(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Parks Department would like to announce that Pass Creek County Park & Campground will be permanently closed on September 30, 2024. This closure is the result of a combination of financial and operational challenges, including low occupancy rates and insufficient revenue to cover operating costs. This action was recommended by the Douglas County Parks Advisory Board during a meeting earlier this year. The Parks Department deeply appreciates the support and enthusiasm of the community and visitors over the years and would like to thank our patrons for being a part of the history of Pass Creek County Park & Campground.
"Pass Creek County Park simply does not generate enough revenue to cover the annual costs to operate the park or to support additional investments. The Parks Department is intentionally managed to be financially self-sustaining. Therefore, as a department that operates without any general fund support, it is imperative that we make fiscally responsible, and sometimes difficult, decisions like this one," stated Parks Director Mark Wall. "The closure and eventual sale of the park will free up capital and staff resources that will be used elsewhere in the park system to address deferred maintenance needs, add new amenities, and provide an overall improved experience for its users.”
The Parks Department plans to sell the property via a public process, such as an auction or real estate listing, with an anticipated sale before the end of the year. Proceeds from the sale of the park are earmarked to be matched with previously approved grant funding and will be reinvested into the ongoing rehabilitation of two inland county parks: Charles V. StantonPark and Whistlers Bend County Park.
In addition to addressing budgetary concerns, the sale of Pass Creek County Park opens the door for potential private development. Recently approved zone changes could allow the new owner to develop the property into a mobile home park or long-term stay RV park, which could address some of the housing needs in North Douglas County. However, as long as the park remains under public ownership, long-term rental agreements are not an option.
Located adjacent to Pass Creek at 201 Curtin Park Road in Curtin, Oregon, Pass Creek County Park & Campground is comprised of a day use park with a reservable pavilion, playground, restroom and pond. The campground has 30 full hook-up campsites, showers, and restrooms. For more information on the sale of Pass Creek County Park & Campground and future updates on its listing, please contact the Douglas County Parks Department at (541) 957-7001 or visit our website at www.douglascountyor.gov/parks.