City of Coos Bay, OR

01/25/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/26/2022 11:00

Parks Commission Considers John Topits Activities and Pioneer Cemetery Survey

The Parks Commission had a full agenda at their last meeting held on January 20, 2022. Topics included discussions of installing at kayak launch at John Topits Park, approving a disc golf course tournament at John Topits Parks, and approving a fundraiser to support a survey to be conducted at Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery.

The Commission has recommended that City Council approve the installation of a permanent kayak launch at John Topits Park. If this recommendation is approved by City Council, the City will work in conjunction with Travel Southern Oregon Coast for the placement of the ADA compliant kayak launch at the Middle Lake of John Topits Park. John Topits Park is in the Empire area and serves the citizens of Coos Bay with a robust trail system, play area, exercise equipment, fishing, and non-motorized boat access both fishing and recreational use.

Another recommendation of the Parks Commission was to approval a disc golf course tournament at John Topits Park. On December 15, 2021, the City of Coos Bay received a Special Event Application from Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) - South Coast Culture Tour (SCCT) to hold a professional disc golf tournament inside John Topits Park. The tournament will take place May 7-8, 2022, on a temporary professionally designed course that will traverse the park utilizing the existing trail system.

The Parks Commission has also recommended approving a fundraiser to conduct a survey to identify repairs that are needed within Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery. The Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery is maintained by a volunteer group that takes care of this Coos Bay legacy. Established in 1888, the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery is the final resting place for many and is included in the National Historic Registry. The volunteer group has proposed a fundraiser to perform a professional survey of the grave markers to assess the condition and a cost estimate for necessary repairs to these markers. The fundraiser is titled One Hundred Cents For One Assessment and will incorporate little help from a lot of friends!

These recommendations, if approved, will have a long-lasting positive impact on the City of Coos Bay's parks.