Josephine County’s oldest public park is about to undergo a significant transformation. The Josephine County Department of Recreation has approved updated renovation plans for the Upper Loop of Whitehorse Park, with the project expected to be completed by August 30, 2026. The effort represents a major step toward modernizing the park’s amenities while preserving its natural setting, a balance that has been at the heart of community discussions for years.
Whitehorse Park has been a cherished gathering place for families and campers since its establishment in 1957. As the county’s first publicly owned park, it has long been regarded as a centerpiece of local outdoor recreation. Over the years, proposals to enhance the park have surfaced, including a controversial 2020 plan that would have transformed the Upper Loop into a modern RV park. That proposal generated heated community debate over the potential impacts on the park’s trees, scenic character, and overall natural feel.
In the years since, county officials have worked to revise and refine the project, incorporating feedback from residents and park users. The result is a plan that focuses on improving existing facilities and expanding amenities in a way that reflects the community’s desire to protect the park’s beauty while accommodating contemporary recreational needs.
The approved renovation plan includes widening and expanding the existing campsites to create more space for visitors, while maintaining the rustic and natural environment that defines the park. Infrastructure upgrades will bring water and electricity to select sites, offering partial RV hookups as well as a number of full hookup sites for larger vehicles and longer stays. Another key element of the plan involves redesigning the traffic flow, including the creation of a new exit from the Upper Loop to ease congestion and improve safety for both campers and day visitors.
The renovation will be rolled out in phases. Within the first year of construction, the county plans to begin work on a new restroom facility to better serve the increased number of campers expected as the upgrades take effect. County officials have also released a new conceptual drawing of the project, which can be viewed online through the county’s parks department website.
Funding for the renovation will come from a mix of sources. A portion of the budget has been secured through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, with the remaining costs supported by the county’s Parks Capital Improvement Fund. This combined funding structure is designed to minimize financial pressure on local taxpayers while ensuring the project can be completed on schedule.
With construction scheduled to begin soon, the Whitehorse Park Upper Loop project marks a new chapter in the park’s long history. Once completed, the upgraded facilities are expected to enhance the camping experience for both locals and visitors, strengthen the park’s role as a community hub, and ensure that its natural character remains intact for future generations.