HOOD RIVER — The newly formed Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation Foundation (HRVPRF) is launching its first major initiative — a community-driven effort to raise funds for the purchase of 9 acres of land within the Hood River Urban Growth Boundary. This land acquisition would preserve the largest remaining natural open space within city limits and help finally complete the long-envisioned missing link of the Indian Creek Trail.
“This project will help a community dream of completing the Indian Creek Trail come true,” said Jeff Hunter, HRVPRF vice chair.
The Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation Foundation was created in early 2025 to support high-impact parks and recreation projects through fundraising and community engagement, with a particular focus on aligning with the goals of the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District (HRVPRD). For more than two decades, residents have called for the completion of the Indian Creek Trail, which will connect neighborhoods and schools, provide safe walking and biking routes, and preserve natural areas for public enjoyment.
Despite years of effort by HRVPRD, various challenges and setbacks made the goal elusive.
The 9-acre parcel is located on the north side of Indian Creek, within a larger property that was recently annexed and rezoned by the City of Hood River. The property is now owned by a private developer who has agreed to sell this portion to the community. If fundraising is successful, the land will be protected as open space in perpetuity and serve as the final link in the Indian Creek Trail. If the fundraising effort is not successful, however, the land could be developed into high-density housing, permanently altering the natural landscape.
This community-led project is supported by four partner organizations: Hood River Valley Parks & Rec Foundation, Columbia Land Trust, Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District, and neighborhood volunteers. The campaign has secured more than 50% of the $684,000 needed in committed pledges, and more than 40% of the funds have already been collected.
The foundation is seeking both benefactors and community supporters to help reach the fundraising goal.
Columbia Land Trust will process donations of $5,000 or more, which are refundable if the land is not acquired. Smaller donations — from $25 to $ 1,000 and above — can be made directly to the foundation and will help fund the land purchase or trail construction.
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