Pickleball has taken the community by storm – and Lane County Parks has taken note. A new pickleball court is now available at Deerhorn Landing, located east of Springfield.*
The basketball court can now also serve as a pickleball court thanks to the addition of removable netting and new striping.
“It’s exciting to be able to enhance opportunities for people to get outside, get active and have fun in our parks,” said Lane County Parks Manager Brett Henry. “Investing in projects like this helps make our parks more welcoming and more functional for visitors. We’re very thankful voters approved the levy that is making this and so much more possible.”
In addition to the new court, the parking lot was refreshed with new gravel and graded. Park signs were also repaired and refinished to provide an improved welcome to park visitors. The work was performed by Lane County Parks maintenance staff.
Park hours are dusk to dawn and the court is first come, first served.
Voter-approved levy funding provided the financial support for the park upgrades.
Learn more about the Lane County Parks levy on our website.
* To find Deerhorn Landing, take Highway 126 East and turn onto Holden Creek Road between mileposts 17 and 18. At Bridge Street take another right. Deerhorn Landing is on the left immediately after the bridge.
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A large animal and livestock evacuation shelter has been set up for those in the Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation area. If you are located in the Level 2 evacuation area, you can bring your large animals to the arena in Howard Buford Recreation Area (34901 Frank Parrish Road, Eugene). Turn left as you enter the park and follow the paved road past the trailhead until you come to the arena.
Please call 541-285-8227 before you arrive to tell them what kind and how many animals you are bringing; it will help our staff and volunteers be prepared to greet you.
If you need assistance evacuating your animals or supporting them to shelter in place, please call Lane County Animal Services at 541-285-8227.
Visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire for more information.
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There is an at-large seat available on Lane County’s Transportation Advisory Committee (TrAC). An at-large seat means applicants can live anywhere in Lane County.
The TrAC acts as a forum for public input into the County’s transportation system and serves as a liaison group in representing transportation concerns of the community to the Board of County Commissioners.
“We all use our transportation system – although in different ways – and having a group of diverse voices at the table is how we work to make improvements that benefit everyone,” said Interim Transportation Planning Supervisor Cassidy Mills. “The TrAC is a great group if you are interested in getting more involved in the community.”
The Committee meets in the evening of every fourth Wednesday of every other month. Members have the option to participate online or in-person. There are a total of seven members – one from each commissioner’s district and two at-large members.
Applications are available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/TrAC.
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The Lane County Planning Commission is accepting applications to fill two positions: an at-large position and an in-city position. An at-large positions means that, while applicants must be Lane County residents, they do not need to live in a particular area of the county. An in-city position means that applicants must live within the city limits of one of Lane County’s 12 incorporated cities.
“How we manage issues related to land use is, literally, how we build our community for ourselves and future generations,” said Lane County Planning Director Amber Bell. “The Planning Commission is an important part of that process and we hope people are interested in serving in that role.”
The Lane County Planning Commission is a nine-member advisory board that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding land use, comprehensive plan issues and amendments, as well as other regional planning issues. The group generally meets twice per month in the evenings.
Applicants must be residents of Lane County.
To learn more or download an application, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Planning_Commission.
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Lane County Technology Services tied for sixth place in this year’s Digital Counties Survey, rising from ninth in 2023.
Lane County was recognized for its work to create a comprehensive cyber risk assessment, vulnerability scan and response plan for at least four types of threats. Other noteworthy efforts include use of data dashboards to visualize information and trends to help make better decisions about services, increasing broadband access in unserved areas, incorporating a focus on equity in its decision-making, and upgrades to technology that keeps critical information safe.
“It’s exciting to be recognized at a national level for our work to use technology to provide important services to community members, create transparency and access when it comes to local government, keep private information safe, and protect our systems against cyber threats,” said Lane County Chief Information Officer Michael Finch. “At the end of the day, technology is one of the most important tools we have to help improve lives across Lane County.”
Conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), the survey evaluates counties across the nation, recognizing those that demonstrate excellence in the strategic use of technology to address local challenges, increase government efficiency, and enhance citizen engagement.
