The city of Independence, Oregon, has closed all its public parks and fenced them off in an attempt to address an escalating budget deficit, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from local residents. The closures, announced Tuesday, affect parks including Riverview Park, Dog Park, Mt Fir Park, Sunset Meadows Park, Pioneer Park, Henry Hill Park, and the Heritage Museum.
City officials stated that the parks will remain closed from dusk till dawn and that the city will not accept liability for anyone entering the premises. The decision comes after a proposal to implement a fee to fund the parks, museum, and library, which was raised last year, failed to secure sufficient revenue. According to city documents, operating under reduced staffing and service levels has demonstrated that current General Fund resources are insufficient to sustain these services over time.
Mayor Kate Schwarzler explained that a levy failure in 2024 led to the city council approving a fee that would have increased monthly household costs by approximately $12.50 to keep the community spaces operational. However, after community members gathered enough signatures, the fee was put to a referendum scheduled for the November ballot. This process prevented the city from collecting the anticipated funds.
"Without that money coming in, that revenue coming in, it's hard for us to find the money from other sources to be able to continue those services," Schwarzler told KPTV, noting the absence of available overflow or emergency funding. The referendum, if passed, is projected to generate $938,000, while the current park closures are saving the city around $41,000 per month, according to KOIN.
Schwarzler's website indicates that since 2023, the city has eliminated or left vacant 11 positions and reduced service levels across multiple departments. Library hours were cut, City Hall closed on Fridays, and the Library and Museum were combined into a single Community Services Department. Plans were also made to sell the Museum building and at least one park, and the city transitioned the Independence Days celebration to a community organization. "These steps reduced expenses. They did not eliminate the underlying gap," she stated, adding that "no single administrative cut, efficiency or vacant position produces enough money to maintain all of the services our community expects."
Residents expressed dismay and anger over the closures. "I think closing parks, which is a way for our kid to get out and spend quality time with family and get energy out rather than staying at home on computers, is quite devastating," said local parent John Weatherall. Another resident, Amber Covarrubias, voiced her frustration, stating, "Well, because you didn't pay the money because the levy failed, we're going to take your toys away until you comply."
Former city manager David Klyne suggested that the city should have explored alternative solutions before resorting to a complete closure, emphasizing the community's desire for these services. The city has stated its intention to enforce the closures and prosecute any trespassers. "I remain committed to doing everything responsibly possible to reach a point when things can reopen," Schwarzler added, expressing hope for community understanding.