Dundee park gets big influx of federal cash for Chehalem Park and Recreation District
Author
Gary Allen
Date published
May 26, 2023
View Original Article
Sanders Estate Park nets $630,310 from the National Parks ServicThe Chehalem Park and Recreation District got a big boost from the federal government in early May when it was announced it would be the recipient of a major influx of cash toward completion of a long-anticipated park.
The National Park Service will award the park district $630,310 in Land and Water Conservation Funds toward completion of Sanders Estate Park on Fifth Street and across from Dundee Elementary School and Dundee-Billick Park.
“We are thrilled to have federal, state and local (CPRD) parks agencies coming together to help make this exciting park project become a reality,” CPRD Superintendent Don Clements said in a release. “We are grateful to the National Parks Service, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program and also to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for helping to fund the development of Sander Estate. Together with a match from CPRD’s system development charges funding, this funding and enthusiastic support will allow CPRD to make progress on a long-time dream of legacy donor Janis Sander and the Dundee community.”
The 6.7-acre parcel includes a home and a barn and for more than seven decades was utilized to raise prunes, hazelnuts and berries. It was acquired by the park district in 2017 thanks to the donation of 50% of the land to the Chehalem Park Foundation by owner and longtime Dundee resident Janis Sander. The district purchased the remaining 50% of the land. Development of the land is in the preliminary stages, with Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA) in the process of developing a master plan. SEA’s past local endeavors include the Chehalem Cultural Center and the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center.
In concert with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the CPRD is expected to put the federal funds toward development of walkways, a splash pad and water feature, lighting, utilities, a playground, landscaping and stormwater treatment facilities.
“It is CPRD’s intention to work closely with park neighbors and the broader community, to consider the recreational needs and concerns of the residents, while respecting the natural resources of the park and respecting its historical heritage,” CPRD Communications Director Kat Ricker said in a release. “CPRD has worked with Dundee community members and the city of Dundee for years to determine just how Jan’s gift should be handled. Jan’s wish has been for the community to turn this property into a recreation destination for the entire community and visitors to enjoy. … There is still much fundraising to be done, but this grant will give a tremendous boost to getting progress rolling.”
Announcement of the funding followed an October 2022 hosting of Nohemi Enciso, a LWCF grant program coordinator for the state parks department, and ORPD representative Karen Litvin, by CPRD board members and administrators.
The LWCF also caught the interest of Oregon’s congressional delegation.
“Parks and outdoor recreation areas are critical to the overall wellbeing of our community,” Rep. Andrea Salinas said in a prepared statement. “They provide gathering spaces for families and friends, promote healthy exercise and activity, and foster a wide array of environmental benefits.
U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley concurred.
“Oregonians living and working in Dundee deserve the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with a park in their community,” Wyden said.
“These funds will support Chehalem Park and Recreation District’s efforts to develop a public park at the Sander Estate in Dundee with accessible amenities that families and visitors can enjoy for years to come,” Merkley said.