About the Digital Counties Survey
The survey was developed in partnership by NACo and conducted by CDG to identify the best technology practices among counties in the United States. NACo unites counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking. CDG is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.
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Lane County Fleet Services, part of Lane County Government’s General Services Division, was recently certified via a voluntary state-supported program that recognizes government agencies and automotive repair and body shop businesses that adopt best practices to prevent and reduce hazardous waste, and air and water pollution.
Fleet Services—which provides vehicles, equipment, maintenance services, and fuel to County departments and several federal, state, and local partner agencies—recently earned EcoBiz Automotive Services Certification.
Lane County’s EcoBiz (short for Eco-Logical Business) chapter is supported by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and managed by Eugene nonprofit BRING, which contracts with the City of Eugene Wastewater Division to implement the program within city limits. BRING provides technical assistance and resources to participating local businesses and government agencies, while the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the City of Eugene support and approve certifications.
Additionally, BRING recently contracted with Oregon DEQ to expand its work to all Lane County automotive businesses.
While EcoBiz certification is free and voluntary, Fleet Services completed a lengthy checklist assessment of criteria to earn the distinction, including:
- Overhauling collection systems and labeling for various waste streams, including barrels containing oil, hazardous waste, and other materials to improve employee safety and better manage materials.
- Formalizing several waste reduction policies, such as prohibiting chlorinated solvents, promoting the use of less toxic products, and limiting hazardous material purchases.
- Servicing oil/water separators on-site to enhance wash bay drainage cleanliness and functionality, creating a regular schedule to maintain separators and servicing stormwater catch basins.
- Conducting staff-wide training to improve knowledge about proper hazardous waste disposal and stormwater/spill prevention.
- Improving spill containment practices by purchasing proper containment caddies and reducing the amount of storage barrels on the shop floor.
“It’s been an inspiring process assisting Fleet Services with this certification,” said Emily Reynolds, BRING rethink business coordinator. “Not only did they make important improvements to operations, equipment, and waste management systems, but leadership was also able to foster a culture shift around sustainability practices that protect the environment and their employees. We hope to show other local businesses that it can be easy to do the right thing. BRING can help take the guesswork out of sustainable practices.”
"Through our completion of the EcoBiz certification program, our team has become better equipped to manage spills, correctly dispose of hazardous waste materials, and reduce our environmental impact in simple but effective ways,” said Nathan Mitchell-Hooks, senior Public Works analyst. “BRING's supportive and knowledgeable staff was there to guide us at every step, ensuring we had the tools, contacts, and direction needed to make their recommended changes. We're proud to be able to call ourselves an EcoBiz-certified fleet, and would strongly encourage other organizations to inquire about the program."
Any Lane County organizations interested in EcoBiz certification can visit www.ecobiz.org to learn more.
About Lane County Fleet Services
Fleet Services is responsible for providing Lane County Government with a modern, well-equipped vehicle and equipment fleet that is maintained and utilized at the lowest reasonable cost while minimizing environmental impacts. Fleet Services provides vehicles, equipment, maintenance services, and fuel to County departments and several federal, state, and local partner agencies. Learn more at www.lanecountyor.gov.
About EcoBiz
EcoBiz, short for Eco-Logical Business, is a certification recognizing businesses in Oregon that adopt best practices and protect the environment. The free and voluntary program seeks to help participating organizations prevent and minimize hazardous waste and air and water pollution. Lane County’s EcoBiz Program is provided by BRING, and currently coordinates with automotive businesses (including general repair, body and paint, radiator repair, and car wash). For more information, visit www.ecobiz.org.
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Link to Lane County Fleet B-roll footage for media:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fM_Lh2g3RT-t4rjHa-EKS33o1SYaCNpN?usp=sharing
Temperatures in Lane County are forecasted to reach the high 90s and potentially triple digits this weekend, prompting Lane County Health & Human Services to remind all residents to be aware of the signs of heat related illness and to stay safe by staying cool. Additionally, due to the extreme nature of this heat event and the potential danger to those who do not have adequate cooling resources, Lane County has partnered with St. Vincent De Paul to open a low barrier, daytime cooling space at the Lane County Events Center (796 W 13th Ave.) in Performance Hall Meeting Room 1 (NW corner of the building) from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7. Pedestrian access on 13th Avenue across from Monroe St. Animals will be welcome and crated inside the building.
