August 22, 2014

Updates on Bob & Crystal Rilee Park on Parrett Mt.


The address is 10500 Parrett Mt. Road in Newberg. From 99W, turn onto Haugen Road (right if driving north; left is driving south). After about two miles, turn right at the T onto Parrett Mt. Road, then look for the small CPRD sign at the gate for the trailhead. For Google directions, click here



March 2015
CPRD Recreation Department is holding a Mother's Day Tea from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th at historic Parrett Mt. Farmhouse. Reserve your spot today.




May 2015 - Trails open again
Trails which had been closed for winter maintenance are now open again for your enjoyment. 

December 2014 - Trails closing for winter

CPRD will be closing the horse trails for winter once the weather becomes inclement. No date is set; we are monitoring to extend use to equestrians as long as seems practical. This closure is to protect the trails. We will reopen them in spring.

October 2014 - WH Pacific

At the October 23 Board meeting, staff reported that WH Pacific was the recommendation following the RFQ process, for both Bob and Crystal Rilee Park and Ewing Young Park. What's next? The planning process will be organized and a timeline created. Staff expects the planning process to take around a year. Expect a public process will be part of this, with meetings and opportunity for public comments. Check back here for updates.

June 2014 - RFQ for Master Plan

At its regular Board meeting on June 26, 2014, the CPRD Board of Directors authorized the superintendent to submit an RFQ (Request for Quotation) for a developmental and operational master plan for Bob and Crystal Rilee Park, and also a master plan for Ewing Young Park. 

April 2014 - The equestrian trails are open for use now. To get there from 99W, go south on Haugen Road, then right on Parrett Mt. Road. The parking lot is in a wooded area. This is the only access point that is open for the trail. Hours are 7 a.m. to dusk.

New recreation classes and Camp CARE are already holding activities on the property. Check out the Trailblazing class


Feb. 10, 2014 - CPRD property purchase complete

Bob and Crystal Rilee Park has moved closer to opening to the public.

Chehalem Park and Recreation District’s purchase of Parrett Mountain Farm from the Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Foundation was completed on Jan. 29, 2014.

This transaction is part of the Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Foundation’s larger property donation to CPRD valued at more than $6 million.

The foundation donated over $6 million worth of land to CPRD in exchange for a $280,000 purchase price for the 327 acres of property on Parrett Mountain. The relatively low price was figured to cover the foundation's attorney bills and remaining debt engendered by the embezzlement case involving the foundation’s former executive director Liz Rhode.  

“This decision to give the land to CPRD was made by the foundation as a positive answer to the best future interests of the community, following the wishes of Crystal Rillee to benefit people and allow them to enjoy the land she'd acquired,” said Mary Dugan, vice president of the foundation. “Crystal wanted people to enjoy the land and the beauty of nature there and was adamantly against any future residential or business development on the property, so she would be very pleased to have it become a park.” 

With this acquisition and the addition of the new Bob and Crystal Rilee Park, the number of parks in Chehalem Park and Recreation District will become 23.

“This generous donation from the foundation will become a valuable legacy for our community,” said CPRD Public Information Coordinator Kat Ricker. “Not only will the equestrian community return to the trails it has previously enjoyed, but the public is sure to be impressed with the opportunities our Board and staff are already planning for this spectacular property.”

Bob and Crystal Rilee Park will be a scenic nature park with trails, including equestrian trails. These trails will be part of Chehalem Heritage Trails. The new park could be open as early as July.

Some of the property will continue to be leased for farming, and discussion is underway for a  potential historical museum piece to preserve the history of Parrett Mountain and the farming heritage of the land. The property also contains potential rental facilities for special events such as weddings and business retreats.

The CPRD Board of Directors approved the lease-purchase Oct. 24, 2013. 

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