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About Applegater. (Jacksonville, OR) 2008-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2012)
22 Spring 2012 Applegater Cantrall-Buckley Park NEWS by pat randall When I moved to Ruch about five years ago, I went on short car trips to explore the area. That is how I found Cantrall-Buckley Park. Prior to moving here, I had worked for several city park departments in Washington for over 20 years. When I drove into Cantrall-Buckley Park, it was like stepping back in time, remembering my childhood adventures in parks all over the country. Charmed immediately, I wanted to learn more about our little diamond in the rough. Not long after that trip, the Greater Applegate Community Development Corporation (GACDC) held its annual fundraiser at Cantrall-Buckley Park, and there I met Dave Laananen. In a conversation about trapping gophers and moles, we took valley days for hitting targets by subtracting 15 seconds for every prone hit and 30 seconds for every standing hit from their race time. It is intended that rifles be provided in addition to shooting instruction, ammunition, and targets. There will be an entry fee, and all proceeds will go toward the improvement of the park. We look forward to seeing all ages and abilities competing for fun and for glory! Those interested in participating or assisting in course and range management should call Jonathan at 707-696-1575. The Friends of the Applegate Fire District will hold a community yard sale on the athletic field at Ruch Elementary School. Vendors wishing to sell at the yard sale should visit Fire District Headquarters at 1095 Upper Applegate Road or call 541-899-1050 to reserve a place. Spaces a verbal detour into Cantrall-Buckley Park, and I found myself at the next park committee meeting. The park, 88.64 acres, and one of the most popular in Jackson County for general family day use, was named for the Cantrall and Buckley families from whom most of it was purchased on April 9, 1965. The park includes 1.75 miles of Applegate River frontage. Jackson County closed Cantrall- Buckley Park in August, 1996, due to lack of funds. It remained that way until a group of citizens got together and reached an agreement with the county to reopen it. An ad hoc committee of groups in the Applegate area began operating the park in April, 1997. Within a year, the newly formed GACDC took over management of the park. Cantrall-Buckley is still a Jackson County park, operated by the GACDC through an agreement with Jackson County, and the county continues to handle reservations for the group areas at the park. The GACDC currently has a park committee, which meets once a month to discuss projects, finances, events, maintenance, and to make short- and long- term plans for best park management. It’s a lively hour of conversation about how to encourage current and future park users to come and enjoy what we have, figure out what we need to do to continue park improvement, and how to increase revenue to keep the park healthy, safe, and open. Many people, contractors, and groups have donated time, materials, and sweat equity to keep our park open and, without them, the park would likely be closed. Sincere thanks go to all of you. These meetings are open to the public and are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 pm, usually at Applegate Fire District Station 1 on North Applegate Road. Please come and share your ideas. If you have any questions regarding the park, you may call Jackson County Parks at 541-774-8183. Park committee members include Rick Barclay, Tom Carstens, Laird Funk, Lynn Funk, David Laananen, Pat Randall, and Jack Shipley. Pat Randall • 541-646-8022 patspond@gmail.com continued from page 1 will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. The best spaces will go quickly, so don’t wait too long to sign up. If there’s something you think we may have missed, such as another type of activity that might fit in with the plans discussed, or if you want to volunteer or have a vendor’s booth, please contact us at our website: www.applegatevalleydays.org. Whether you want to learn more about the beautiful place where we live, or just have a good time with family and friends, you’ll want to come to Applegate Valley Days. If you have family and friends who live outside the area, invite them to join you in celebrating the wonderful Applegate Valley! David Laananen • 541-846-0500 david.laananen@asu.edu Be sure to mark your calendars for May 5 - 6 for the Jackson County Master Gardener Spring Fair at the Jackson County Expo Center in Medford.
