Press Release   ·   September 23, 2026

Parks Commission approves acquisition of Abiqua Falls, agency considers next steps

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission received an update about the Agency Request Budget, approved acquisition of Abiqua Falls properties and approved several rule updates at its Sept. 23 meeting.

Abiqua Falls properties

The commission approved acquisition of the Abiqua Falls properties for $2 million. The purchase includes 160 acres of land with unmaintained, user-created trails leading to areas popular for hiking, photography, and fishing.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is still working through options for the properties’ development and management. The agency anticipates having something more concrete by the time the property transaction closes, likely near the end of the year.

“Abiqua Falls is a great example that parks are not just nature,” said OPRD director Lisa Sumption. “It takes continuous staff, time and money for us to bring a property like this up to state park standards and keep it there.”

Depending on the level of development and management structure, the cost of this work varies. The commission directed OPRD staff to provide an update in November, prior to finalizing the transaction, about plans for development and long-term management as a result of ongoing discussions with Marion County and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

OPRD submits balanced budget

The agency submitted its budget for the 2027-2029 biennium to the Governor at the end of August.

“I’m proud to say we’re able to present a balanced budget despite the financial pressures we’re facing,” said chief financial officer Sarah Head. “By making tough decisions like increasing fees and hiring fewer seasonal park rangers, our budget is more stable in the short term.”

OPRD is currently reviewing data about visitation and revenue for the summer and will share information with the commission at the November meeting.

Additional items included:

• Approving disposition of the Frenchglen Corrals to the Frenchglen School District.
• Approving construction contracts for Silver Falls for well construction.
• Approving adoption of amendments to the archaeological permit, Local Government Grant Program, Land and Water Conservation, and agency procurement rules.

The next commission meeting will be held in Newport on Nov. 17 and 18, 2026. The full agenda packet will be available online one week in advance.

To watch the September commission meeting or any others, visit OPRD’s YouTube page and find supporting documents on the commission web page.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year virtually or at locations across the state.

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