The City of Grants Pass is asking residents to help decide the future of a little-used feature at Reinhart Volunteer Park. Once a popular destination for anglers, the park’s Fly Fishing Practice Pond has seen declining activity over the years, prompting city officials to explore new ways to make the space more useful and inviting to the community.
The Parks Advisory Committee has launched a public survey seeking input on how to repurpose the approximately 7,500-square-foot site. The goal is to transform the underutilized area into something that better reflects the current recreational interests and needs of local residents. The survey offers several concepts under consideration and encourages participants to rank their top three choices.
Among the options presented is the creation of a community garden, featuring raised planting beds available for reservation. Supporters of this idea see it as an opportunity to promote sustainability, local food production, and neighborhood connections. Another proposal calls for a natural playground built with organic materials such as logs, rocks, and sand—designed to foster creativity and sensory exploration for children and families.
An outdoor fitness court is also being considered, which would include bodyweight workout equipment arranged in circuits to offer full-body exercise opportunities for users of all skill levels. A new reservable shelter could provide additional shaded space for community gatherings, events, or family celebrations, similar to the existing structure already popular within the park.
Other suggestions include the installation of a permanent cornhole court for casual play and organized tournaments, or simply keeping the area as it is—maintaining the Fly Fishing Pond in its current form. The city has also left space on the survey for residents to suggest their own creative ideas for the site’s potential use.
Officials say community input will play a major role in determining the future of the pond area. By engaging residents directly, the city hopes to ensure the final decision aligns with public interest and enhances the overall appeal of Reinhart Volunteer Park.
The survey is available online through the City of Grants Pass website, where participants can review all proposed options and submit their ranked preferences. The Parks Advisory Committee will review the results and make a recommendation to the City Council in the coming months.