Budget Cuts Force Oregon City to Close Every Public Park, Sparking Local Outrage

An Oregon city has sparked frustration among residents after shutting down and fencing off its parks in an effort to cut costs.

Independence, a city about 12 miles from Salem, drew criticism on Tuesday after officials said local parks had been closed because of “insufficient funding.”

“These parks will remain closed dusk to dusk, and the city of Independence will not accept liability for anyone entering the parks,” the city wrote.

Officials first announced Monday that Riverview Park, Dog Park, Mt Fir Park and Sunset Meadows Park would be closed “until further notice.”

A day later, the city expanded the closures to include Pioneer Park, Henry Hill Park and the Heritage Museum.

“I think closing parks, which is a way for our kid to get out and spend quality time with family and get energy out rather than staying at home on computers, is quite devastating,” local parent John Weatherall told KOIN.

The city’s financial pressures had already surfaced last year, when officials considered a proposed fee to support the parks, museum and library, according to city budget documents.

“The past year of operating under reduced staffing and service levels has demonstrated that current General Fund resources are not sufficient to sustain existing service levels in these departments over time,” the documents said.

‘Without additional revenue, further reductions to services would be necessary.’ 

After a levy failed in 2024, the city council voted to approve a fee that would increase monthly household costs by around $12.50 to keep the community spaces open, KOIN reported.

But after community members collected enough signatures, the fee was put to a referendum set to appear on the November ballot. 

The move subsequently kept the city from collecting money for funding, according to the outlet. 

‘We had to stop taking any revenue in from that fee,’ Mayor Kate Schwarzler told KPTV. 

‘Without that money coming in, that revenue coming in, it’s hard for us to find the money from other sources to be able to continue those services,’ she added, noting that there was no available overflow or emergency funding available. 

Should it pass, the referendum would generate $938,000. Meanwhile, the current park closures saves the city around $41,000 per month, according to KOIN.

‘Hopefully people can understand that. We have been talking about this for years,’ the mayor told the outlet. 

On her website, Schwarzler said that since 2023 the city has eliminated or left vacant 11 positions. 

‘Service levels have been reduced across multiple departments. Library hours were cut. City Hall closed on Fridays. The Library and Museum were combined into one Community Services Department. Plans were made to sell the Museum building and at least one park. The City stopped producing Independence Days and helped transition it to a community organization,’ she said. 

‘Staff have examined departments, staffing, facilities, debt, contracts and service levels. The City has pursued early debt repayment where possible, including a plan expected to save approximately $110,000 in interest. Council and the community Budget Committee have spent many hours reviewing the budget, asking questions and considering options.’

‘These steps reduced expenses. They did not eliminate the underlying gap…The difficult truth is that no single administrative cut, efficiency or vacant position produces enough money to maintain all of the services our community expects,’ she added.

On Tuesday, tall fences surrounded parks across Independence alongside signage warning people to stay out. 

‘Well, because you didn’t pay the money because the levy failed, we’re going to take your toys away until you comply,’ Amber Covarrubias told KPTV. 

‘They want to sit here and say that’s not what’s happening. Well, they’re full of c***.’

‘All they’re telling us now is, “We told you this was coming.” But you sure as hell didn’t give us a warning as to which day and when. We woke up to this,’ she added.

The city had previously curbed closures of the parks, library and museum by reducing staff and hours of operation in an attempt to keep them open. 

‘The city has also delayed purchases, reduced expenses and left positions vacant,’ the city said. 

Officials also said that volunteers would be a liability issue. 

Weatherall told KPTV: ‘It’s devastating. We ride our bikes here multiple times a week; we drive here multiple times a week. During the summer, we’re at the parks almost every single day.’ 

Former city manager David Klyne told the outlet that the city should have explored other options instead of resorting to a complete closure. 

‘Your job is to find the ways it takes as a city manager to provide the leadership, provide the guidance to your council that allows them to support the services this community wants,’ he said. ‘This community wants this park really badly.’

The city said it does intend to enforce the closures and arrest any who trespass. 

‘Our community services are a big part of who we are. I remain committed to doing everything responsibly possible to reach a point when things can reopen – and to building a stronger, more sustainable foundation for all the services that make Independence a place we are proud to call home,’ the mayor added.

Our News Outlet reached out to the City of Independence and Mayor Kate Schwarzler for comment.