GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The city of Grants Pass has received the green light to enforce overnight camping bans at several of its city parks after a Josephine County judge modified a key court order related to a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO).
On Thursday morning, Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin signed an order adjusting the preliminary injunction that had previously prevented the city from removing tents or campsites from public property. The original injunction required Grants Pass to provide 150 designated spaces for public camping before enforcing any removals.
Following the modification, Grants Pass is now permitted to enforce overnight camping prohibitions at eight city parks, including Eckstein Park, Fruitdale Park, Lawnridge Park, Morrison Centennial Park, Tussing Park, Redwood Park, and Westholm Park.
In a statement, city officials noted that “the parties are engaged in meaningful and substantial conferral with the goal of reaching a mutually agreed upon final resolution of this matter.”
Disability Rights Oregon continues to assert the importance of balancing the needs of unhoused residents, particularly those with disabilities, with public use of parks. Tom Stenson, Deputy Legal Director at DRO, expressed confidence in their legal position and willingness to collaborate with the city.
“We remain confident in our legal case and our ability to reach a favorable settlement,” Stenson said. “We have been and remain willing to work with the city to balance the needs of homeless residents and park use, but we must ensure that people who are homeless, including people with disabilities, are able to find places to stay, in conditions that are safe and accessible.”
The legal battle began earlier this year when DRO and the Oregon Law Center filed an emergency lawsuit against the city, alleging that the closure of two designated resting sites violated the rights of unhoused people with disabilities. The preliminary injunction was initially granted on March 28, halting enforcement of the city’s camping ban in parks until adequate camping spaces were made available.
This remains a developing story, with additional details expected to be shared in coming days.