Purpose of this Plan

The Oregon City Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update is intended to help meet the needs of current and future residents by positioning Oregon City to build on the community's unique parks and recreation assets and identify new opportunities. The citizen driven five-year Implementation Plan establishes a clear direction to guide city staff, advisory committees, and elected officials in their efforts to enhance the community's parks and recreation programs, services and facilities.

Although the Community Services Department is also responsible for the library and the cemetery, the Master Plan Update specifically does not address this portion of department operations and is focused strictly on parks and recreation issues.

Mission Statement

The benefits of parks and recreation are necessary to develop healthy individuals and communities when the economy is strong, and are even more important when we face economic and social challenges. The mission of parks and recreation was crafted from feedback obtained throughout the Master Plan Update. Oregon Recreation and Parks Association's (ORPA) mission describes the primary purpose or "business" of parks and recreation in Oregon.

• Strengthen Community
  Parks, recreation facilities, programs, and community events are key factors in strengthening community image and creating a sense of place.
   
• Protect Natural Resources
  By acquiring, managing, and restoring valuable resources as open space such as: rivers, streams, greenways, view sheds, forests and other habitat areas, natural resources are protected and habitat required for the survival of diverse species is preserved.
   
• Foster Human Development
  Parks and recreation services foster social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
   
• Strengthen Safety and Security
  Park and recreation professionals provide safe environments for recreation and design programs and services specifically to reduce criminal activity.
   
• Support Economic Development
  Recreation programs and facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as attract tourists. Parks and recreation provides jobs and generates income for the community and for local businesses.
   
• Preserve Cultural Resources
  Parks and recreation professionals preserve our historical and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of citizens and future generations.