Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment
Falls City, Oregon
June 2014
Portland State University
2| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
Suzanne Dufner, Community Development Director
City of Falls City
Amber Mathiesen, City Manager
Portland State University
Yiping Fang, Assistant Professor
Report prepared by:
Brian Gunn – 2015 MURP Candidate
Kara Srnka – 2016 MURP Candidate
Kate Washington – 2015 MURP Candidate
3| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
Table of Contents
Introduction 4 Executive Summary 5 Falls City Profile 6 Data Preparation Summary 10 Methodology 11 Conclusions 13 User Perspectives 13 Recommendations 15
Figures and Tables
Figure 1. Age Distribution 7 Figure 2. Potential Park Areas 14 Table 1. Population Trends 6 Table 2. Housing Trends 8 Table 3. Median Household Income and Poverty Rate 8 Table 4. Data Used for GIS Analysis 10
Appendices
Appendix A. Comprehensive Plan Parks Inventory 17 Appendix B. Zoning Map 18 Appendix C. Public Lands Map 19 Appendix D. Surrounding Public Lands Map Appendix E. Quarter and Half Mile Public and PAI Lands Map Appendix F. Existing Conditions Map Appendix G. Southwest Corner Quarter Mile Buffer Map Appendix H. Aggregations of Analysis: Possible Park Locations Map
20 21 22 23 24
4| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
INTRODUCTION
Planning Mandate for Parks and Recreation
The Willamette Valley is home to a number of small, growing communities. Planning for adequate parks
and recreation facilities is important for preserving the high quality of life valued by residents of these
areas. Unfortunately providing adequate facilities is a challenge for many small communities. Lack of
resources, both staff and funding, limits many communities’ ability to develop and maintain their open
spaces. Identifying system priorities and matching them with available resources requires careful
planning and is useful when preparing a master parks plan that will guide development and justify the
associated fees.
Parks provide a variety of resources and opportunities for communities. These include passive and
active recreation, conservation of open space, and preserving historic, cultural, and natural resources. In
addition, parks may serve as informal meeting places in a community, creating more opportunities to
foster a sense of cohesiveness.
Local governments prepare and adopt local parks master plans pursuant to Statewide Planning Goal 8:
Recreation Needs and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-034-0040. These plans may be integrated
with local comprehensive land use plans. Parks master plans provide a community with direction in
developing further parks, making improvements to existing parks, and assist in the creation and
adoption of Parks System Development Charges or requirements for land donations for the provision of
future parks.
Statewide Planning Goal 8 gives the following guidelines for developing parks master plans:
1. Create an inventory of recreations needs
2. Create an inventory of recreation opportunities
3. Coordinate with all regulatory agencies and with private interests
4. Design recreation opportunities that accommodate multiple uses
5. Refer to the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for advice
6. Prefer non-motorized activities over motorized activities
7. Prioritize high density areas, be sensitive to all mobility and financial limitations, conserve
resources, preserve the environment, meet the needs of visitors
8. Identify and acquire unique areas capable of meeting multiple needs
9. Prioritize public waters and shore lands as potential recreation opportunities
10. Do not exceed the carrying capacity of the air, land, and water resources in the area
Project Context
This report is the result of a project carried out by graduate students at Portland State University. They
were tasked with creating a city profile and inventory of existing parks and recreation facilities in order
to identify current and future recreation needs for Falls City.
5| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Falls City, Oregon is a small, rural city about 1.5 hours southwest of Portland, between Salem and
Lincoln City. The nearest large city is Salem and Dallas is a nearer, middle-sized city. Falls City is home to
1,089 people who live on 1.2 square miles of land, surrounded by forest-covered hills. Falls City is split in
the middle by the Little Luckiamute River that runs approximately east-west through town. Centrally
located in the town are the dramatic falls for which the city is named.
Falls City already more than adequately provides open spaces, parks, nature areas, and recreation
facilities for its residents. Even with its projected growth, it will not need to add more parks in order to
meet the Oregon SCORP service standards. However, future development in the southwest corner
would put new homes outside a half mile radius of the existing parks. Additionally, Falls City is in a
unique position to capitalize on the local mountain biking economy if it can make itself attractive to
mountain bikers.
