Albany’s 2021 Parks Master Plan provides critical direction for enhancing the City system of parks, recreation facilities, trails, and open space. Underway when the 2020 pandemic and affiliated recession hit, the plan evolved to directly respond to City opportunities and challenges.
- A $5 million backlog of deferred maintenance and capital projects.
- The temporary cancellation of programs/events and facility closures to respond to COVID-19 health restrictions.
- A recent round of budget cuts, a shortage of operations funding, and competing funding needs.
- 35.5 acres of undeveloped park land to build, plus 880+ acres to maintain.
- A growing population and employment base increasing the demand for parks, facilities, programs, and trails over the next 10 years.
Informed by community input and priorities, this Parks Master Plan provides a realistic assessment of the park system, identifies future trends and needs, and defines a 5- and 10-year action plan to invest in the City’s highest priority projects.
Developed concurrently with a revised Systems Development Charge (SDC) Methodology, the Parks Master Plan provides a framework to guide the City in setting priorities and making decisions about the provisions of parks, trails, open space, natural areas, recreation facilities, and programs.
Summer is the perfect time for kids to grow and try new things, and Camp Albany provides the ideal setting for both! Each week features a unique theme, with activities like STEM, art, group games, and free play, ensuring every day is different and exciting. Our energetic staff creates a positive environment where campers can play, learn, and socialize, making every day an adventure to remember!
Registration starts March 3.
Junior
Explorers
Ages 7-11
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Periwinkle Elementary (2196 21st Ave SE)
$227 (In-city)/$295 per week
Little
Explorers
Ages 4-6
(4 year-olds must be going into kindergarten)
Mon-Wed, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Maple Lawn (1950 Salem Ave SW)
$137 (In-city)/$178 per week
Full scholarships available!
Each Camp Features
- Snacks provided
- Low staff to child ratio
- Daily outdoor play
- Weekly field trips
- STEM and themed activities
Parents
Albany Parks & Recreation participants, parents, and staff will be required to abide by State health guidance.
Questions?
Contact 541-917-7777.
Calendar
| Week | Theme | Junior Explorers | Little Explorers |
| 1 | Kitchen Creations | July 7-11 | July 7-9 |
| 2 | Inventor's Workshop | July 14-18 | July 14-16 |
| 3 | Medieval Quest | July 21-25 | July 21-23 |
| 4 | Mystery Masterminds | July 28-August 1 | July 28-30 |
| 5 | Nature Navigators | August 4-8 | August 4-6 |
| 6 | Fairytale Fables | August 11-15 | August 11-13 |
Thank you sponsors!
Albany’s urban forest is a valuable functional and aesthetic asset that improves our quality of life by providing clean air and water for residents, visitors, and future generations. The economic, social and environmental benefits that a healthy tree can provide greatly influence our community health and vitality. The trees that line our streets, shade our parks and trails, and beautify our yards, shopping centers, and parking lots help make Albany a better place to live.
Our urban forestry program maintains and protects trees and associated vegetation on Albany’s public lands. We review permits for planting, trimming, and removing trees on public and private property and provide technical assistance to residents on urban forestry issues. We also offer the community many ways to get involved with learning about and caring for our urban forest.
Street Tree Information
Planting
Planting
Trees in Albany shade our homes and beautify our yards. They also function to reduce soil erosion and flooding, as well as improve local air and water quality.
Picking the right street trees
A healthy urban forest begins with careful planning. A few factors to consider before planting a tree are:
- The function of the tree. Do you want the tree to provide shade, fruit, or seasonal color? Or do you want it to act as a windbreak or screen?
- Choose the right tree for the right space. It is important to pick your site first, then your tree second. Does the space lend itself to a small, medium, or large tree? Try and imagine the size of the tree at maturity, not at the time of planting.
- The soil conditions. Do you have fertile, well-drained soil or shallow, compacted soil?
- How much time you will have to properly care for your tree? The first 3-5 years are the most important years for the survival of a new tree. Do you have time to water, fertilize, and prune the tree until it is established? Or will you rely on your garden or tree care service for assistance?
Approved street trees
The City of Albany’s Urban Forestry Program has compiled a list of approved street trees for planting within the street right-of-way planting strip along with planting tips for trees in the Pacific Northwest:
Approved street trees and planting tips
When to plant
The ideal time to plant a tree in the Willamette Valley is late fall through early winter, after leaf drop and well before bud break. Always select healthy trees from a nursery. Choose a tree with a straight, strong single stem, and good form. Make sure the tree does not have signs of insect damage, dead bark, or cankers.
Before digging, always call 1-800-332-2344
More information:
Pruning
Pruning
Trees need to be pruned throughout their life to stay healthy and safe. Pruning is a regular part of plant maintenance involving the selective removal of specific plant parts. Although shoots and branches are the main targets for removal, roots, flower buds, fruits and seed pods may also be pruned.
More information:
Removal
Removal
Less than five trees?
- Albany Municipal Code Chapter 7.98 Tree Regulations, requires a permit for the removal of a street tree(s).
- A permit is also required under this chapter to remove any tree(s) within the City limits that have a circumference of five and one-quarter feet (approximately 20" in diameter).
- To begin the permit process, contact Rick Barnett,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 541-917-7763.
Five or more trees?
- The Albany Development Code 9.205 - 208 Tree Felling; requires a site plan review when proposing to cut 5 trees or more that are each eight inches (8") in diameter or greater, measured four and one-half feet (4'5") from the ground.
- Albany Parks & Recreation will review this request, but the site plan review is initially performed by the Community Development Department Planning Division.
Albany has a Community Garden that provides a wonderful opportunity for you to plant and grow your own produce! Albany Parks and Recreation and our volunteers work together to maintain the community garden plots in the Willamette Community Garden, at the corner of Main Street and Front Avenue. The garden provides sites for vegetables and annuals, a communal herb garden, and a children's garden and contains several accessible sites. Gardeners can share their skills with others.
Community Garden Plots
For more information on Community Garden plots, contact our community garden volunteer:
Mitch Schweickert
925-597-7299
Alcohol
Alcohol in Parks
Individuals wishing to consume or serve alcohol in a City Park must complete an Alcohol Permit Form and obtain approval prior to consumption or service.
General Information
No person shall:
- Bring or drink alcoholic beverages, with the exception of beer and wine at any time in a City park;
- Bring or drink alcoholic beverages in City-owned buildings except by a permit issued in accordance with Albany Municipal Code;
- Possess an alcoholic beverage in Albany Skatepark, Bowman Park, Bryant Park, Burkhart Park, Eads Park, Hackleman Park, Kinder Park, Monteith Riverpark, Swanson Park, Waverly Park, the Dave Clark Riverfront Path, and the Oak Creek Greenbelt without a special permit.
The City Manager or Parks and Recreation Director shall have the right to issue a special permit for the use and possession of alcoholic beverages in a park. Any person or organization may request a permit subject to the following conditions:
- Payment of a fee in accordance with approved Council policy;
- The name and address of the applicant shall be furnished, together with an estimate of the number of persons who will be participating;
- The granting of a permit shall be discretionary with the City Manager or Parks and Recreation Director and, if issued, conditions may be attached in order to ensure the best interests of peace, health and safety to all citizens.
Amplified Sound
Amplified Sound in Parks
In order to use a sound amplifying system in a City Park, a permit is required. When a permit has been obtained, operation of sound amplifying systems may occur between the hours of 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. so long as the volume of sound does not exceed 65 decibels at any property line.
It is unlawful to operate any sound amplifying system which is plainly audible between the hours of 9p.m. and 8 a.m.
No peddler, nor any person on his/her behalf, shall shout, make any outcry, or use any sound device where sound of sufficient volume is capable of being heard at a distance of more than 200 feet upon the streets, alleys, avenues, parks or other public places.
Dogs
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in public parks and open spaces that are clearly posted by signs permitting dogs and other domestic animals in the area. At no time are dogs permitted to run at large.
- Parks and Recreation staff and City police officers may require the owner to remove the animal, if necessary, to prevent interference by the animal with the safety, comfort , or well-being of park visitors or resource.
- No animal may be hitched to a tree or shrub.
- Dog owners are responsible for clean-up and removal of all waste deposited in the parks by their animals.
