SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — A new survey launched Friday is asking Oregonians to weigh in on the future of the state’s transportation system.

Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation workgroup wants to know what people think should be prioritized, as Oregon faces rising costs and insufficient funding for roads, bridges and transit.

WORKGROUP NEWS RELEASE: Governor’s Workgroup hears from transportation experts from other states

The group is also studying how other states raise money, including sales taxes, delivery fees, tolls and other options not currently used in Oregon.

You can find the survey here.

The results will help shape the workgroup’s recommendations to Kotek in December.

Eastern Oregon offers several places to cool off at splash pads and parks

Published 5:00 am Friday, August 14, 2026

EASTERN OREGON — Splish splash — there’s still time to beat the heat this summer!

Communities across Eastern Oregon feature splash pads with dancing water and buckets of cool and refreshing wetness that pour on the heads of anyone below. Splash pads offer a free, accessible way to cool off when summer temperatures soar.

Baker City

The Baker City Splash Pad opened in June 2025 at Central Park, which is located near downtown along Resort Street. The pad is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the water is activated with the push of a button.

Hours are a bit limited this year due to concerns about the water supply in the city’s watershed. City officials say the hours will be evaluated throughout the summer months.

After Labor Day, Sept. 7, the hours switch to Friday-Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m., starting Sept. 11. The splash pad’s last weekend will be Sept. 18-20. Check the city’s Facebook page (City of Baker City, Oregon) for current information.

Boardman

The Boardman Splash Pad opened Memorial Day weekend and is available for free water fun from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Labor Day at 2699 NE Front St. Parking access to the splash pad is available on Northeast Third Street. The Boardman Public Works Department requests that motorists back into the parking spaces.

This will be the last season at its current location. In 2027, the splash pad will move to Boardman City Park, 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, call 541-481-9252.

Hermiston

The Butte Splash Pad is typically open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s located next to Funland Park at 1245 NW Seventh St. It may be closed on days with lower temperatures, inclement weather or smoky conditions.

According to Hermiston Parks & Recreation, the 4,500-square-foot splash pad surface was built in 2001 and includes multiple motion-operated spray features. In 2022, the facility was resurfaced, adding traction and a new paint scheme. In addition, the area includes large shade trees, picnic tables and concrete/asphalt walking paths.

For updates about closures and operating hours, search Facebook via bit.ly/3SQQ7VT. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

John Day

John Day’s splash park is at the Seventh Street Complex and opened for the season in early June. The water feature is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., usually through Labor Day.

John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation is working on a grant to refurbish the splash park, which is about eight years old. For updates, check the website via www.jdccparksandrec.org or follow the Facebook page.

Joseph

Kids in Joseph can cool off at the splash pad in Joseph City Park any time of the day. To activate the water, simply use a bare foot or hand to push on the sensor.

The splash park is open while the weather is still warm.

La Grande

La Grande’s splash pad is part of the complex at Veterans Memorial Pool, 401 Palmer Ave., but make plans soon because both water attractions will be closed for maintenance Aug. 24-Sept. 6.

Admission ($4 kids, $6 adults) gains entrance to both the pool and splash pad during rec swim — 1:30-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 1:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, and 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Smoke may affect access to the outdoor portion, said Mark Tanner, aquatics and recreation superintendent.

Once inside, patrons can go back and forth between the pool and the splash pad. Veterans Memorial Pool is operated by La Grande Parks and Recreation — for details, visit www.cityoflagrande.org/767/Aquatics. Monthly and yearly memberships are available.

La Grande Parks & Recreation launched a community fundraiser to reimagine the splash pad, which will be designed to be free and accessible to the public with no pool admission required. Funds raised through this campaign will “directly support installation costs, water features, and safety improvements, ensuring Pioneer Park continues to be a welcoming destination for generations to come,” according to the fundraiser page. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2rysx4af.

Pendleton

The Splash Pad at Til Taylor Park, 700 SE Dorion Ave., opened June 6. It operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the end of September.

Maintained by Pendleton Parks & Recreation, the splash pad is free and can not be reserved for private functions. When using the splash pad, parents are asked to follow all posted rules and use good judgment when supervising children.

This facility does not have a lifeguard on duty. For more information, search www.pendletonor.gov/parksrec or call 541-276-8100.