After evaluation of demographic data, analysis of maps, and conversation with city representatives, we
make the following recommendations:
Invest in existing parks.
Falls City already has more than adequate open space for its residents and future population. Its open
space provides a variety of recreation opportunities such as fishing, swimming, picnicking, and sports.
However, the parks in the heart of town, along the Luckiamute River, should be prioritized for
infrastructural improvements to create more inviting spaces that serve multiple uses. Memorial Park
might be preserved as a more natural area and Riverside Park might be converted into a more civic area.
Improve connectivity.
Falls City is fortunate to have so much access to parks within walking distance of most homes. It is likely
many people make their way to the central parks on foot or by bike, but in order to discourage the need
to drive and in order to encourage a healthy, multi-modal lifestyle, connections to these parks and
beyond the city limits can be made even more appealing.
Acquire and preserve future open spaces.
When it comes time for Falls City to update its urban growth boundary, acquire flatter land beyond the
current southwest boundary in order to set it aside as open space for future development.
Create a mountain bike destination.
Due to its close proximity to the Black Rock mountain biking area, Falls City has a unique opportunity to
not only connect its residents to more recreation opportunities, but also, potentially, to capturing
revenue from the mountain bike economy around Black Rock.
6| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
CITY PROFILE
Falls City
Falls City is a small, rural town occupying 1.2 square miles in the center of Polk County, Oregon. The city
once supported a large regional logging population with three mills, a few grocery stores and various
shops and services to meet the daily needs of the community. The city is named for the striking Little
Luckiamute Falls at the heart of town. Residents enjoy the natural resources in and around the city and
value the quality of life that goes with small town living. Falls City often hosts mountain bikers who
come to the area to enjoy the Black Rock mountain biking facility a few miles west of town.
Population
According to the 2008-2012 American Community Survey estimate, Falls City has a total population of
1,089, an increase of 142 people since the 2010 Census. This population lives in 383 households with an
average of about three people per household. Falls City is a predominantly white (91.5%) community
that is primarily middle-aged (45 to 64 years old) (31.8%). While Falls City is slightly less diverse than
that of both Polk County and Oregon, increased diversity should be expected and accounted for as a
product of projected population growth in the area.
Falls City experienced population growth between 1990 and 2000 with an average annual growth rate
(AAGR) of 1.8%. However, between 2000 and 2010, while the county and state experienced growth, the
city’s population declined slightly at an AAGR of -0.2%. (Table 1) Despite the recent downturn in
population growth, Falls City is expected to grow along with Polk County for the foreseeable future.
Polk County as a whole is expected to nearly double its population by 2030, with some of that
population growth anticipated in Falls City. The City is expected to attract older residents and retirees
due to its rural charm and proximity to Salem and the larger cities in the region. The city has the
potential to attract younger adult age groups that appreciate a small town setting with plenty of natural
and recreational facilities.
Table 1: Population Trends for Falls City, OR.
Year Falls City AAGR Polk County AAGR Oregon AAGR 1990 818 49,541 2,842,23
1
2000 966 1.8% 62,380 2.5% 3,421,399
2.0%
2010 947 -.2% 75,403 2.0% 3,831,074
1.2%
2020 1,195 2.6% 95,594 2.6% 4,260,393
1.1%
2030 1,352 1.3% 117,557 2.3% 4,833,918
1.3%
% Change 2008-2040 40% 72% AAGR 1996-2020 1.5% 2.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey and 1990, 2000 & 2010 U.S. Decennial Census
7| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
Falls City’s predominantly middle-aged (31.8%) population demonstrates both the city’s aging
population and its attractiveness to older people. People over the age of 65 years old make up 16.3% of
the population and children under 18 comprise 22.9%. The typical child-rearing aged group (29%) may
add to the population, therefore, it is important to design recreation facilities that can be used by all
ages, from toddler to senior. (Figure 1)
Housing
Housing trends are an important factor in parks planning in that different types of ownership and
occupancy require different facilities. Those in rentals, namely multi-family, are less likely to have
private yards and therefore require adequate public space to fill the void. This data is also incredibly
useful for anticipating potential revenue from property taxes, systems development fees, etc. In Falls
City, 82% of residents own their homes. (Table 2) With such a large share of owner-occupied housing,
Falls City can safely anticipate a steady revenue stream for parks planning. The rate at which housing is
built gives insight into the demand for housing and an indication of growth in the area. Considering
there has been an average of approximately 30 structures built every ten years since 1940, 31 (13%) of
the newest 240 structures added in the past decade, it is evident that while growth is small, it is present.
