Recreation Roundup: by John Miles, Parks & Rec Commission chair

This has been an incredibly busy month. I had shoulder surgery and have been in a sling for the past six weeks, which has really made me appreciate the good health I have enjoyed for most of my 67 years. I should get it off this week! Take care of yourselves by exercising regularly at one of our great community parks. I’m recovering well, and the physical therapists are enjoying pushing me past the point of pain, but that’s what it takes to recover. I’m looking forward to being able to cut my own food when I eat, and being able to actually write, and not look like a toddler who got into the crayons.
As far as parks go, there is encouraging news. The cleanup at Old Stage Park went well. Between city crews and enthusiastic volunteers, a 20-yard dumpster that was donated by SOS was completely filled, and the park looks great. Many thanks to Roger Brandt for making this happen. The city crew was also active and cut a fire break between the park and the homes just above it. Unfortunately, we did not get the planning grant for Old Stage Park, but since all the paperwork is done, we are still looking for other grantors for funding.
There is great news for the spray pad at Jubilee Park. Thanks to lots of behind-the-scenes efforts by city staff, the engineer has developed a design that fits with the concept the parks commission envisioned as well as being within budget. The engineer is preparing construction documents, and as soon as they are done, contractors will be invited to submit bids. We are expecting to begin construction in July or early August and have the dedication in conjunction with Labor Day festivities in the park. Stay tuned for the announcement of the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Parks Commission is working on a long-term development plan for Jubilee Park. We have a large overhead picture of the park, and scale model layouts for various park amenities. We will be at various park events and invite you to come and move the models around to help us figure out an arrangement where everything fits and works as a whole for Cave Junction.
As always, we invite your input. Our next meeting will be July 6, at 7 p.m. at City Hall. You can always reach us at our email, cjparkcommission@cavejunctionoregon.us.