The city of Oakridge celebrated the opening of a new eco park within Liberty Fields Park, aiming to address local flooding and offer families a free outdoor space.
City officials said the primary goal of the project is flood control, with the park designed to hold water and prevent flooding downstream in the Willow Creek Basin.
“The main function is to ensure there’s no flooding in areas downstream,” said Oakridge Public Works Director Brian Sanders.
What started as a simple detention and sediment control effort in the Willow Creek Basin expanded into an educational eco park for wildlife observation and recreation.
Mayor Lisa Turner explained that Oakridge secured funding from the federal government, Pine County, and a conservation partnership group to transform the project.
“We discovered funding was available through the federal government, Pine County, and a conservation group, which allowed us to turn this into something special. Now residents can relax, enjoy nature, and take a break from daily life,” Turner said.
City leaders hope the park meets the need for more free public gathering spaces in Oakridge. Turner stressed the importance of community health and quality of life, saying, “We want to encourage good health and community well-being for everyone here.”
The eco park features native vegetation and educational signs, giving visitors a chance to learn about conservation during their visits.
“In a time when screens are everywhere, getting outside matters,” Sanders said. “Kids and adults both need these kinds of places.”
Oakridge’s Community Ambassador, Emily Brooks, shared her own memories of spending time at parks with her grandfather.
“As a child, I loved going to parks with my grandfather. Being in nature made those moments special. I hope visitors find the same joy here in Oakridge,” Brooks said.
The eco park is now open to the public, and city officials are already exploring ways to add more outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. Would you take your family to a park like this for a day outdoors? What other features would you like to see in your local parks?