(Table 2)
Figure 1: Age Distribution in Oregon, Polk County and Falls City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 U.S. Decennial Census.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Younger Than 18 18-44 45-64 65+
Per
cen
tage
of
the
Po
pu
lati
on
Age Group (years)
Oregon Polk County, OR Falls City, OR
8| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
Economic Context
While Falls City’s median household income ($40,083) certainly falls below both Polk County ($50,975)
and Oregon ($49,260), as a whole, residents have experienced a 23% increase in income from 2000 to
2010. This is promising, and demonstrates rising potential tax base for Falls City. Surprisingly, as incomes
increased, so did the poverty rate. Poverty for people under the age of 18 increased by 12.4% between
2000 and 2010; for the population over 18, there has been slightly more than a 4% increase. Poverty has
increased in both Polk County and Oregon as well, although not nearly as much (Table 3). This tells us
that the improvements are primarily happening for the higher incomes, which is seen nationally. As a
result, the City should expect to create park spaces that can accommodate people who have less ability
to spend money on recreation.
Applicable Documents
In accordance with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals 5 and 8, the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (SCORP), outlines guidelines for the state and for other communities wishing to create a parks
master plan. Some of these concepts are reflected in Falls City’s comprehensive plan.
Section I of the Falls City Comprehensive Plan responds to Goal 5: To protect natural resources, scenic
and historic areas, and open spaces. This section provides an inventory of Falls City’s resources. Of note,
Table 2: Housing Trends for Falls City, OR.
Tenure Falls City
Polk County Oregon
Own 82.0% 66.2% 62.2% Average household size 2.49 2.62 2.53
Rent 18.0% 33.8% 37.8% Average household size 3.03 2.55 2.36
Construction # of Bldgs.
% of total
Before 1940 193 44.5% 1949-2004 209 48.3% 2005-2014 31 7.2%
Total 433 100% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey and 2010 U.S. Decennial Census
Table 3: Median Household Income and Poverty Rate for Falls City, OR.
Income Falls City Polk County Oregon 2000 $32,461 % Change $42,311 % Change $40,916 % Change 2010 $40,083 23.5% $50,975 20.5% $49,260 20.4%
Poverty 2000 16.8% 12.6% 13.0% 2010 25.1% 49% 15.0% 19.0% 16.0% 23.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010 U.S. Decennial Census
9| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
the plan classifies Riverside Park and the Little Luckiamute River “and its resource” as both Class I and II
Scenic resources. This means the City has to retain and preserve the visual quality of the river. As part of
the inventory, this section lists and describes Falls City’s three city parks: Riverside Park, Michael S.
Harding Park, and Upper Park (see Appendix A).
Section II: Goals & Policies outlines four policies for the City’s public and semi-public land:
1. Encourage cooperation and collaboration between the school district, Polk County, and various
state agencies and the City of Falls City
2. Require adequate park, open space and rights of way in residential and commercial
developments
3. Encourage preservation of stream corridors to maintain a buffer from the creeks and the Little
Luckiamute River in the city to allow an area for storm water management and to maintain the
benefits of the vegetative riparian habitat
4. Encourage open spaces and recreation facilities for leisure time needs of residents and visitor
10| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
DATA PREPARATION SUMMARY
Polk County’s website (http://www.co.polk.or.us) provided a majority of the data utilized for this
analysis. City limits and zoning data were provided by Falls City (Table 4). At first glance, the city limits
and urban growth boundary provided by Polk County appeared identical. The Mid-Willamette Council of
Governments confirmed this was accurate. Also, there was a discrepancy with the zoning shapefile
(published in 2009). This file indicated that there was a “split zone” located in the southwest portion of
the city. The existing zoning map (also published in 2009) marked these zones as either residential or
forestry. To determine the implications of a “split zone,” we performed an in-depth desk study,
determining there are no records of split zoning in Falls City. The lack of a “split zone” was confirmed by
a city official. Consequently, the shapefile was edited to reflect the existing zoning map.
