PARKS AND RECREATION | SPECIAL PROJECTS
Funland Playground Rebuild
Pirate’s Cove
A pirate ship, Kraken sea monster, crocodile steps and massive climbing net with activities for all ages.
Mystery Forest
With high-rise pine trees, multiple slides and climbing platforms.
Farm Land
A two-story barn play feature and three-story multiple slide structure representing Hermiston’s agricultural heritage.
Train Depot
A stationary three-car train for younger children.
Native American Village
Teepees, fire pit and wild horses to ride, created in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Wild West
A two-story western town complete with facades, slides, games and a covered wagon.
Play Platform
Fully inclusive playground with wheelchair access and features for all ages and abilities.
Bigger, Better, Stronger
The Hermiston Parks & Recreation Department is preparing to build one of the largest, most engaging and inclusive playgrounds in the Northwest. The new Funland Playground, a “destination attraction,” will have three zones including Wild West, Adventure, and Farmland. The plans also include a locomotive, wagon train, stagecoach, pirate ship with a Kraken sea monster, a barn and silo with giant slides, giant fruit and vegetables, and, of course, a 6-foot watermelon slice.
Funland will be a thrilling place for play, education and engagement for children of all ages and abilities. Many of the features are specifically designed for children with ability challenges. Funland will be constructed with the most durable and vandal resistant materials available and will include a new picnic shelter, restroom facilities and concession stand. The grand opening celebration is planned for July 4, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the new Funland Playground cost?
| PLAY STRUCTURES | $850,000 |
| SURFACE | $336,000 |
| INSTALL | $200,000 |
| RESTROOMS & SHADE STRUCTURE | $210,000 |
| LIGHTING & SECURITY | $150,000 |
| TOTAL | $1,746,000 |
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What funds are currently available to build Funland Playground?
| INSURANCE SETTLEMENT | $700,000 |
| CITY OF HERMISTON IN-KIND DONATION | $300,000 |
| TOTAL | $1,000,000 |
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How will the new playground be protected from arson or vandalism?
The former Funland was constructed of wood and composite materials that were flammable and decomposed over time. The new playground will be BIGGER, BETTER, and STRONGER made of hardened metal, plastics and rubber materials. These materials are as vandalism resistant as possible. Modern surveillance cameras will assist in deterring destructive behaviors.
What other new features will the park have?
A new picnic shelter (donated by Rotary), new restroom facility and concession stand, new security camera system, new “Lion” water fountain (donated by the Lions Club), new fencing and picket fencing with names of supporters, and an art wall.
How can I offer financial or in-kind support to ensure an adequate facility is constructed that meets our community needs?
The Funland Fundraising Committee, in partnership with the Hermiston Park & Recreation department and with coordination from the City of Hermiston has identified several levels of corporate and personal sponsorship opportunities. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for more information about how to become a Funland sponsor at parksandrec@hermiston.or.us or by calling 541-667-5018.
Where will this playground be located?
The new Funland Playground will be built on the site of the old wooden Funland Playground in Butte Park. The address is 1245 NW 7th St.
When will Funland Playground open?
Due to current production and shipping delays Funland is now expected to open July 4, 2021.
Join us!
Help make Funland a permanent part of the Hermiston community! Buy a fence picket at the button below or contact Larry Fetter at 541-667-5018 to find out how you can help. Individual pickets are $100 and businesses are $250. All additional funding past the goal will be put into further enhancements of the park like shade, benches and other features.
Add to the Art Wall!
Kids ages 5-14 can paint a tile that may be chosen to be placed on our new art wall. Register for our upcoming painting sessions on August 3, 5, 14, or 19.
Supporters
Thank you to our individual and business supporters who have helped make this project a reality.
Ag Northwest / RiverPoint Anderson Hansell PC George Anderson Apollo Sheet Metal Bank of Eastern Oregon Banner Bank Barnett and Moro Bellinger Farms LLC Roger and Karen Bounds Buttercreek Equipment Inc. Burns Mortuary Calpine Corp Assembly of God Church Umatilla Electric Cooperative
New Hope Church First Christian Church Eagle Ranch Elmer’s Irrigation & Supply, Inc Farm City Fence NW Farm Credit Larry and Dana Fetter First Community Insurance First Community Credit Union Fourth Street Family Dental Ford Foundation Greater Hermiston Community Foundation Vern’s & Sons
Good Shepherd Hospital Foundation Bob Hale Phil and Linda Hamm TJ Hansell Greg and Ashley Harris Hawman Farms Heller and Sons Hermiston Classics Car Club Hermiston Energy Services Hermiston Lion’s Club Hermiston Vet Clinic Jay and Ginny Holtus WalMart
Hermiston School District IRZ Consulting, LLC Kiwanis of Hermiston Knerr Construction KOHU Lamb Weston Lifetime Vision Source Medelez Trucking Mr. Insulation Jackie Myers Judd and Jacque Noland Nutrien Marjorie Walchli
Oregon Community Foundation OSU Research Center Corteva Agriscience Port of Umatilla Rain and Hail Insurance Nate and Andrea Rivera Rogers Toyota of Hermiston Ross Brandt Electric Hermiston Rotary Club Shelco Electric Swain Motors The Swanson Insurance Group, LLC Wildhorse / CTUIR
1996
Funland Park created
The first Funland Park is built at Butte Park in Hermiston as the newest and largest play area in the city.
1996
2002
Funland Park updated
After a fire in the original park, the scope of Funland is expanded to include a covered picnic area and new equipment and was constructed with volunteer community support.2002
2019
Fire destroys Funland Park
An early morning fire destroyed much of the park, and the city begins a plan to rebuild.2019
2020
New Funland Park planned
A fundraising effort for a new Funland Park begins, with the goal of an October 2020 opening.2020
July 28, 2020
Funland Park Groundbreaking
Community representatives break ground on new Funland Park.July 28, 2020