Dorris Ranch

Exciting news! YOUR park and recreation district was named a finalist for the 2026 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This places Springfield among the nation’s leading park and recreation systems. In its 82-year history, Willamalane has won the Gold Medal Grand Plaque in 2016 and 1986, and has been a finalist for the award eight other times. The 2026 Grand Plaque winner will be announced at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference in September. Read more at willamalane.org/blog

Willamalane has referred a measure to the May 19, 2026, ballot. If passed, the measure would authorize a new property tax that would help pay for current park and recreation operations, including park safety, recreation programs, and wildfire prevention efforts. The proposed levy would help bridge funding gaps to preserve current levels of service. If not passed, programs and services would not be provided as proposed and property taxes would not be increased.

This is the first time the district has sought a local option levy to fund general operations since the district's permanent tax rate was established in 1997. For FAQs and more information, visit willamalane.org/levy