Albany Municipal Code, 7.28.120 (1-4) Domestic animals – Responsibility
Facility Code of Conduct
Recreation Facilities Code of Conduct
Albany Parks and Recreation facilities shall be friendly and inviting places for patrons to socialize, learn, and grow. Behavior which inhibits patrons from using and enjoying public recreational facilities is prohibited. Inappropriate behavior may result in the loss of facility privileges. This policy is intended to make patrons, visitors, presenters, staff, and all individuals who visit feel welcome and to provide reasonable rules of behavior, enforced for the benefit of all patrons. This policy includes all interior areas and outdoor spaces as well as sponsored activities.
Recreational Facility Responsibilities
- Foster a pleasant and upbeat environment for all who use and visit public recreational facilities in Albany.
- Maintain public recreational facilities in Albany.
- Offer programs and activities for the community.
- Coordinate and promote programs with community groups.
- Maintain confidentiality.
Patron Responsibilities
Patrons shall be required to comply with the following rules while using Albany public recreational facilities.
- Treat others with dignity and respect.
- Cooperate with staff and volunteers.
- No inappropriate, disruptive, or harassing behavior.
- No lewd, obscene, hateful, or indecent conduct including language and speech; including harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threats, or offensive language and/or behavior.
- No destruction, damage to, or theft of property or the property of others.
- Personal hygiene must be maintained at an acceptable level for a social environment without assistance from staff. Shirts, pants, and shoes are required.
- Respect the bathrooms by cleaning up after yourself, flushing toilets, and notifying staff of any issues.
- Use of restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing hair, changing clothes in view of others, or other inappropriate activities is prohibited.
- No unauthorized physical contact with another person.
- No lying down or sleeping on the furniture.
- No remaining in the building after closing.
- Large luggage, shopping carts, or other oversize items are prohibited.
- Blocking entrances to the building is prohibited.
- No unattended personal items in the building. Staff cannot guard personal items for patrons. The City assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Unattended items left longer than five minutes or suspicious items may be removed from the previses without notice.
- Service Animals are welcome. Pets are prohibited.
- Do not enter non-public areas unless accompanied by a staff member.
- Children under 12 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
- Any action that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local law is prohibited.
Police will be notified in all instances of threatening or violent behavior.
The above rules of conduct will be enforced by Albany Parks and Recreation staff. Patrons may report violations to staff. Violations will result in a warning, temporary suspension of facility privileges, and/or permanent suspension from using public recreational facilities. Albany Police Department will trespass violators at staff request.
Appeals to any decision can be made to the Recreation Manager.
Photography
Photography
By enrolling or attending any class or activity offered by Albany Parks & Recreation, you consent to have your photograph taken by staff or a contracted agent and allow usage of these photographs in future publications by Albany Parks & Recreation.
Weather Closure
Weather Closure
Cool! Pool
Cool! Pool will conduct swimming lessons as long as it is safe to do so. If there is thunder and/or lightning, class will be canceled. Please call 541-917-7751 to be sure. There are no refunds for classes canceled due to inclement weather.
Fitness
Please call our cancellation line, 541-791-0105, to find out if your favorite fitness class is canceled due to weather conditions. We make every effort to give instructors and participants plenty of notice in case of cancellations. 5:30 a.m. classes will generally be canceled by 5:00 a.m. Please remember, if you feel unsafe to drive, please stay home.
Parks Rentals
Depending on weather and ground conditions, the City reserves the right to prohibit the use of the park, ball fields or the amphitheater if it is determined that the use would damage the turf or other park facilities. In the event the department cancels a facility or park reservation, a full refund will be offered.
City Offices and Facilities
Citizens of Albany can expect the City of Albany to continue offering public and emergency services during periods of inclement weather. Inclement weather includes conditions that limit transportation and mobility such as: snowstorms, ice storms, wind storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, or any other condition deemed by the City Manager. Other events causing curtailment of City operations may include, but are not limited to, loss of electricity to a City facility, or unsafe or unsanitary conditions that in the judgment of the City Manager necessitates the curtailment of operations.
Information on school and public office closures can be found by tuning into local stations.
Wood Removal
Wood Removal
Individuals are not allowed to dig, or remove any beach sand, soil, rock, stone, tree, shrub, plant, downed timber, wood or other materials from a City Park without obtaining a wood permit from the Department with approval of the Director and paying a fee in accordance with approved Council policy.
Individuals are not allowed to excavate by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means in a City Park.
