

SUBSCRIBE AND STAY IN-THE-KNOW

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Stay up-to-date on events, deals, classes, and more.

Subscribe to Willamalane’s e-newsletters and join over 19,000 well-informed neighbors in Springfield and the surrounding area. willamalane.org/subscribe.

What do you want to see next from Willamalane?

Share your ideas with us. Visit willamalane.org/ideas.

IMPORTANT DATES: • April 8: MEGGA Hunt

FOLLOW WILLAMALANE AND EXPLORE OUR DISTRICT

• April 19: Summer Registration begins

Follow us on social media @willamalane.

• July–August: Sounds Like Summer

• June 24: Children’s Celebration & Pet Fest • Oct. 12–14: Haunted Hayride

Si desea leer este informe en español, vaya a la página web: willamalane.org/report o pase por cualquiera de nuestras instalaciones.

• Oct. 19–31: Ghostly Golf at Camp Putt • Nov. 23: Turkey Stuffer 5K • November–December: Willamalane’s Giving Season