City of La Grande approves grant submission for Candy Cane Park pavilion project
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, November 9th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — During a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 4th, the La Grande city council officially approved a request by La Grande Parks and Recreation to submit a grant for the planned Candy Cane Park Pavilion and bathroom expansion. If approved, Parks and Rec will receive federal funding to help fund the construction of an expanded public pavilion and meeting area at the park along with new restrooms. As written in the description for the request in the meeting agenda:
“The City’s Parks and Recreation Department’s 2021 Master Plan identified the need for additional shade and restroom facilities at Candy Cane Park. Following completion of the Riverside Park playground and splash pad project (coming soon), the construction of a new restroom/pavilion building at Candy Cane Park is the next priority on the City’s list of park capital improvements.
The City is seeking grant funding through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program. Park System Development Charges (SDCs) would be used to fund the City’s required matching contribution. The City would also provide for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility. If the grant is awarded, construction could begin next summer.
The City Manager recommends that the Council pass the proposed Resolution as presented by Staff.”
According to La Grande Parks and Recreation Director/City Manager Pro-Tem Stu Spence, this federal grant is provided through the Oregon State Parks Department. The grant itself is a matching grant, with Parks and Rec providing half the funding for the project from money already allocated in the STC fund. In total, the project is estimated to cost around $550 thousand dollars.
Spence estimates that the city will receive confirmation of grant approval around April 2027. If approved, Parks and Rec hope to begin construction sometime in summer 2027 using prefab building kits and hiring a local contractor.
