Oregon State Parks Completes Key Projects, Delays Others Amid Budget Strains
Three major GO Bond projects are now finished, but several park improvements are postponed as the agency shifts remaining funding toward critical maintenance needs.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has announced the completion of three major construction projects funded through the 2021 general obligation bond package, while also confirming that several other planned improvements will be postponed due to rising costs and budget constraints.
The $50 million GO Bond program was approved by the state legislature to modernize aging infrastructure and expand capacity across some of Oregon’s most visited state parks. In 2025, OPRD completed upgrades at Beverly Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Fort Stevens, with additional work finished at Silver Falls in late 2024.
However, significant increases in construction and staffing costs, combined with a projected decline in revenue, have forced the agency to pause several remaining projects and shift priorities toward essential maintenance.
Fort Stevens Guard house (OPRD)
Completed GO Bond Projects
Beverly Beach Campground
Upgraded electrical systems
Moved overhead power lines underground
Improved campground paving and campsites
Rehabilitated a sewer lift station
Nehalem Bay Campground
Upgraded utilities
Added a new restroom and a restroom/shower building
Renovated and added accessible campsites
Repaved and improved traffic flow at the entry road
Fort Stevens Guard House
Replaced and reinforced roof structure
Repaired brickwork, stonework, windows, and doors
Improved landscaping to prevent water intrusion
Upgraded electrical systems for lighting, heating, and climate controls
Silver Falls (2024)
Completed North Canyon trailhead and new parking lot, easing congestion and providing an accessible trail connection
Silver Falls north canyon trailhead (OPRD)
Work Planned for 2026
Two parks will break ground on additional GO Bond projects beginning next year:
Fort Stevens Campground
Upgrades to electrical, water, and wastewater systems
Replacement of a 1955 restroom and shower building
Updated paving
Replacement of the restroom at Peter Iredale Day-use Area
Cape Lookout
Reinforcement of the existing foredune to protect the campground from tidal intrusion
Electrical and water system upgrades
Resurfacing of the day-use parking lot
Silver Falls
Visitor center updates at the North Gateway site
Potential utility upgrades
Silver Falls north canyon trail (OPRD)
Projects Now on Hold
The following improvements are paused until additional funding becomes available:
Kam Wah Chung: New interpretive center with classrooms, archival space, restrooms, and offices
Smith Rock: New welcome center, expanded parking, improved accessible trails, and traffic-flow upgrades
Champoeg: Additional RV sites, cabins, and a restroom/shower building
Silver Falls: Expansion of the North Gateway campground and new restroom/shower facilities
OPRD will redirect approximately $15 million in remaining GO Bond funds toward high-priority maintenance needs, including utility systems, existing infrastructure, and facilities that require immediate attention.
Nehalem Bay bathrooms (OPRD)
Budget Pressures and Agency Outlook
OPRD Deputy Director for Field and Community Services Matt Rippee said escalating costs and declining revenue played a major role in the decision to defer multiple projects.
“When projects were initially identified in 2021, we could not have anticipated the substantial increases in costs of materials, staffing and consultants or the significant reduction in revenue,” Rippee said. "It is vital we focus on projects that will extend the life of existing facilities rather than expanding."
OPRD expects a $14 million operations budget shortfall this biennium due to reduced Lottery revenue, rising expenses, and ongoing needs for sustainable funding. Staff are evaluating costs across the agency while exploring partnerships and sponsorships to support long-term financial stability.
The department said it remains committed to providing high-quality visitor experiences while protecting Oregon’s state parks system for the future.
Cover image: Conceptual design of the shelved Smith Rock Visitors Center. OPRD