STRONGER
Together
OREGON STATE PARKS & OREGON LOTTERY DOLLARS It Started with One Woman’s Vision
On the day after her 1845 wedding, Sarah Helmick left behind friends, family, and everything she had ever known. She and her husband loaded all they could in a covered wagon and set out across the plains for Oregon. They took up a land claim that included several scenic, shaded acres along the Luckiamute River, just south of Monmouth. There, they raised family, farmed, and, in Sarah’s case, lived to celebrate her 100th birthday. Sarah marked this milestone in the early 1920s with a momentous gift—not one she received, but one she gave. She donated several acres of the family’s original land claim to the State of Oregon for use as a park, a place we know today as the Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site.
It Grew From There
Sarah’s generous gesture turned out to be more than just a park; it provided the spark that ignited the founding of our state parks system. In the years since, it’s a system that has grown into more than 250 parks, recreation areas and heritage sites. From campers to climbers, hikers to horse-riders, Oregonians of all types avail themselves of a state park system that’s second to none. It’s a bond that became even stronger in 1998 when Oregon voters dedicated a portion of Oregon Lottery proceeds to operating and preserving the many unique places of beauty that comprise our state parks system.
One Centennial Begets Another
Sarah’s personal centennial turned out to be a watershed moment for Oregon State Parks. Today, we celebrate another centennial: the 100th Anniversary of the Oregon State Parks System. Your Lottery play has helped keep our parks strong. Together, we’re doing good things for these irreplaceable treasures. Congratulations, Oregon State Parks; here’s to the next 100 years. Sarah would be so proud! L O T T E R Y G A M E S A R E B A S E D O N C H A N C E A N D S H O U L D B E P L AY E D F O R E N T E R TA I N M E N T O N LY.
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