NORTH FORK CORRIDOR, OR – Marion County Parks, Oregon Parks Forever, Trailkeepers of Oregon, and SOLVE and about 30 volunteers braved wind and rain on May 4 to put the finishing touches for opening the North Fork Park near Lyons, OR. We built and installed trash cans, dog pick-up stations and spread gravel around several picnic areas.
North Fork Park, was the first ‘park-designated’ land purchase made by Marion County. 8.52 acres of the park is leased from BLM. With the warm water of the Little North Fork, a swimming hole, a sandy beach, and a thirty minute drive from the Salem area, North Fork Park is one of the most popular parks in Marion County. Work relief crews helped develop the park’s trail system.
The long-term goal for Marion County Parks is to redevelop in a way that anticipates how the public will recreate in the future, while also building climate and environmentally resilient parks that future generations can enjoy.
Parks has been presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to start fresh and forge a new vision for recreation in the Santiam Canyon. This vision will provide diverse recreational opportunities and create a sustainable parks program that benefits the region and visitors.
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On labor day weekend 2020, the Beachie Creek Fire swept through the Santiam Canyon growing at 2.77 acres per second. Ultimately, it burned 193,565 acres, including 700 residential and 85 commercial properties. This fire left behind a devastated community, decimated habitat for fish and wildlife, and altered the landscape for years to come.
We are proud to be part of the crew to help restore and reopen the park.
