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Oregon parks audit finds gaps in safety checks, asset tracking
Auditors said 38% of park assets lacked key records and one park had no building inspection records from 2022 to 2025.
- On Wednesday, the Oregon Secretary of State's Audits Division released a performance audit finding the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department failed to consistently record safety inspections or track assets between 2022 and 2025.
- Overseeing 250 properties across more than 113,000 acres, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department supports roughly 51 million visitors annually while facing persistent budget challenges that complicate modernization efforts, Interim Director Stefanie Coons said.
- Auditors found 38% of assets lacked proper acquisition and cost data, while the agency received three Occupational Safety and Health Administration citations costing nearly $10,000 and lost a $50,000 trash compactor due to inadequate tracking.
- Interim Director Coons agreed with the audit's recommendations, confirming the agency initiated new asset management training earlier this year and is planning a modernized tracking system to improve oversight.
- With a projected budget deficit in the 2027-29 cycle, officials say robust oversight is essential to prevent hazards and protect taxpayer money from avoidable lawsuits and fines related to safety violations.
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
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