The United States Geological Survey (nationalmap.gov) provided digital elevation models (DEMs). Four
DEM files, derived from the Central Coast and Willamette Valley regions, were utilized to encompass
Falls City. In GIS, we used raster tools to mosaic the four DEMs into one raster file. This file was then
projected (North Oregon State Plane) and converted from meters to feet. To conduct this conversion,
we used the raster calculator with a multiplier of 3.28084. Using the GIS raster clip tool, we clipped the
mosaic within three miles of the city limits. The DEM to slope tool then created a slope raster in percent
rise. The raster was reclassified in order to convert it to a polygon. This created four slope classes: less
than 10%, 10% to 20%, 20% to 25%, and more than 25%.
Lastly, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife provided wetland data. More specifically, the National
Wetlands Inventory (www.fws.gov/wetlands). This data remained unchanged.
Table 4: Data used for the 2014 Falls City Parks & Recreation Need Assessment, by Name, Source, and Year last Updated.
File Name Source Updated (year)
City Limit Falls City 2009 City Zoning Falls City 2009 County Zoning Polk County Online 2006 Urban Growth Boundary Polk County Online 2014 Tax Lot (Parcels) Polk County Online 2014 Roads Polk County Online 2014 Waterways Polk County Online 2014 Water bodies Polk County Online 2014 Wetlands U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Online 2014 Flood plain Polk County Online 2014 Digital Elevation Models- Central Coast U.S. Geological Survey Online 2011 Digital Elevation Models- Willamette Valley U.S. Geological Survey Online 2009
11| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
METHODOLOGY
Data
We used Social Explorer to download demographic and economic data about Falls City. Data sources
include the 1990, 2000, and 2010 Decennial Census and the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 4-
Year Estimate. We initially pulled a great deal of data to get a large picture of Falls City, but narrowed
the topics we found relevant to parks provision: population trends, housing trends, and income trends.
Population growth projections help the City understand how the population has changed, which may be
linked to how parks have been used in the past. Population projections indicate how many people the
City will need to provide for in the future and help the City calculate its service minimums according to
the SCORP standards.
Housing trends are another way to explore growth in Falls City. Tenurship is the breakdown of housing
units to owners and renters. This is important to understand because owners and renters often have
different needs for open space, depending what kind of land is included in a rental. Quantifying home
ownership helps the City anticipate a tax base that can support parks improvements. Further, evaluating
household size and the number of homes built helps the City calculate how many people per acre are
added and how much land to allot for future growth.
Finally, examining income gives the City an idea of how many people in Falls City can afford various
types of recreation, including travel outside city limits to nearby recreation facilities and open spaces.
Maps
We utilized GIS to create a series of maps in order to examine Falls City’s current and potential open
space opportunities. We approached this in a methodical way, in order to illustrate each step taken so
that Falls City officials can replicate our approach if necessary. Firstly, to provide an overview of Falls
City context, we created a zoning map (Appendix B), then assembled an overview of public lands located
within city limits (Appendix C). We then broadened our scope to the larger region because there are
surrounding Polk County lands (i.e. Gerlinger Park, Camp Tapawingo, and Black Rock) that offer
residents additional, nearby amenities. These lands also represent a potential for economic growth
(Appendix D).
Utilizing the Fall City public lands map, we created quarter and half mile buffers to discover whether any
residential neighborhoods lacked access to parks and other public spaces (Appendix E). We used public
lands, rather than residential areas, as the epicenters of these buffers because a majority of Falls City is
residential and the public land buffers better illustrate residential areas lacking parks (outside the
buffer). The buffer map reveals that the southwest corner of Falls City does not have quarter mile access
to parks and, therefore, is an ideal area for potential parks. Though this section of the city has
significantly less residential development than the rest of the city and is designated as forestry
(Appendix B), we proceeded as if a majority of development and growth will occur within this region, as
there is little space elsewhere in the city.