“Typically, we talk about risk to our most vulnerable community members and those that have to work outside as temperatures start to get into the 90s, but with an extended heat event like this, everyone in communities across Lane County should proceed with caution and review the signs, symptoms, and how to prevent heat related illness,” said Lane County Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke.
For an updated heat-related resources and places to cool off, please visit: http://lanecountyor.gov/cooling
This site will be updated over the weekend should hours or availability of cooling centers change.
While most public buildings which serve as cooling areas are closed over the weekend, there are options open and available in the metro area and select municipalities over the weekend.
REMEMBER: Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include young children; adults 65 and older; and people with chronic illness, work outdoors, or have a low income.
The best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of excessive heat is to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.
-Wear light colored clothing and use sunscreen.
-Schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day — like in the morning or evening.
-Drink plenty of fluids.
-Avoid alcoholic and sugary drinks.
-Stay informed of the weather and watch the Heat Index to help you identify the most dangerous periods during the heat wave.
Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion:
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, sweating stops, and the body can’t cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Warning Signs of Heat Stroke:
-Very high body temperature (104°F or more)
-Red, hot skin
-Rapid and strong pulse
-Possible-unconsciousness
If you see any of these signs, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 and then begin first aid for heat stroke.
Do the following:
-Move the person to a cooler place, such as a shady or air-conditioned space.
-Reduce the person’s body temperature by using cool cloths, a garden hose or even a cool shower.
-Do NOT give fluids.
-Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101–102°F.
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for more instructions.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is a milder illness that can develop after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This is particularly true if fluids are not being replaced fast enough or when you are not drinking the right kinds of fluids.
The warning signs include the following:
-Heavy sweating
-Weakness
-Fast, weak pulse
-Cold, pale and clammy skin
-Fainting
-Nausea or vomiting
If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion:
-Move to a cooler location.
-Lie down and loosen your clothing.
-Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
-Sip water.
-If you have vomited and it continues, immediately seek medical attention.
Keeping Your Home Cool:
If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working. Set air conditioners to the setting most comfortable to you, preferably between 72°F and 79°F. Block the sun by using awnings or closing curtains and blinds during the day. Avoid using a fan as your main cooling source — especially when it is 90°F or more.
If you don’t have a place that is cool during the hottest parts of the day, LCPH recommends visiting a place that has air conditioning, e.g., a library, community center or shopping center, or a park with plenty of shade and/or a water feature, like a splash pad. For a complete list of places to cool down around Lane County, please see below or visit LaneCountyOR.gov/COOLING
Lane County Emergency Management will test the subscriber-based local emergency alert system – Lane Alerts – on Thursday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. The test will include emails, recorded voice calls and text messages depending upon each subscriber’s provided contact information.
“This test is a great reminder for us all to make sure we’re signed up to receive emergency alerts and that all of our information is current,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “Lane Alerts is the tool that our local first responders use to provide critical safety information to the community.”
Residents should go to www.LaneAlerts.org to create a free Lane Alerts account and select where and how they would like to receive emergency alerts.
Lane Alerts allows people to opt-in to receive notifications via phone call, text message and email based on locations they care about. At minimum, people signing up must provide their name and one method of contact. Residents can provide multiple addresses to receive notifications about emergency events that may affect their home, workplace, child’s school, etc. The types of emergencies that people may receive alerts about include evacuations, severe weather, flooding, police activity, and more.
More about Lane Alerts:
When will Lane Alerts be used?
Lane Alerts will be used to notify people about imminent threats to their safety, as well as informational notifications that affect locations they choose to include in their profile.
Who should sign up for Lane Alerts?
Everyone living or working in Lane County should sign up for Lane Alerts.
Should everyone in my household have their own Lane Alerts profile?
Yes. If multiple household members need to be notified, each person should have their own profile.
Will I still get emergency notifications if I don't sign up?
There are multiple types of emergency alerts. Some do not require residents to sign up, including landline phone calls or alerts that appear on television screens and radio broadcasts. Signing up for Lane Alerts will provide emergency responders with more and better ways to reach people with emergency information, including text messages.
