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History

Workers in high-visibility jackets with an excavator in a forested area with burnt trees.

About the Behms

Fred and Dorothy Behm moved to the community of Blue River in 1941. Fred was a logger and tree farmer and he and Dorothy acquired timberland in the area. They actively supported causes that benefited the community and in 1952 made a gift of this property to the community for use as a park.

All of the improvements and maintenance have been accomplished by volunteers and sustained by donations. Oversight has continuously been provided by a local board of directors. All sorts of events have taken place here including little league and community baseball, high school track, fundraising “turkey shoots” just before the fall hunting season, outdoor concerts, “trunk or treat” at Halloween, community gardening, “slab dances” and a host of other activities.

The Future

On the night of Labor Day, 2020, the Blue River Park, along with most of the surrounding town, was devastated by the Holiday Farm Fire. But with great challenges come great opportunities. As we approach our 70th anniversary, the Blue River Park District wants to build back better than ever before, once again becoming a favorite place for locals and visitors to experience the beauty and joy of the McKenzie River Valley.  Join us in our journey by donating, volunteering, or getting in touch with ideas and suggestions. 

Blue River Park 1952 – 1997

This is a series of historical news clippings and official documents covering 45 years of the Park’s history, compiled by Dorothy Behm. Use the arrows on the Left & Right to navigate through the document or select a specific page via the carousel at the bottom. There are 90+ pages.

Title page with handwritten text: "Blue River Park 1952-1997," "Matineal Compiled by Dorothy Behm," some ink smudges.
A handwritten list of dates and events or documents, possibly for archival or historical records.
A handwritten list of dates and event descriptions, possibly record-keeping entries, including "Blue River Park."
A typed document addressing controversy over a proposed State Highway Commission rock crusher near Blue River.
Typed document discussing concerns related to water supply, environmental impact, and infrastructure projects in a community.
A typewritten document discussing community development and a recreation area proposal.
A typed document discussing town development near a river, with references to residential sections and local expansion indications.
This is a rotated, hand-drawn sketch or map with annotations, featuring some form of planning or diagramming, and labeled "Blue River."
Annotated engineering or survey drawing with coordinates and details, showing a section near the "Blue River".
A hand-drawn map or survey sketch with measurements, labels, and a legend, possibly outlining land features or property boundaries.
An article titled "Park may tighten up on user fees and regulations," with handwritten notes on the side and three thumbtack emojis.
Newspaper clipping: "Group hopes to buy land to prevent logging" discussing efforts to save land near Blue River from deforestation.
A document titled "Copy" with handwritten text and signatures, dated July 30, 1977.
An article titled "$106,000 sought to buy hillside" discussing efforts to prevent a clear-cut logging on a property.
A document titled "Bargain and Sale Deed" from Lane County. Contains signatures and dates, indicating a legal transaction.
A legal document titled "BARGAIN AND SALE DEED" for property in Lane County, Oregon, with detailed descriptions of land boundaries.
A document detailing the transfer of Blue River Park property to a recreation district, dated September 11, 1984.
Document discussing transfer matters of Blue River Park and associated funds to Blue River Park and Recreation District.
A typed document from Lane County Office of Legal Counsel regarding tax issues and property ownership.
It's a document titled "AGENDA COVER MEMO" dated September 4, 1984, discussing matters related to Blue River Park and Recreation District.
A typed letter concerning property transfer and related concerns from a park and recreation district, dated July 13, 1984.
It's a memorandum from Lane County discussing the acquisition of Blue River Park and a request to remove taxes assessed in error.
A letter from Lane County Legal Counsel regarding the transfer of Blue River Park, dated July 11, 1984, with signatures and annotations.
A partially visible typed letter with several handwritten signatures at the bottom.
A typed letter from Blue River Park and Recreation District discussing the transfer of property, addressed to Teresa Wilson, dated June 15, 1984.
A black and white scheme with numbers, dotted lines, and text, possibly a technical diagram or map.
Land parcel legal descriptions with measurements and bearings in Lane County, Oregon.
A document from Willamette Valley Title Co., detailing a reservation clause from a deed for land intended as a public park.
An amended report from Willamette Valley Title Co. regarding title insurance, Lane County, Oregon, dated May 30, 1984.
1984 legal correspondence regarding Blue River Park & Recreation District, addressing property tax concerns for transferred land.
A photo of handwritten staff notes dated January 19, 1984, discussing park equipment, insurance, and related administrative issues.
Handwritten page discussing matters related to a park board, budget, and disagreement with the county council. Dated January 19, 1984.
May contain: page and text
May contain: page, text, and letter
A document from Blue River Park Advisory Board dated October 22, 1952, with signatures and an official seal from 1983.
A map of Blue River Community Park, detailing facilities like picnic tables, a track, a baseball diamond, toilets, and parking.
A zoning map for Blue River Water District showing future land use and zoning district codes.
A black and white map of the Blue River area showing a river, roads, and district boundaries.
A black and white vicinity map showing regions, towns, and geographical features, labeled "MAP No. 1."
A scanned document with bullet points about a proposal addressing community service needs, lacking negative effects on local government, dated January 19, 1984.
Document discussing budget and planning for Blue River Park, dated January 19, 1984.
This is a typewritten document discussing the formation of a proposed park district and related findings, dated January 19, 1984.
A document discussing service availability, growth projections, park land development, and recommendations for boundary commission action dated January 19, 1984.
A typed document discussing budget and service considerations for a park district maintenance proposal, dated January 19, 1984.
Document discussing Lane County park services, boundary changes, and community impact in Blue River, dated January 19, 1984.
The image contains a document with text regarding personnel costs, planned revenues, and a staff analysis on park district boundary changes.
Document discussing a proposal for a new park district, reasons for it, park operation plans, financial values, and tax rates from 1982-83.
Document discussing Blue River Park management, donations, improvements, and facilities including a caretaker's role. Date: January 19, 1984.
Text discussing Blue River Water District, park plans, and recommendations for facilities and vegetation protection.
A document detailing land use information based on a 1976 survey and discussing future land use proposals for Blue River, dated January 19, 1984.
Document detailing procedures for setting up government districts and describing the Blue River area's location, history, and future plans.
Document detailing procedural steps for a boundary commission proposal and its review process. Dated January 19, 1984.
Document discussing the formation of the Blue River Park and Recreation District in Lane County, dated January 19, 1984.
It's a newspaper article about a public hearing for a new park district proposal.
A legal land survey description document from Stephen H. Ford, Inc., dated April 18, 1980.
A document describing directional measurements and distance points for a 60-foot easement in Lane County, Oregon.
An easement description document with coordinates and distances for a property survey.
A letter discussing encroachments and right-of-way issues, with the signatories expressing willingness to resolve the matter.
1981 letter about establishing a 60-foot right-of-way through Blue River Park and addressing encroachments related to fencing, toilets, and a track.
A newspaper article discussing park management issues in Lane County, Oregon, with no simple solutions to funding and maintenance problems.
A page with handwritten text and three punched holes on the side.
A 1977 letter from a law firm regarding a right of way issue for clients Fred and Dorothy Behm.
A typewritten letter discussing fund-raising activities for a youth athletic association.
A written note describing the first Ice Wine Jamboree with teams from California and Washington, involving an estimated 500 people.
A faded document about the first annual McKenzie River Invitational Pee Wee Jamboree held in 1953, with game schedules, rules, and notes.
The image shows a document with text and signatures, related to an agreement involving park supervisors and county commissioners.
An amended agreement document involving park supervisors, funding for Blue River Park, with text redacted and pen markings.
Document titled "Warranty Deed" from Lane County Abstract Company, Eugene, Oregon, with text and signature.
A warranty deed document from Lane County, Oregon, dated December 30, 1952, with legal descriptions of property transfer.
A document with text regarding Blue River Park funds, agreements, and amendments, signed by multiple parties.
A typewritten document about the Board of Supervisors for Blue River Park detailing rules, duties, and financial reporting.
The image shows a text document related to the Blue River Park Fund and the appointment of a Board of Park Supervisors.
A legal agreement document regarding land conveyance for park purposes and a monetary donation for Blue River Park.
An image of a newspaper article titled "Flying Rocks and Tempers Quieted Around Blue River" dated February 7, 1963.
A mostly blank page with handwritten text and date "Feb. 21, 1952" and "Oregon Journal" at the bottom.
An image showing various newspaper articles, with headlines such as "Blue River Protests" and "Five Youths Get Jail Sentences."
Scanned documents related to property, including a title abstract and handwritten note on access to Blue River Park.
A document titled "QUITCLAIM DEED" involving a transaction dated February 1952 from parties Orel O'Brien and Frances Grazier O'Brien.
A mostly blank page with "Clipping from Regatta Record" handwritten in black ink.
The image shows a newspaper article discussing local residents' concerns about a rock crusher and its impact on the Blue River area.
A typed list of names with occupations/roles, mentioning a delegation from Blue River with Clarence Belknap as speaker and various property owners.
A typewritten list of names with annotations and signatures on the side.
A petition by Blue River residents to relocate a planned rock pit due to concerns about public nuisance and an offer of funding for an alternative community recreational area.
A typed document expressing concerns about a rock crusher and stockpile project near residential areas, affecting water supplies and the local environment.
The image shows a typewritten letter with some text obscured, discussing construction activities and community growth.
A 1952 letter from Oregon State Highway Department confirming a meeting reservation to discuss a rock crushing plant operation.
A mostly blank white page with the handwritten text "Clipping from" and a signature.
Newspaper clippings about community concerns in Blue River regarding a rock crusher and a bus hired for a caravan.
A printed document with faint text and "Register-Guard Editorial" in bold, with three-hole punches on the right side.
Scanned document expressing reassurances to Blue River residents about local rock crushing operations and water supply concerns.
The image shows a typed document with annotations and corrections, discussing community issues like dams, logging, and local government.
Title page with handwritten text: "Blue River Park 1952-1997," "Matineal Compiled by Dorothy Behm," some ink smudges.
A handwritten list of dates and events or documents, possibly for archival or historical records.
A handwritten list of dates and event descriptions, possibly record-keeping entries, including "Blue River Park."
A typed document addressing controversy over a proposed State Highway Commission rock crusher near Blue River.
Typed document discussing concerns related to water supply, environmental impact, and infrastructure projects in a community.
A typewritten document discussing community development and a recreation area proposal.
A typed document discussing town development near a river, with references to residential sections and local expansion indications.
This is a rotated, hand-drawn sketch or map with annotations, featuring some form of planning or diagramming, and labeled "Blue River."
Annotated engineering or survey drawing with coordinates and details, showing a section near the "Blue River".
A hand-drawn map or survey sketch with measurements, labels, and a legend, possibly outlining land features or property boundaries.
An article titled "Park may tighten up on user fees and regulations," with handwritten notes on the side and three thumbtack emojis.
Newspaper clipping: "Group hopes to buy land to prevent logging" discussing efforts to save land near Blue River from deforestation.
A document titled "Copy" with handwritten text and signatures, dated July 30, 1977.
An article titled "$106,000 sought to buy hillside" discussing efforts to prevent a clear-cut logging on a property.
A document titled "Bargain and Sale Deed" from Lane County. Contains signatures and dates, indicating a legal transaction.
A legal document titled "BARGAIN AND SALE DEED" for property in Lane County, Oregon, with detailed descriptions of land boundaries.
A document detailing the transfer of Blue River Park property to a recreation district, dated September 11, 1984.
Document discussing transfer matters of Blue River Park and associated funds to Blue River Park and Recreation District.
A typed document from Lane County Office of Legal Counsel regarding tax issues and property ownership.
It's a document titled "AGENDA COVER MEMO" dated September 4, 1984, discussing matters related to Blue River Park and Recreation District.
A typed letter concerning property transfer and related concerns from a park and recreation district, dated July 13, 1984.
It's a memorandum from Lane County discussing the acquisition of Blue River Park and a request to remove taxes assessed in error.
A letter from Lane County Legal Counsel regarding the transfer of Blue River Park, dated July 11, 1984, with signatures and annotations.
A partially visible typed letter with several handwritten signatures at the bottom.
A typed letter from Blue River Park and Recreation District discussing the transfer of property, addressed to Teresa Wilson, dated June 15, 1984.
A black and white scheme with numbers, dotted lines, and text, possibly a technical diagram or map.
Land parcel legal descriptions with measurements and bearings in Lane County, Oregon.
A document from Willamette Valley Title Co., detailing a reservation clause from a deed for land intended as a public park.
An amended report from Willamette Valley Title Co. regarding title insurance, Lane County, Oregon, dated May 30, 1984.
1984 legal correspondence regarding Blue River Park & Recreation District, addressing property tax concerns for transferred land.
