Last month the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department awarded two grants to Columbia County through the Local Government Grant Opportunity program. 

Hudson-Parcher Park is a popular location for camping, little league practices, and playground trips. The county will receive $42,500 to assist in upgrading the three play areas at the park. The playground on the south end, near the baseball fields, will have the existing swings and spring bouncer toys replaced and an ADA-accessible play structure added. The playground at the center of the park will get new swings and spring bouncers. New swings, spring bouncers, and a merry-go-round will be installed at the north-end playground. In addition, the county will add ADA-compliant ground coverings, borders, and ramps to all the play areas. 

The county will receive an additional $74,887 to upgrade the Holce Trailhead on the Crown Z Trail. The plan includes an ADA-accessible paved parking lot, a vault toilet, interpretative signage, and a covered picnic area. In addition, the county will pave a portion of the trail that is currently gravel and very steep. 

"The Board of Commissioners would like to congratulate the General Services Department for their work to secure these grants," said Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett. "They work hard to find grant opportunities like these that help fund improvements to the local parks and trails enjoyed by residents and visitors alike."

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