2019 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report2022 Annual Report
Due to a lack of operational and capital investment for many decades, there are many elements within the Jackson County Parks Department that are no longer usable or in disrepair. In January of 2018, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners decided to place a dedicated parks millage proposal on the ballot. Later that year, County residents approved a 10-year millage on August 7, 2018 in order to establish a stable, long-term funding source for county parks. The 0.5 mills approved by voters is estimated to generate $2,200,000 per year to support county parks operations and capital improvements investment at a cost of $25 per year for a property with a market value of $100,000.
Improvements to the Jackson County Park system are based on public input, safety concerns, a comprehensive 5-year Recreation plan, and a strategic plan that the Jackson County Parks Board of Commissioners adopted in 2018.
The Jackson County Parks Department communicated thoroughly throughout the millage campaign process on how the funds would be spent if the millage was successful. The educational campaign conveyed the following bullet points for park improvements:
- Improvements to playgrounds/ playground safety
- Construct kayak/ canoe launches, and fishing piers, creating improved access to lakes and rivers
- Improved existing county trail maintenance and develop new connections to a state-wide trail
- Repair/ reconstruction of boat launch areas within County Parks
- Beachfront/ public swimming areas improvements
- Restoration of the Cascades
- Construct permanent county park restrooms
- Development of a community dog park and installation of dog friendly watering stations and dump stations for waste disposal
