09-10-26 Douglas County Celebrates Completion Of Major Rehabilitation At Charles V. Stanton County Park And Campground (Photo) - 09/10/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
Douglas County Celebrates Completion of Major Rehabilitation at Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Set for September 29 in Canyonville
(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County is celebrating the completion of significant rehabilitation improvements at Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground in Canyonville, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 pm. The public is invited to join the Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Parks Department for the celebration at 1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, Oregon 97417.
The multi-year and multi-phase rehabilitation project represents a substantial investment in the future of one of Douglas County's valued recreational destinations. Through a combination of state and federal grant funding, County Commissioner support, County investment, professional contractors, and strong community support, Stanton Park has undergone extensive improvements designed to enhance the experience for campers, families, and visitors for years to come.
Douglas County Commissioner and Parks Liaison Chris Boice said the project represents an important investment in the community and the future of County parks. “Charles V. Stanton County Park is a special place in Douglas County, and these improvements will help ensure that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible, from our grant partners and contractors to our Parks staff and the community that has supported this effort.”
A Major Investment in Stanton Park: The rehabilitation has been completed through multiple phases, supported primarily by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
Phase I – County Opportunity Grant Program: Douglas County received a $242,500 County Opportunity Grant in 2023, supporting $485,000 Phase I improvements in 2024/2025. The project included improvements to the park's playground and day-use facilities, including the addition of a zipline play feature, resurfacing the playground with durable rubber tiles, construction of a new restroom building serving the playground and pavilion, improvements to the sidewalk leading to the pavilion, and rehabilitation of the parking area serving the playground and pavilion. The County Opportunity Grant Program is a state-funded program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to help Oregon counties develop, improve and maintain local parks and camping facilities.
Phase II – Land and Water Conservation Fund: Douglas County received a $975,885.50 LWCF grant in 2022, supporting a $2.2 million Phase II project that began in fall 2024. Phase II focused on the upper campground, including additional full-hookup campsites; replacement of aging underground utilities; larger RV sites to better accommodate today's recreational vehicles; and a new restroom and shower building.
Phase III – Land and Water Conservation Fund: A $580,000 LWCF grant awarded in 2023 is supporting the $1.3 million Phase III rehabilitation project, focused on the lower campground and additional recreational amenities. Phase III improvements included additional full-hookup campsites; replacement of underground utilities; larger RV sites; a river access trail; a new picnic shelter; and benches along the river providing visitors with opportunities for quiet enjoyment and scenic views. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, established by Congress in 1964, provides funding to protect natural areas, water resources and cultural resources while expanding public opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Preserving a Stanton Park Icon: As part of the Stanton Park rehabilitation, Douglas County also partnered with local business Eveland Sandblasting and Paint to restore the park's iconic helicopter play structure. The helicopter, along with similar historic displays at other Douglas County parks, has been part of generations of childhood memories and represents an important piece of the County's recreational history. The restoration was undertaken to help ensure the helicopter could continue to be enjoyed safely while preserving its historic character and charm. Eveland Sandblasting and Paint stepped forward to assist the Douglas County Parks Department because of the company's connection to the community and appreciation for the significance of these long-standing park features. The Stanton Park helicopter restoration is a fitting addition to the larger rehabilitation project, helping ensure that while the park's infrastructure is modernized, the history and character that make Charles V. Stanton County Park special remain intact.
“This is exactly the kind of community partnership that makes Douglas County special,” said Commissioner Chris Boice. “These displays are more than playground equipment. They are part of the memories of generations of Douglas County families, and we are grateful to have local businesses like Eveland Sandblasting and Paint help us preserve them for the next generation.”
Partnership and Community Support: The successful rehabilitation of Stanton Park reflects the importance of partnerships in preserving and improving public recreational facilities. Grant funding has provided the foundation for the improvements, while Douglas County has worked with project contractors, construction professionals, park staff and community supporters to bring the vision for the park to reality.
The improvements are intended not only to modernize the campground's infrastructure, but also to ensure that Charles V. Stanton County Park remains a welcoming destination for families, RV travelers, campers and residents seeking opportunities to enjoy the South Umpqua River and surrounding natural environment.
Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall added “This rehabilitation has transformed Stanton Park while preserving what makes it special. The improved campground facilities, expanded recreational opportunities, and new river amenities will provide visitors with an even better experience. We are excited to celebrate the completion of this important project with the community.”
Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Douglas County invites residents, community members, park users and project partners to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will recognize the completion of the rehabilitation project and the many partners whose contributions helped make the improvements possible. Please join Douglas County in celebrating the renewed Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground and the continued investment in Douglas County's parks and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
1:00 p.m.
1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, OR 97417
The Douglas County Parks Department, a division of Douglas County Government, was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system to be developed in the state of Oregon. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades and throughout the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua, the Douglas County Park system encompasses 68 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42-day use parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground, or boat ramp near you, visit the Douglas County Parks Department’s webpage at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov