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Douglas County highlights park safety upgrades with Wi-Fi, updated life vest stations, and new camera at Chief Miwaleta

Douglas County officials say safety upgrades are underway at several parks, including new Wi Fi in low cell coverage areas, updated life vest stations at boat ramps, and a live streaming camera at Chief Miwaleta County Park near Galesville Reservoir to show lake and launch conditions.

Life vest station at the Cooper Creek County Park East Boat Launch (Photos courtesy of Douglas County Government, K. Rodriguez, Douglas County Oregon)

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Douglas County officials say new safety and service upgrades are underway across the county parks system, including expanded Wi Fi coverage in remote areas, updated life vest stations and signage at boat ramps, and a new live streaming camera overlooking the boat ramp at Chief Miwaleta County Park and Campground.

The county said the improvements are intended to increase visitor safety and add modern connectivity in parks where cell service can be limited.

Wi Fi added in low cell coverage areas

Douglas County Parks staff said they have worked over the past few years to bring Wi Fi to several high use parks through a partnership with Douglas Fast Net (DFN), using fiber optic infrastructure.

According to the county, parks with Wi Fi upgrades include:

Windy Cove County Park Loop A and B Campgrounds in Winchester Bay
Whistler’s Bend County Park and Campground near Glide
Chief Miwaleta County Park and Campground near Azalea
Umpqua Dunes RV Park in Winchester Bay
Charles V. Stanton County Park and Campground near Canyonville

Douglas County Parks Director Mark Wall said Wi Fi can play a role in emergencies, especially in locations where cell service is minimal or unavailable.

“In some of our remote parks, you used to have to run down the road just to search for a cell signal to call for help,” Wall said.

Life vest stations updated at major boat ramps

The county also said it has updated life vest stations at major boat ramps with new signage aimed at promoting safe recreation on local waterways.

Officials noted that water conditions can change quickly, including during warmer months when cold, fast moving water from snowmelt can lower temperatures even on hot days.

Douglas County credited community partners and residents for supporting the life vest program, including the Roseburg Rotary Club and the Roseburg YMCA.

Life vest stations are located at several county parks, including:

River Forks County Park near Roseburg
Cooper Creek County Park near Sutherlin

Live streaming camera installed at Chief Miwaleta boat ramp

Douglas County Parks also announced the installation of a camera system that continuously live streams views of park areas. The first camera has been installed at the boat ramp at Chief Miwaleta County Park and Campground near Galesville Reservoir.

The county said the camera provides real time visuals for both Parks staff and the public, allowing visitors to check reservoir levels and boat launch conditions before traveling.

Wall said the camera may also reduce the number of phone calls staff receive about lake conditions and help monitor dock infrastructure when water levels change.

Visitors can view the live stream through the Douglas County Parks webpage.

County describes upgrades as part of ongoing investments

Douglas County said the projects are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety, enhance visitor experience, and support outdoor recreation across the park system.

The Douglas County Parks Department was established in 1949 and was the first county park system developed in Oregon, according to the county. Douglas County said its parks system includes 68 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds, and 42 day use parks.

More information about Douglas County Parks, including park locations, campgrounds, and boat ramps, is available on the county’s parks webpage.

Photos provided by Douglas County Oregon: