Fort Park, Douglas Gardens, Thurston Hills reopen. Howard Buford reopens March 15

Alan Torres, Eugene Register-Guard
·2 min read
Thurston Hills viewpoint on Plateau Loop Trail.
Thurston Hills viewpoint on Plateau Loop Trail.

Four parks that closed due to damage in January's ice storm had their re-open dates announced Friday. The Willamalane Parks and Recreation District announced it is reopening Fort Park, Douglas Gardens Park, and all the Thurston Hills Natural Area hiking trails on Saturday, March 2. Lane County announced it will reopen the Howard Buford Area on Friday, March 15.

Over a press release, Willamalane urged "community members to proceed cautiously and stay on marked trails," because of some storm debris.

"Reopening the hiking trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area marks a milestone in the storm clean-up efforts," Willamalane Executive Director Michael Wargo said in the press release.

The Springfield City Council approved funding to add a sidewalk along the east edge of Douglas Gardens Elementary School.
The Springfield City Council approved funding to add a sidewalk along the east edge of Douglas Gardens Elementary School.

Willamalane said volunteers had logged over 200 hours helping to clear storm debris and encouraged people to sign up to clean up the parks that are still closed and explore other volunteer opportunities at willamalane.org/volunteer.

"Even with the hard work of Willamalane staff and volunteer crews, it may be several months before all debris is cleared and all parks are back to full operation," the district said.

Lane County said the Howard Buford Recreation Area, which includes Mt. Pisgah, will reopen March 15 "after weeks of extensive cleanup and restoration efforts" following the ice storm.

"We are excited to reopen HBRA and provide the community with a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience," Lane County Parks Manager Brett Henry said in a press release.

Lane County said it used gravel to temporarily stabilize some of the trails, and that it may have to again close popular trails numbered 1, 2, 6, and 46 during the summer or fall for "intensive reconstruction.

Lane County told visitors to expect a change in the park's landscape due to lost trees and other plants, but that "Every effort was made to preserve the park's natural beauty and unique species while ensuring the safety of all visitors."

Lane County also announced a reopening celebration on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. where park staff, partners and volunteers will be present "to share their experiences and answer questions about the recovery efforts." The county said the event will include light snacks and hot drinks, guided walks "and more."

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on X @alanfryetorres.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Fort Park, Howard Buford, others to reopen for first time since ice storm