ExperienceLANE COUNTY Park Hoppers

BY TAJ BARNHART MORGAN

AsSUMMER FADES TO FALL, there are still plenty of places to explore outside. In fact, familiar local parks and natural areas offer a seasonal change of scenery for a fresh experience. Touched with fall color, crisp with cooler air and crunchy leaves, tread on frequently traveled paths with a new perspective — or make more discoveries visiting a new destination!

Here are some family favorites that may have been overlooked on your summer rambles.

ROLLING ROCK INTERPRETIVE PARK, LOWELL

This small town park has many unique play structures for kids to explore. Themed around the railroad and historic logging industry, a paved path with painted rails connects children to various historic logging and railway artifacts. Kids can even explore a caboose! There is also a pedestrian covered bridge and an amphitheater.

Nearby: Lowell Covered Bridge Interpretive Center, Dexter State Recreation Site, Fall Creek National Recreation Trail

GARDEN LAKE PARK, CRESWELL

Right off Interstate 5, Garden Park has a small pond with a dock for catch and release fishing and canoeing. This unexpected natural area also features a pavilion of interpretive signage and tributes to the 1846

Nearby: Creswell Bakery, Hobby Field Airport

MEADOW PARK, SPRINGFIELD

This 7-acre park offers multi-sports fields and courts including pickleball, basketball, softball and baseball. There are picnic shelters that include a wheelchair-accessible grill and a community garden, but what makes this fun for kids of all ages is the playground structures featuring interactive musical play pieces.

Nearby: Island Park, Main Street Springfield, Washburne Historic District

TUGMAN PARK, SOUTH EUGENE

Flat paved paths loop about this park creating ideal circuits for tricycles, wagons, strollers and smooth, easy walking. Sand play areas facilitate digging and provide a soft surface for falls. The play structures include a multiplicity of swings — including a dual contraption for parents and toddlers to swing together — climbing structures and rideables. Wide open spaces invite disc tossing, flag football and soccer play. The charm of Tugman is enhanced by a natural creek winding through the park complete with shady woods, footbridges and natural areas. Meanderings may include spotting deer, newts and waterbugs.

Nearby: Amazon Park, Hideaway Bakery, Provisions South

WAYNE MORSE FAMILY FARM, SOUTH EUGENE

Once the home of Oregon Senator Wayne Morse, the beautiful grounds now include a sizable off-leash dog park, large lawns, a picnic shelter and woods alongside the historic house. While not a playground, this park is great for tossing a disc, meandering among the trees and playing with your pup. Tours of the house are typically offered once a year during the facility’s open house event. We like to visit here in the autumn to take leafy fall photos!

Nearby: Woodfield Station, Mt. Calvary Cemetery

DELTA PONDS, WEST EUGENE

If you haven’t discovered Delta Ponds yet, it is time! This familyfriendly wetlands is bordered by walking paths and bridges enabling access to the heart of the marshy ponds. Bring binoculars and a folding chair so you can observe ducks, birds, geese, herons, turtles, nutria, fish and more. The dirt and gravel paths are well-maintained enough to accommodate strollers.

Nearby: Valley River Center

JUNCTION CITY POND & ARCHERY PARK

Just off Highway 99 is a unique park featuring a fishing dock over a large freshwater pond (stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and winter) and an extensive, no-fee, archery range. Complete with restrooms, plenty of parking and a large picnic pavilion with many tables, Junction City Ponds is great for scout excursions, camps and birthday parties. Hike around the pond, watch ducks, pick blackberries in late summer and shoot arrows at targets (bring your own equipment). Safety rules are posted in the pavilion and children must be supervised.

Nearby: Fiddler’s Green Golf Centre

MILLER PARK, FLORENCE

Recently refreshed, Miller Park offers a fenced, chip-based romping area with climbing structures and slides, rubber landing pads, swings accommodating a variety of ages, a skate park and multiple sports fields. There is a picnic pavilion and a concessions snack stand!

Nearby: Oregon Coast Military Museum, City Lights Cinema

Hopefully, you are inspired to find a new park and keep getting outside throughout the fall! ✦