PORTLAND, Ore. – Changes are coming to Lakeside Park, a popular summer recreation area on the northwest shore of Cottage Grove Reservoir near Cottage Grove, Oregon.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is removing old, deteriorating restrooms and replacing them with more efficient vault-style toilets that are easier and less expensive to maintain.
Work crews will begin moving equipment to the site on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and demolition of the old buildings is likely to begin that week. The Corps expects the entire project to be completed before the park opens in early May.
Although the area of the park under construction is closed for the season, the boat launch and nearby parking area are open year-round.
“Due to safety concerns, we are asking park visitors to avoid the work area during construction,” said Park Manager Tami Schroeder. “We encourage people to use other areas around the lake for activities such as exercising and dog-walking.”
Replacing the current restroom facilities with concrete vault toilets will reduce operation and maintenance costs and decrease stress on the aging water and sewage systems at Cottage Grove Reservoir. The new facilities will also better accommodate people with disabilities.
This project is being funded through the Corps’ National Recreation Adjustment Plan, which supports local projects that promote efficiency and sustainability while continuing to provide high-quality recreation opportunities. NRAP funding is awarded through a competitive process. The Lakeside restroom and Schwarz campsite projects were the top two projects of 37 submitted from the Corps’ Northwestern Division.
Last month, the Corps announced that the volunteer host campsite upgrades at Schwarz Campground would begin soon. That project has been delayed until late January or early February.
For more information, contact the Corps park ranger office at 541-942-5631.
Release no. 15-002