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Exploring Accessibility at Lane County Parks

Lane County Parks strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all visitors feel safe and respected.

Laura Linn

Lane County Parks

Commitment to Accessibility

Lane County Parks is committed to making our natural spaces inclusive and accessible to everyone. 

Our Key Strategies:

  • Information Accessibility: We're devoted to offering comprehensive online park information, empowering visitors.
  • Inclusive Policies and Procedures: We enhance our policies to actively support inclusivity. Seeking feedback from the community to ensure our parks and policies are genuinely welcoming.
  • Connectivity and Access Improvements: Investing in park infrastructure, we improve facilities, paths, and trails, creating accessible routes and trails for diverse abilities.
  • Enhanced Trailheads: Transforming trailheads into accessible hubs, we introduce amenities like restrooms, parking, water stations, interpretive signage and accommodations, enhancing the overall park experience.
  •  Community Collaboration:  We believe collaboration is crucial. Actively engaging communities and advocates ensures our accessibility initiatives align with diverse needs.   Lane County Parks is dedicated to making your experience memorable and accessible.

Join us on this journey toward greater inclusivity and accessibility in Lane County parks. Together, we can create spaces that celebrate the rich tapestry of our community and provide meaningful outdoor experiences for all.

Accessible Trails

Howard Buford Recreation Area

Accessible Trails

Howard Buford Recreation Area is a favorite spot for visitors looking to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. In collaboration with the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, we’re proud to offer accessibility features that make it easier for everyone to explore, including well-maintained trails, ADA-accessible parking and restrooms, and all-terrain wheelchair rentals. Whether you're out for a scenic hike, a quiet picnic, or just some fresh air, we want to make sure everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to connect with nature

  •  Improved Access Loop  - is wider, full of resting spots and minimal elevation gain. 
    • Bark mulch, gravel surface
    • 36" or wider except after Incense cedar exhibit
    • 0-15% grade
  •  "Barrier Free" Loop  which is inspired by accessibility standards with gradual elevation gains and some narrower section. 
    • Compacted gravel, fine mulch, bark mulch surface
    • 36" or wider
    • 0-5% grade except when entering/exiting the Wildflower Garden (5-10%)

For more information on visiting the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum trails visit their  accessibility page .

David's Chair

All Terrain Wheelchair Access

David's Chair - All Terrain Wheelchair Access

Lane County has secured funding to support mobility chairs at two of its parks, in Eugene and the coast. Access is available through David's Chair, a 501 C (3) nonprofit that allows people with mobility challenges to use track chairs at no cost. 

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum - Eugene OR Enjoy the beauty of the Howard Buford Recreation Area and the Arboretum with this complimentary chair, available every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Heceta Beach - Florence OR Enjoy the Oregon Coast at Heceta Beach with this complimentary chair, available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Driftwood Shores.

To reserve a  chair, visit the David's Chair  website. Under reserve a fixed location, scroll to find the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum or Florence, OR.

David's Chair in the News

All Together for David's Chair

Mobi-mat

Mobi-mats

Heceta Beach has non-slip pathways to provide easy access for wheelchairs, strollers, and those with limited mobility, allowing more people to enjoy the sand. Thanks to grant funds from the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and support from Travel Lane County, the mats create a 120-foot-long, 6-foot-wide stable path to the beach.

Mobi Mats in the News

Affordable Access to Parks

Affordable Access to Parks

Lane County Parks (LCP) is dedicated to ensuring everyone can enjoy nature by keeping park fees affordable. We recognize that cost can be a barrier for individuals and families, so we’ve kept park fees low for the past five years and now offer discounted options for community members.

Parking Fees:

  • Day Pass: $5
  • Annual Pass: $40
  • Senior Annual Pass: $20
  • Veterans Annual Pass: $20
  • Disabled Veterans Annual Pass: Free
  • WIC Benefit Holders: Free
  • LCP Volunteers w 10+ hours: Free

Free Entry Days: No pass required

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Washington’s Birthday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

To get a pass, visit the  Parks office  or call us Monday - Friday between 9 am and 4 pm at 541-682-2000. WIC passes can be picked up at the  Health and Human Services WIC office  in Lane County.

Waterway Access Project

Waterway Access Project

Lane County Parks, in collaboration with community partners, is enhancing accessibility along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. After extensive site evaluations, an accessible pathway and adaptive launch site are planned next to the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum parking lot.

With funding from the Oregon State Marine Board and County contributions, the project’s first phase is focused on design, engineering, and permitting, ensuring ADA-compliance. The second phase will include site preparation and construction of a concrete pathway leading to a non-motorized boat landing.

This initiative will establish the first fully ADA-accessible pathway and adaptive launch on the Willamette River, providing inclusive recreational opportunities for all visitors.

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