Blue River Park: Wildfire Recovery Master Plan

Explore the Blue River Park Wildfire Recovery Master Plan

Blue River Park is the heart of the McKenzie Valley. For nearly 70 years, it has been a treasured hub for the local community, and a draw for the many visitors who come to experience its beauty and nature. In September 2020, a devastating wildfire destroyed much of the community of Blue River and its beloved park.

The devastation to our park must be seen as an opportunity to provide the community and visitors to the McKenzie Valley with better facilities and a more useful shared space. The Blue River Park District wants to rebuild back better than ever before, once again becoming a favorite place for locals and visitors to experience the beauty and joy of the McKenzie River Valley.

In January of 2021, the University of Oregon’s Landscape Architecture Program offered to help redesign Blue River Park, and a concept plan was soon drafted. In 2022, the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA), funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was recruited to help with community outreach efforts. Based on input from community members and other stakeholders, a recovery master plan was finalized.

The goal of this plan is to plot a road map to rebuild Blue River Community Park. The document aims to provide options, guidance, and inspiration to the board when deciding which project to tackle next. We believe that this plan takes into account the needs of residents to have a safe and practical place to recreate, while also being enjoyable for tourists.

Appendix & References

Blue River Park Official Website
First Survey Responses
First Community Meeting Recording
Second Survey Responses
Second Community Meeting Recording
Historic Content