PORTLAND, ORE. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will temporarily close Philippi Park for the 2013 recreation season. Albert Philippi Park is located on the John Day River about three miles southeast of John Day Lock and Dam on the Columbia River.
The Corps determined it must close Philippi Park in 2013 in order to operate within budget constraints. “The Portland District’s recreation budget has been facing cuts since 2009,” said Portland District Commander Col. John Eisenhauer. “We realize there will be some disappointed park visitors who enjoyed picnicking and camping there, but we must cut services to remain within our budget.”
“Because Philippi is a boat-in only park, repairs and maintenance are more expensive there than at other land-based parks due its remote location,” said Glen Smith, John Day-Willow Creek operations manager. “Closing Philippi Park offers us the largest cost reduction while impacting the smallest number of visitors.”
Individuals or organizations interested in pursuing management of the area must submit a statement of interest. “We have no plans to open Philippi Park in 2014, but we are providing information to stakeholders on a variety of options available under the law,” Smith said. “We will consider all viable alternatives for Philippi.”
The Corps will announce the application process and timelines for one alternative, submitting lease proposals for managing the park, once the process has been finalized. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the announcement when it is published should email their request to PhilippiPark@usace.army.mil.
For more information about the John Day-Willow Creek Project, visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/ColumbiaRiver.aspx.