Archie Knowles Campground, located 18 miles east of Florence, has been closed for 5 years. Starting with a groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow, work will begin immediately to rehabilitate the site.
Grants from both the Oregon State Parks Department and Siuslaw National Forest raised close to $144,000 for the rehabilitation and management of the campground.
Shuttered in 2010, the site has deteriorated and will require significant updates. Work will include improving the water, waste and electrical systems, as well as the restroom. The project will also create a campsite compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Devon Ashbridge, spokeswoman for Lane County, says the reopening will make a great difference for the local community.
Ashbridge: "It's just this little jewel of a park and it's in a great location for folks kind of midway between the coast and the metro area. So, we're really excited to be able to open this back up for people."
The goal is for Archie Knowles to be open to campers by Memorial Day weekend.