To ensure that our proposed park locations are in safe areas, we then evaluated the existing conditions
(i.e. waterways, floodplains, and slopes) (Appendix F). Slopes of 25% or more were included on the map,
as the Falls City Municipal Code classifies such slopes as having “severe development limitations.” Next,
12| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
a quarter mile buffer was placed around the southwest corner of the city (Appendix G) and taxlots
within or touching this buffer were selected to determine whether they were appropriate sites for open
spaces. We then added these taxlots to the existing conditions map to determine whether they met our
criteria as follows (Appendix H):
1. Have slopes less than 25%
2. Are not located within a flood plain
3. Could be reached by an existing road
4. Are within close proximity to residential development.
Rather than exclude several specific taxlots, we chose to provide general areas (Figure 2). To do so, we
used the GIS dissolve tool to eliminate the inner boundaries of taxlots that met the above criteria, thusly
recommending larger areas to work within. Additionally, we included a site located within the city’s
northwest corner; this site was outside the quarter mile buffer surrounding the southwest corner of the
city. Conversation with a city official indicates that this site, a covered landfill, could potentially
accommodate another recreation facility.
Interviews
We connected with Amber Mathiesen, the City Administrator for Falls City. Ms. Mathiesen made herself
available through email for questions and to provide additional information. She made herself available
for a phone interview early in the process. Ms. Mathieson shared valuable information about the
existing conditions and culture in Falls City as well as the City’s limitations and hopes for the future.
Suzanne Dufner is the Community Development Coordinator for the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of
Governments. Ms. Dufner visited our class to introduce the project and field initial questions. She also
returned to our class to see preliminary presentations, answer further questions, and give feedback. Ms.
Dufner made herself available throughout the process via email.
13| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
CONCLUSIONS
Falls City is fortunate to have a great deal of open space. Most housing is single-family on a lot, providing
abundant lawns for access to nature. Further, the City has three large parks, one pocket park, two
school fields, and two church yards where residents can enjoy their leisure and recreation time. Further,
mobile residents of Falls City have access to a county park, a mountain bike facility, and a private camp
within a few miles of the city.
Oregon’s SCORP document suggests a minimum of 6.25 to 12.5 acres of park land for every 1,000
residents. Totaling only the three city parks, Falls City provides 12.34 acres for 1,089 people. This is well
within the range of the recommended minimums. With a projected average annual growth rate of 1.5%,
Falls City can expect to add approximately 16 people per year, meaning that by 2030, the predicted
population will be 1,352 (Table 1). Even if Falls City did not increase its supply of parkland, it would still
meet the SCORP’s recommended service minimums.
However, if Falls City develops the southwest corner of its city limits (Figure 2), some of the population
would be outside a half mile radius of public open space. Our map analysis concluded that the
southwest portion of the city lacks access to parks, which is further exacerbated by incomplete street
connectivity and slopes greater than 25%. These same slopes present a hindrance for park development.
Properties located within Falls City’s southwest region, but outside city limits, are less sloped and if the
City can acquire them, they may be appropriate for supplying public open spaces to the southwest
corner of Falls City.
Falls City’s population includes all age groups, but is predominantly middle aged. It is likely these middle
aged residents will age in place, creating a need for open space that is very accessible to people with
varying abilities and mobilities. A common planning adage is that if you plan for the oldest and youngest
people in your population, you’ll create spaces that are suitable for all age groups. Falls City has a strong
homeowner base, indicating a steady tax revenue source. Economically, Falls City is experiencing an
increase in income as well as a smaller increase in poverty. The City may be able to capitalize on the
additional wealth in order to provide quality recreation facilities for residents of all incomes.
14| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
Figure 2: Potential Park Areas for the City of Falls City.
15| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
RECOMMENDATIONS
In light of these findings, we propose the following recommendations:
Invest in existing parks.
Falls City already has more than adequate open space for its residents and future population. Its open
space provides a variety of recreation opportunities such as fishing, swimming, picnicking, and sports.
