Plans for a new welcome center at Smith Rock State Park have been halted by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) due to financial constraints. The project, which was anticipated to start construction in spring 2026, is now on pause as the department reallocates funds to address urgent maintenance needs across multiple state parks.
Funding for the welcome center was expected to come from a one-time allocation of $50 million in general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon legislature in 2021. However, OPRD announced that it will divert approximately $15 million from remaining bonds to tackle higher priority maintenance issues, including crucial upgrades to existing utilities and infrastructure.
In addition to the welcome center, the planned improvements at Smith Rock included enhanced parking facilities and the development of accessible trails. The welcome center was part of an updated master plan aimed at improving visitor experience, accessibility, and managing congestion at the park.
The pause in development is not limited to Smith Rock. Projects at Kam Wah Chung State Park, which included plans for a new interpretive center, as well as campground improvements at Champoeg and Silver Falls State Parks, are also affected. OPRD has indicated that the operational costs and maintenance have surpassed revenue by more than 30%, leading to a need for increased visitor fees this year to help bridge the gap.
According to Stephanie Knowlton, a spokesperson for OPRD, there is currently no timeline for when the halted projects may resume. “Oregon State Parks will re-evaluate each project once staff have a clearer picture of what our long-term budget will look like,” Knowlton stated. She emphasized the department’s desire to expand capacity, including new visitor centers and campgrounds, once sustainable funding becomes available.
The challenges facing the parks stem from unanticipated increases in the costs of materials, staffing, and consulting services since the original projects were identified in 2021. Matt Rippee, deputy director for field and community services with OPRD, noted that the agency did not foresee these substantial cost hikes or the revenue reductions that have since occurred.
“None of these were easy decisions but at this time it is vital we focus on projects that will extend the life of existing facilities rather than expanding,” Rippee explained. “Without this change, we would not be able to complete maintenance needs essential to protect and preserve our state parks.”
Currently, OPRD is estimating a $14 million shortfall in its operations budget for this biennium, primarily due to a decrease in lottery revenue and rising expenses. The agency is reviewing costs in an effort to improve its long-term financial sustainability.
Despite the funding challenges, interest in Oregon’s state parks continues to grow. Last year, parks across the state recorded 53.8 million visits, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by approximately 200,000 visits. Smith Rock State Park alone attracts around 1 million visitors annually, highlighting the increasing demand for park facilities and services.
As the situation develops, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department remains committed to addressing immediate maintenance needs while keeping the long-term vision for expanding and enhancing state parks in mind.
