January 26, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners along with County Parks Director Mark Wall are highlighting ongoing safety and service upgrades across the park system.

A county release said the improvements include Wi-Fi coverage, updated life vest stations and signage and the addition of a camera system at the boat ramp at Chief Miwaleta County Park and Campground. The new enhancements are part of a broader effort to improve visitor safety and bring modern connectivity to the county parks.

Over the past few years, parks staff, through a partnership with local internet provider Douglas Fast Net, have worked to bring reliable Wi-Fi fiber optic cables into several high-use and historically low-cell-coverage locations. In many county parks, especially at Whistler’s Bend and Chief Miwaleta, where cell service is minimal to non-existent, adding Wi-Fi becomes a vital tool in the event of an emergency.

In addition to the connectivity upgrades, Douglas County continues to prioritize safety for parkgoers by updating life vest stations at major boat ramps with new signage, emphasizing their importance for safe recreation on local waterways. The community supported life vest and information stations give families an easy, no-cost way to grab a jacket before getting in the water. Life vest stations can be found at several county parks including River Forks County Park near Roseburg and Cooper Creek County Park near Sutherlin.

The Parks Department has also started installing video cameras that continuously live stream views of park areas 24 hours a day. The first of these cameras were recently installed at the boat ramp at Chief Miwaleta County Park and Campground, adjacent to Galesville Reservoir. There a live stream video camera overlooks the lake and boat ramp and provides real-time visuals for both parks staff and the public.

The release said the upgrades are all part of the Douglas County Parks Department ongoing strategic investments in the parks to improve safety, enhance visitor experience and support outdoor recreation opportunities across the diverse park system.