Southworth Park Grant

Southworth Park overhead plan

For immediate release: 

Sept 14th, 2022

Waldport receives $750,000 parks grant from State

The City of Waldport has been awarded a grant of $750,000 from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department’s Local Government Grant Program for the development of Southworth Park located at the old high school property in downtown Waldport. 

The grant, matched by $200,000 in city funding will pay to build an ADA accessible playground and equipment, a walking track, covered eating area, a solid surface sports court, accessible bathrooms, and the engineering & site preparation. 

“Over a decade ago we started the discussion around what the city might to do bring a park to the former high school property,” said Greg Holland, mayor. “After years of council meetings, public charettes, and staff planning, I am happy to be part of the team that finally is able to bring serious resources to this project to get it under way.”

The engineering, bidding and construction of the project will start within the next few months, with an anticipated completion date in 2024. 

“I went to high school in Waldport, and seeing the old high school lot sit empty for so many years has been really hard,” offered Jayme Morris, city councilor. “Development of a park was one of my primary goals when elected, and I am so excited that we received funding this round after State Parks suspended the LGGP during the COVID shutdown.”

For additional information contact the City at 541-563-3561 or email dann.cutter@waldport.org

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The City of Waldport, founded in 1911, lies near the center of the Oregon coastline, at the mouth of the Alsea River. It has a population of 2321 as of June 2021, and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, crabbing and fishing, hiking trails and a beautiful oceanfront.