The finalization of the Umpqua Dunes RV Park North Loop rehabilitation project was celebrated Wednesday in Winchester Bay with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.
“The construction was worth the wait,” commissioner Chris Boice said. “The dramatic difference the renovations of this park have made for recreational enthusiasts and visitors alike will no doubt bring added value and future tourism opportunities to our beautiful Douglas County coastal community. In addition to our partners who collaborated on this project, I would also like to thank the local residents and guests for their support, cooperation, patience, and understanding during construction. I’m thrilled with the outcome and excited for the future of our Winchester Bay community.”
According to a press release, phase two of the project is in the final stages. Landscaping and furnishings for the five new cabins are the last details to complete, which is expected by July 4.
The county purchased Discovery Point RV Park in March 2018, using grant funds from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Local Government Grant Program, and immediately began the process of complete redevelopment “aimed at transforming it into a regional hub for ATVs, UTVs and camping enthusiasts.”
Phase one of renovations included the “complete rehabilitation” of the South Loop, which included 26 full-hookup paved campsites, a paved parking lot and a new restroom and shower building. This portion of the project was completed in 2020.
Phase two, focused on the North Loop, redeveloped the 34 full-hookup paved campsites, added a paved parking lot, new restrooms, shower building, laundry room, above-ground OHV and propane fuel tanks.
Both phases were completed with grant funds.
Additionally, a 3,400-square-foot commercial retail building was built. The new retail marketplace, called Winchester Beach Plaza, includes a convenience store, a garage for rentals and small repairs and a laundromat. This space is leased by Fritz, Jeff and Steve Bailey, the owners of the Pelican Market on Highway 101 in Winchester Bay.
