Armitage Dog Park To Temporarily Close For Levy-funded Improvements - 03/06/26

The dog park at Armitage Park will temporarily close beginning the week of March 9 for construction related to improvements funded by the 2022 Lane County Parks Levy.

The project will improve safety and accessibility at the park, including construction of a separate RV entrance so large vehicles no longer pass through the dog park area. Additional upgrades include two covered pavilions, ADA-accessible pathways, lighting, parking lot paving, and improved vehicle circulation.

Construction is expected to last approximately two months, with the dog park anticipated to reopen by the end of May. Updates will be posted on the Lane County Parks Levy Projects page.

During the closure, nearby dog parks include:

• Alton Baker Dog Park
• Amazon Dog Park
• Candlelight Park
• Lone Oak Park
• Jefferson Park
• Morse Ranch Park
• Willamalane Lively Dog Park
• Washington Jefferson Dog Park

Lane County Parks appreciates the community’s patience during construction and looks forward to reopening an improved dog park later this spring.

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Lane County Health & Human Services Selects Brian K. Johnson As New Public Health Manager - 02/23/26

Lane County has hired long-time public health leader and current deputy public health manager, Brian K. Johnson, as thePublic Health division manager. Johnson’s first day as manager will be March 5 and he will report to Kachina Inman, Lane County Health & Human Services Assistant Director. 

In his new role, Johnson will oversee strategic direction for LCPH, foster and maintain community, state, and national partnerships, as well as oversee the many public health programs which serve Lane County. 

"Brian brings over 28 years of public health experience and we are confident in his ability to leverage that experience to lead LCPH in improving the health of the many communities of Lane County,” said Lane County Health & Human Services Director, Eve Gray. “His strategic vision, track record in steady, inclusive leadership and sheer passion for improving lives make him a natural choice to lead LCPH at this pivotal time."

"I look forward to continuing to lead the important work of public health in Lane County. It is a privilege to work closely with so many talented, passionate people working together to make this a place somewhere all have what they need to thrive ,"said Johnson.

A 28-plus-year veteran public health professional and researcher, Johnson has a reputation for his calm leadership under pressure, analytic approach, systems thinking, and ability to build effective teams.

Previously, as deputy manager, Johnson managed a $32 million budget and 8 supervisors responsible for 76 employees. Before becoming the LCPH Deputy Manager, Johnson served as the Lane County Environmental Health and Preparedness Supervisor. Over the course of his 21 years at LCPH, Johnsonhas been instrumental in helping manage everything from systems transformation to the Lane County COVID-19 response, as well as responses to multiple other natural disasters and disease outbreaks. 

Johnson holds a Masters of Public Health in Health Promotion from Oregon State University, a Public Health Management Certificate from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Whitman College.

Lane County Public Health is a division of Lane County Health & Human Services. LCPH’S mission is to promote and protect the long-term health and well-being of individuals, families and the communities of Lane County. Their vision is optimal health for all people in Lane County.

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Media Opportunity: Valentine’s Day Marriage Ceremonies At Clerk’s Office - 02/13/26

Media partners are welcome to join the Lane County Clerk’s Office tomorrow, February 14, between 10:00 and 12:00 p.m. as local couples tie the knot in Valentine’s Day marriage ceremonies.

The details:

• 3 couples are open to having their marriage ceremonies filmed or photographed – 2 at 10:15 a.m. and 1 at 11:15 a.m.
• The ceremonies will take place at Lane County’s Public Service Building (125 E. 8^th Avenue).
• The building will be locked. Call Devon at 541-515-8833 when you arrive at the entrance on Pearl Street for access.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before the ceremonies begin. We won’t interrupt a ceremony once it starts.

The deadline to apply for a marriage ceremony tomorrow has passed. Please do not advertise this today as an option for couples.

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Summary Report Regarding County Commissioner Investigation (Photo) - 02/10/26

The attached document is a summary, or “condensation”, of a months-long outside investigation regarding claims of Commissioner David Loveall retaliating against Lane County staff. The condensation found that Commissioner Loveall engaged in multiple incidents of retaliation against three staff members.

The Board of County Commissioners directed the release of this document in conjunction with an upcoming meeting. The Board of County Commissioners will consider this matter further in an executive session next week. Until the Board has an opportunity to decide what, if any, action to undertake there will be no further comment on this document.

Information about upcoming Board of County Commissioners meetings is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/BoardAgendas.

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Lane County Parks Seeks Applicants For Parks Advisory Committee District 4 Vacancy - 02/10/26

Lane County Parks is currently recruiting volunteers to serve on the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC), with one open position representing District 4 (North Eugene area).

The Parks Advisory Committee is a seven-member volunteer body appointed by the Lane County Board of County Commissioners. The committee includes five members representing individual County districts and two at-large members. The PAC advises the Board on the park and recreation needs of residents and visitors, including recommendations on project priorities, financial and operational development, land acquisition, and long-range planning for future park programs and facilities. The committee also serves as a liaison representing community interests related to County parks.

“Being a Lane County Parks Advisory Committee member is a perfect way to explore my mutual passions for conservation and responsible, sustainable recreation,” said Tim Foelker, PAC Member for District 1. “The PAC is very engaged, with a wide range of experience. One of our current goals is to improve diversity on the committee, and we encourage you to join us.”

Applications are accepted at any time and remain on file for 12 months. Submitted applications will be considered if a vacancy occurs during that period. The application can be found at www.lanecounty.org/pac. 

About Lane County Parks

Serving communities from the Coast to the Cascades, Lane County Parks provides diverse opportunities for camping, boating, picnicking, recreation, and connection to nature across 68 county parks.