A photo of handwritten staff notes dated January 19, 1984, discussing park equipment, insurance, and related administrative issues.
Handwritten page discussing matters related to a park board, budget, and disagreement with the county council. Dated January 19, 1984.
May contain: page and text
May contain: page, text, and letter
A document from Blue River Park Advisory Board dated October 22, 1952, with signatures and an official seal from 1983.
A map of Blue River Community Park, detailing facilities like picnic tables, a track, a baseball diamond, toilets, and parking.
A zoning map for Blue River Water District showing future land use and zoning district codes.
A black and white map of the Blue River area showing a river, roads, and district boundaries.
A black and white vicinity map showing regions, towns, and geographical features, labeled "MAP No. 1."
A scanned document with bullet points about a proposal addressing community service needs, lacking negative effects on local government, dated January 19, 1984.
Document discussing budget and planning for Blue River Park, dated January 19, 1984.
This is a typewritten document discussing the formation of a proposed park district and related findings, dated January 19, 1984.
A document discussing service availability, growth projections, park land development, and recommendations for boundary commission action dated January 19, 1984.
A typed document discussing budget and service considerations for a park district maintenance proposal, dated January 19, 1984.
Document discussing Lane County park services, boundary changes, and community impact in Blue River, dated January 19, 1984.
The image contains a document with text regarding personnel costs, planned revenues, and a staff analysis on park district boundary changes.
Document discussing a proposal for a new park district, reasons for it, park operation plans, financial values, and tax rates from 1982-83.
Document discussing Blue River Park management, donations, improvements, and facilities including a caretaker's role. Date: January 19, 1984.
Text discussing Blue River Water District, park plans, and recommendations for facilities and vegetation protection.
A document detailing land use information based on a 1976 survey and discussing future land use proposals for Blue River, dated January 19, 1984.
Document detailing procedures for setting up government districts and describing the Blue River area's location, history, and future plans.
Document detailing procedural steps for a boundary commission proposal and its review process. Dated January 19, 1984.
Document discussing the formation of the Blue River Park and Recreation District in Lane County, dated January 19, 1984.
It's a newspaper article about a public hearing for a new park district proposal.
A legal land survey description document from Stephen H. Ford, Inc., dated April 18, 1980.
A document describing directional measurements and distance points for a 60-foot easement in Lane County, Oregon.
An easement description document with coordinates and distances for a property survey.
A letter discussing encroachments and right-of-way issues, with the signatories expressing willingness to resolve the matter.
1981 letter about establishing a 60-foot right-of-way through Blue River Park and addressing encroachments related to fencing, toilets, and a track.
A newspaper article discussing park management issues in Lane County, Oregon, with no simple solutions to funding and maintenance problems.
A page with handwritten text and three punched holes on the side.
A 1977 letter from a law firm regarding a right of way issue for clients Fred and Dorothy Behm.
A typewritten letter discussing fund-raising activities for a youth athletic association.
A written note describing the first Ice Wine Jamboree with teams from California and Washington, involving an estimated 500 people.
A faded document about the first annual McKenzie River Invitational Pee Wee Jamboree held in 1953, with game schedules, rules, and notes.
The image shows a document with text and signatures, related to an agreement involving park supervisors and county commissioners.
An amended agreement document involving park supervisors, funding for Blue River Park, with text redacted and pen markings.
Document titled "Warranty Deed" from Lane County Abstract Company, Eugene, Oregon, with text and signature.
A warranty deed document from Lane County, Oregon, dated December 30, 1952, with legal descriptions of property transfer.
A document with text regarding Blue River Park funds, agreements, and amendments, signed by multiple parties.
A typewritten document about the Board of Supervisors for Blue River Park detailing rules, duties, and financial reporting.
The image shows a text document related to the Blue River Park Fund and the appointment of a Board of Park Supervisors.
A legal agreement document regarding land conveyance for park purposes and a monetary donation for Blue River Park.
An image of a newspaper article titled "Flying Rocks and Tempers Quieted Around Blue River" dated February 7, 1963.
A mostly blank page with handwritten text and date "Feb. 21, 1952" and "Oregon Journal" at the bottom.
An image showing various newspaper articles, with headlines such as "Blue River Protests" and "Five Youths Get Jail Sentences."
Scanned documents related to property, including a title abstract and handwritten note on access to Blue River Park.
A document titled "QUITCLAIM DEED" involving a transaction dated February 1952 from parties Orel O'Brien and Frances Grazier O'Brien.
A mostly blank page with "Clipping from Regatta Record" handwritten in black ink.
The image shows a newspaper article discussing local residents' concerns about a rock crusher and its impact on the Blue River area.
A typed list of names with occupations/roles, mentioning a delegation from Blue River with Clarence Belknap as speaker and various property owners.
A typewritten list of names with annotations and signatures on the side.
A petition by Blue River residents to relocate a planned rock pit due to concerns about public nuisance and an offer of funding for an alternative community recreational area.
A typed document expressing concerns about a rock crusher and stockpile project near residential areas, affecting water supplies and the local environment.
The image shows a typewritten letter with some text obscured, discussing construction activities and community growth.
A 1952 letter from Oregon State Highway Department confirming a meeting reservation to discuss a rock crushing plant operation.
A mostly blank white page with the handwritten text "Clipping from" and a signature.
Newspaper clippings about community concerns in Blue River regarding a rock crusher and a bus hired for a caravan.
A printed document with faint text and "Register-Guard Editorial" in bold, with three-hole punches on the right side.
Scanned document expressing reassurances to Blue River residents about local rock crushing operations and water supply concerns.
The image shows a typed document with annotations and corrections, discussing community issues like dams, logging, and local government.