About Willamalane

Willamalane Park and Recreation District maintains and operates recreation facilities, community centers, pools, parks, trails, and natural areas in Springfield. In addition, the district provides recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, childcare, and recreational activities that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Created by voters in 1944, Willamalane is a special tax district, separate from the City of Springfield, governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by an executive director. In 2022, Willamalane earned CAPRA accreditation, which signifies that the organization’s overall quality of operations, management, and service to the community are aligned with industry best practices.

Learn more about

• Annual Report
• Board of Directors
• Budget Committee
• CAPRA Accreditation
• District Map
• Leadership Team
• Ordinance 100
• Park and Facility Rules 
• Photo Policy 
• Privacy Policy 
• Team Springfield
• Willamalane's Future
• Willamalane Park Foundation

Mission

To deliver exceptional parks and recreation to enrich the lives of everyone we serve. 

Values

• Belonging: We create a community where everyone connects, grows together, and works towards common goals.
• Healthy Lifestyle: We deliver inclusive and accessible programs, facilities, and parks that promote healthy living.
• Stewardship: We preserve and protect our natural and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy.
• Accessibility: We provide equitable access to recreational opportunities, regardless of ability, income, or background.
• Accountability: We uphold the highest ethical standards and build trust and respect in all interactions.
• Innovation: We strive to continuously improve our offerings with innovative and sustainable practices.

Vision

A healthy, active community where everyone belongs.

Land Acknowledgment

About the Land Acknowledgement

A land acknowledgment is usually spoken at the beginning of a public event to recognize the event is taking place on the land of Indigenous people, in this case, the Kalapuya people. 

This land acknowledgment is to bring awareness to the first peoples of this land we call home. It is important to understand the history that has brought you to reside on the land and to seek to understand your place in that history.

An Indigenous land acknowledgment should be used to recognize the Indigenous past, present, and future of our location and to understand our place in that relationship.

We do not want this land acknowledgment to just be empty words. We want it to be a call to action and next steps, and a contribution to our community. A land acknowledgment is just the beginning.

We hope to inspire others to take action to support Indigenous peoples and communities.

The Willamalane Land Acknowledgement Statement

We are located on Kalapuya Ilihi, the traditional indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya people. The Kalapuya people were dispossessed of their indigenous homelands following the treaties between 1851 and 1855. Then the Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to the Grand Ronde Reservation west of Salem. Today, Kalapuya descendants are primarily citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, they continue to make important contributions to their communities, our local community, the state of Oregon, and the world. We recognize these lands and waters and their significance for the Kalapuya people who lived and continue to live in this region.

We also express our respect to the many tribes that have ancestral connections to this land, and all Indigenous people who call this land their home.

Learn more about Willamalane's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.