Grants Pass, Ore. — The city of Grants Pass can now enforce overnight camping bans at several city parks following a recent court order modification.
Josephine County Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin signed an order Thursday morning that amended a preliminary injunction related to a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO). The original injunction had prevented the city from removing campsites or tents from city property until Grants Pass provided at least 150 designated public camping spaces.
In a statement, city officials said, “The parties are engaged in meaningful and substantial conferral with the goal of reaching a mutually agreed upon final resolution of this matter.”
With the court’s modification, enforcement of overnight camping bans is now permitted at the following city parks:
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Eckstein Park, 1720 SE Portola Dr
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Fruitdale Park, 1560 Hamilton Ln
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Lawnridge Park, 1090 NW Hawthorne Ave
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Morrison Centennial Park, 1187 Rogue River Hwy
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Tussing Park, 800 West Park St
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Redwood Park, 1395 Dowell Rd
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Westholm Park, 225 SW Wildwood Ave
Tom Stenson, Deputy Legal Director at Disability Rights Oregon, issued a statement affirming the organization’s commitment to finding a balanced solution. “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 modification allows the city to better manage park use while discussions continue to address the needs of the homeless population in Grants Pass.