La Grande Parks and Recreation director Stu Spence nominated for Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Eastern Oregon will soon have another voice at the state level. La Grande Parks and Recreation Director Stu Spence has officially been nominated by Governor Tina Kotek’s office to serve on the State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Initially nominated by State Parks and Recreation last fall and officially vetted by the governor’s office in March, Spence will travel to Salem this Monday, April 14, for an official nomination hearing in front of the Senate Rules Committee. Though still having to go through the hearing process, Spence’s acceptance is highly likely as he is one of only two nominees to the six-person commission this year and the only one from Eastern Oregon. The other commission nominee is Dave Parulo from Clackamas County. Reflecting on the nomination, Spence told Elkhorn Media Group:
“It’s an honor to be nominated and to be respected amongst my peers. And by peers, I mean parks and recreation professionals across the state.”
Once beginning his term with the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission, Spence will serve a key role in the department. The six person commission (as described on the department webpage) is responsible for the establishment of policies, adoption of department rules, setting of fees, acquisition of properties, promotion of the state’s outdoor recreation policy, and the appointment of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Director. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms and are confirmed by the state senate.
Aside from his regular commission duties, which he assured wouldn’t impact his work for La Grande Parks and Recreation, Spence also stated he’s looking forward to representing Eastern Oregon, uniquely bringing a voice from La Grande to the state level, and encouraging sustainable parks and recreation practices in Oregon.
Spence’s term on the commission will likely begin around June 2025 as the incumbent commissioner’s term expires this May. His nomination hearing is Monday, April 14 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