However, the parks in the heart of town, along the Luckiamute River, should be prioritized for
infrastructural improvements to create more inviting spaces that serve multiple uses. Memorial Park
might be preserved as a more natural area and Riverside Park might be converted into a more civic area.
Convert part of Riverside Park into a plaza-like setting to create a more formal community
gathering space for events such as evening concerts or weekend markets.
Trails accessing Memorial Park can be completed and made ADA accessible to ensure people of
all ages have access to the falls.
Set aside a portion of Riverside Park to install a skate park to create space where younger
people know they are welcome.
Improve connectivity.
Falls City is fortunate to have so much access to parks within walking distance of most homes. It is likely
many people make their way to the central parks on foot or by bike, but in order to discourage the need
to drive and in order to encourage a healthy, multi-modal lifestyle, connections to these parks and
beyond the city limits can be made even more appealing.
Identify at least one street route from the south and from the north leading to both central
parks and make improvements to ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Provide bike storage at parks where people can safety stow their bicycles while playing.
Acquire the railroad right of ways through town and outside town to undergo a Rails to Trails
project that can link residents and visitors to destinations within and beyond Falls City.
Acquire and preserve future open spaces.
When it comes time for Falls City to update its urban growth boundary, acquire flatter land beyond the
current southwest boundary in order to set it aside as open space for future development.
Begin exploring this option now in order to be prepared when the next UGB update happens.
Create a mountain bike destination.
Due to its close proximity to the Black Rock mountain biking area, Falls City has a unique opportunity to
not only connect its residents to more recreation opportunities, but also, potentially, to capturing
revenue from the mountain bike economy around Black Rock.
Convert the old landfill into a campground that is designed to serve mountain bikers who visit
the area.
16| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
Facilitate a conversation between the Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards (GOATS) and the
Blackrock Mountain Biking Association (BRMBA) to garner lessons learned and develop a
strategy to negotiate with Weyerhauser for better access to Black Rock.
17| Brian Gunn, Kara Srnka, Kate Washington | June 2014| USP 531| Portland State University
APPENDIX A
Parks Inventory from Falls City Comprehensive Plan, Section I, page 10
Fay Wilson Memorial Park (Riverside Park or Lower Park) is a tree shaded 2.24-acre (0.91 hectare) area
adjacent to the south bank of the Little Luckiamute River near the City center. Its facilities include a
tennis court, barbecue grill, playground equipment, and picnic tables. Easy access to the river makes it a
very desirable spot for fishing. Evening activities can be accommodated due to the availability of
electrical connections. Michael S. Harding
Michael S. Harding Memorial Park (South Falls Park) is a .50-acre (.20 hectare) area adjacent to the
south side of the river about a quarter of a mile from the City center. Its main attraction is a close-up
view of the falls for which the City is named.
George Kitchen Memorial Park (Upper Park) is a 9.60-acre (3.88 hectare) area abutting the City's
northern boundary in the northwest section. It is the largest of the City parks and offers a wide array of
recreational activities. Picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, and a covered entertainment platform
are intermingled among towering Douglas fir trees that dominate the park’s landscape. Electrical
connections make this park a popular site for night activities. Also, a 2.00-acre (0.81 hectare) baseball
field equipped with a diamond and dugouts adjoins the park to the north.
Although not within the City limits, mention should be made of George Gerlinger State Park. This 3.3-
acre (1.34 hectare) area is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the western edge of the City on the south side of the
Little Luckiamute River. Swimming and fishing are popular at the park as is hiking on any of the scenic
trails that lead upstream and downstream.
Additional Open Spaces
The Erma Fergusson Pocket Park is a small, bus station-sized curbside park on the corner of 1st and
North Main Street. It contains a bench and a concrete pad imprinted with an accurate compass rose.
Falls City’s elementary and high school fields are wide open public spaces centrally located in the north
half of Falls City on Prospect Avenue that are used by school children during the week and open to the
public at other times.
Church yards are public assembly institutional lands. Falls City has two: First Christian Church and
Seventh Day Adventist Church.
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APPENDIX B
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APPENDIX C
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APPENDIX D
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APPENDIX E
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APPENDIX F
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APPENDIX G
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APPENDIX H