SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is celebrating a series of significant construction milestones this year, even as financial pressures force the agency to delay several long-planned improvements. Three major GO Bond projects—at Beverly Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Fort Stevens—have officially reached completion, marking important upgrades to infrastructure that had been aging for decades.
These improvements stem from a one-time $50 million General Obligation (GO) Bond package authorized by the Oregon Legislature in 2021 to modernize state park facilities, address safety needs, and expand capacity at some of Oregon’s most visited destinations.
The recent completions include:
Modernized electrical systems, undergrounded power lines, paved campsites, and rehabilitated the sewer lift station to improve reliability.
Extensive improvements including new restroom and shower facilities, upgraded utilities, ADA-accessible campsites, repaved roads, and traffic calming at the entrance.
Restoration of the historic structure, including roof replacement, structural repairs, masonry fixes, new windows and doors, upgraded electrical systems, and landscaping work to stop leaks.
The North Canyon trailhead and parking lot opened last year, reducing congestion and providing new accessible trails.
These projects reflect the state’s effort to invest in both visitor experience and long-term preservation.
Several GO Bond projects remain on track for next year, including:
Major utility upgrades, paving improvements, and replacement of a 1955-era restroom and shower building.
Safety-related dune reinforcement, electrical and water system upgrades, and resurfacing of day-use parking.
Completion of the North Gateway Visitor Center and exploration of additional utility system improvements.
Despite progress, OPRD announced that multiple projects will be postponed indefinitely due to sharply escalating construction costs, reduced revenue projections, and the need to prioritize essential maintenance.
Projects now on hold include:
A new interpretive center with classroom, archival, and staff space.
A new welcome center, expanded parking, accessible trails, and improved visitor flow.
Additional RV sites, cabins, and restroom/shower facilities.
Planned North Gateway campground build-out and new facilities.
OPRD will instead redirect the remaining $15 million in GO Bond funding toward critical maintenance needs—particularly utilities, infrastructure, and facility preservation already overdue for investment.
“When projects were initially identified 2021, we could not have anticipated the substantial increases in costs of materials, staffing and consultants or the significant reduction in revenue,” said Deputy Director for Field and Community Services Matt Rippee.
He added that the department had to shift priorities to preserve the parks already in place:
“None of these were easy decisions, but at this time it is vital we focus on projects that will extend the life of existing facilities rather than expanding. Without this change, we would not be able to complete maintenance needs essential to protect and preserve our state parks.”
OPRD is facing a projected $14 million operational shortfall this biennium due to declining Lottery revenue, rising operational costs, and long-term structural funding challenges. Leaders are now reviewing everything from service models to fee structures to determine how to sustain park operations into the future.
Alongside these adjustments, OPRD is exploring new partnerships, sponsorships, and cost-saving measures to support delayed projects when funding becomes available.
While the postponements delay some high-priority improvements, the department emphasizes that visitor experience remains at the forefront of its mission. The completion of multiple GO Bond projects and work slated for 2026 shows continued progress toward modernizing Oregon’s state park system—even as financial realities force tough decisions.
Originally reported by Tillamook County Pioneer.
