Protect Our Parks is a non-profit group formed by concerned local citizens whose goal is to protect ALL Hood River parks. 

​It is crucial that we safeguard our green spaces for present and future generations.

A lost park is lost forever!

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ALL Hood River Parks are at risk

Our city, like others in the state, had a master plan about land use with a goal that seemed to us to be pretty clear:

Goal 8: Recreational Needs: To satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of the community and visitors to the area.
POLICIES:  1. Existing park sites will be protected from incompatible uses and future expansion alternatives at some sites will be developed.

We thought that meant that our existing city parks would be safeguarded, and that the city would look to acquire and expand some parks.  

But on March 11, the City Council decided that any park could be rezoned from being an open space park to something entirely different.  And suddenly we realized that every park was in jeopardy, because a park could be carved up into a variety of uses, and the open space, fields, playgrounds, or other amenities could vanish forever.  This put all parks at risk, and motivates us to act to protect the parks we have.

Why urban parks are so important

Hood River is surrounded by nature, and offers plenty of outdoor activities to local citizens. So why do we care so much about small city parks? Are they really that important? Yes, they are, and for many reasons!

• Health: Numerous studies reveal that contact with nature reduces stress and anxiety, reducing healthcare costs related to chronic diseases. More and more healthcare practitioners have been prescribing walks in nature to their patients. Also, trees remove toxins from the air and filter rain water before it reaches streams and rivers, improving public health.
• ​Access and equitability: Not everyone can afford or has the means to drive to trail heads, or buy expensive water, wind or mountain gear. In fact, many local people depend on parks they can walk to from their homes to recreate, exercise, socialize and stay healthy. People are more likely to go out on walks and be in touch with nature if they can walk to a park.
• Environment: mitigation of climate change, prevention of soil erosion, storm water management, flood mitigation, habitat for fauna and flora and temperature regulation are just a few examples of how important urban parks are to our local and global environments. 
• Crime and Public Safety: studies have shown that areas with more trees and green spaces are linked to lower crime rates. Children who have access to local parks are more likely to engage in healthy activities and sports, and less likely to become involved with drugs and crimes.

The Parks & Rec Department surveyed hundreds of city residents last year, and "97% said that local parks, recreation options, and open space opportunities are important or essential to the quality of life in the Hood River Valley."  Our county parks are already at risk with fundraisers taking place to help them stay open.  We want to protect our city parks, keep the ones we have, and hopefully protect all the ones we will develop for our future generations that live in Hood River.

How we can protect our city parks
Measure  14-67 in November 5th Ballot​

The ballot measure is very simple: it proposes a public vote before the city council disposes of a city park.
It simply let YOUR VOICE be heard. Here is what you will see on your ballot:

Ballot Title
Measure No. 14-67

Caption
Amendment to the city charter regarding disposal of city parks.

Question
Shall Hood River revise its charter to prohibit the disposal of any city park land without a public vote? 

​Summary
Amends the Hood River City Charter to require a public vote before the council can dispose of any designated, dedicated, or recognized city park, including the sale, lease or transfer of any property rights, unless it is for the promotion or enhancement of recreational enjoyment of the general public. If adopted, this charter amendment will take effect immediately by emergency clause as it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and welfare. 

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