Learn more about the different types of emergency alerts by watching a short video.
Lane Alerts partner agencies include Lane County Emergency Management, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Lane Communications Center.
The system is powered by the State of Oregon’s OR-Alert program and Everbridge. Learn more about OR-Alert at www.oralert.gov.
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Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is coordinating with the South Valley Farmers Market to organize Creswell’s first Fix-It Fair on July 10.
The free public event will run from 3 to 6 p.m. during the market at Harry Holt Memorial Park (127 N. 4th St.).
Fix-It Fairs promote reuse and repair by offering participants opportunities to have household items repaired by fixer coaches. Participants can watch and learn repair skills, discover local repair resources, and extend the life of household items—keeping more stuff out of the trash and saving money.
Repairs take an average of 30 minutes, and attendees can only bring items that can be reasonably carried in. In addition to repairs, Creswell attendees will be treated to an upcycling demonstration and farmers market activities.
The Creswell event will focus on repairing outdoor gear, bikes, small appliances, and power tools. It will be the second time in two years that Waste Wise Lane County has partnered with South Valley Farmers Market to host a fair.
“We are thrilled to partner with the South Valley Farmers Market again this year after hosting a fair with them last year in Cottage Grove,” said Angie Marzano, Lane County Waste Reduction Program Supervisor. “And we’re excited to bring the concept to more residents around the county.”
“Fix-it fairs are hubs for sustainability, skill sharing, and innovation, and we are aligned with Waste Wise Lane County in our desire to share resources and skills to build a sustainable and equitable future,” said Tassia Fahsbender, market operations manager with the South Valley Farmers Market. “Our shared values and a desire to offer more resources to our communities make fix-it fairs and farmers markets a natural partnership.”
Last year, Waste Wise Lane County hosted fairs in Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Florence. This year, it will host the fair in Creswell and another in Springfield in the fall.
About Waste Wise Lane County
WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com
About the South Valley Farmers Market
The South Valley Farmers Market offers southern Willamette Valley residents access to farm-fresh produce and artisan goods directly from the farmers and producers in downtown Cottage Grove and Creswell. Learn more at www.southvalleyfarmersmarket.org.
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Link to 2023 Fix-It Fair photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YbIlJMDIot4bO9q4tDO287WDGlYrjuAs?usp=sharing
Fire season has been declared in Lane County by Oregon Department of Forestry, putting a 2021 fireworks ordinance into effect before the Fourth of July.
Lane Code 6.725 prohibits the manufacture, sale or use of fireworks in unincorporated Lane County during fire season as declared by the Oregon State Forester. Violation of Lane Code 6.901 is punishable by up to $1,000 in fines or 30 days in jail, or both. Unincorporated Lane County means areas outside of city limits. Areas within urban growth boundaries but outside city limits are considered unincorporated.
The ordinance was passed in 2021 as part of an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire in rural communities following the devastating 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.
People should not call 9-1-1 to report the use, sale or manufacture of fireworks. 9-1-1 is meant exclusively for reporting immediate threats to life or property. If residents in unincorporated areas wish to make a report, they should call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 541-682-4150. Fourth of July weekend is usually very busy for law enforcement agencies. You may experience extended hold times and response from law enforcement may not be available if other life-safety emergencies are occurring elsewhere.
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Lane County Emergency Management is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, "When It Hits The Fan," now available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
"When It Hits The Fan" is designed to equip listeners with essential knowledge and resources to be prepared and stay safe during a disaster. Whether you're new to emergency preparedness or a seasoned prepper, the podcast offers can help you face the future with confidence.
“Our goal with ‘When It Hits The Fan’ is to reach community members in a format that’s accessible and engaging,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “We want to provide digestible and actionable information that people can easily incorporate into their daily lives to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. We hope to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience within our community.”
Episodes are share monthly and, so far, include:
- “Welcome! And, what the heck is emergency management?" – An introduction to the world of emergency management.
- "What do you mean we should be two-weeks ready?!" – Practical tips for ensuring your household is prepared for emergencies.
Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan.
About Lane County Emergency Management
Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination.
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