FRIENDS OF FORDS POND

This project will provide safe access to new walking opportunities for existing and expanded user groups and is a priority of the city’s Parks and Open Space Plan (2005) and the Ford’s Pond Master Plan (2017). According to public input during the master planning process, the park’s recreational potential could not be realized due to inaccessibility issues and mobility-challenged persons felt underserved. These barriers were cited as the reason many did not use the park, with “falling/injury” listed as a primary concern. The public’s perception is that the park is only for able-bodied persons. We are aiming to achieve funding for the first improvements at Ford’s Pond, which is a 1.7-mile ADA-Accessible pathway.

Utilize funding through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, private donations and charitable foundations. We have partnered with local organizations Including:
The Ford Family Foundation
Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation
Rotary Club of Sutherlin
Lions Club of Sutherlin
Sutherlin Area Chamber of Commerce
Umpqua Valley Audubon Society
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

We have 5 board members and a pro-bono grant writer and 37 volunteers working hard to achieve our goals.

In 2019, the Friends prepared 2 state parks grants totaling $632,000, on the city's behalf, which were awarded; obtained matching grants and donations totaling $76,000 from The Ford Family Foundation, Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, Sutherlin Area Chamber of Commerce, C. Giles Hunt Charitable Trust, Rotary and Lions Clubs, local businesses and individuals, to fund the first phase of capital improvements. In 2020, design and engineering services are underway to construct an ADA-accessible path and parking area, and utilities for a future restroom.