About the Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department
Our Mission
To enrich our community through parks, programs, and events that promote health and wellness, foster human development, protect environmental resources, and support economic vitality—while providing welcoming places for people to gather, connect, build relationships and strengthen the community bonds.
Themes
All programs and services offered through Hermiston Parks and Recreation serve our mission through at least one of the following themes;
- Space to learn and play
- Space to be safe and secure
- Space to create and imagine
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register for recreation programs and sports leagues, such as youth soccer, basketball, or adult fitness classes, online on our CivicRec Registration website at: https://secure.rec1.com/OR/hermiston-or/catalog or in person at the Hermiston Community Center during regular business hours (8am-5pm). Create an account online to browse available programs, view schedules, and sign up. Some programs have limited spots, so early registration is recommended. For questions or assistance, contact us at 541-667-5018 or visit the Hermiston Community Center.
What is CivicRec?
CivicRec is the online registration platform used by Hermiston Parks and Recreation to manage all recreational program registrations, shelter rentals, and other services. This user-friendly, one-stop platform allows you to create an account, browse and register for programs (e.g., youth sports, fitness classes), reserve park shelters, and view schedules, rosters, and rental details for you and your family. To get started, visit https://secure.rec1.com/OR/hermiston-or/catalog to create your CivicRec account. If you have trouble registering or need assistance, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 541-667-5018 or stop by the Hermiston Community Center.
CivicRec is the online registration platform used by Hermiston Parks and Recreation to manage all recreational program registrations, shelter rentals, and other services. This user-friendly, one-stop platform allows you to create an account, browse and register for programs (e.g., youth sports, fitness classes), reserve park shelters, and view schedules, rosters, and rental details for you and your family. To get started, visit https://secure.rec1.com/OR/hermiston-or/catalog to create your CivicRec account. If you have trouble registering or need assistance, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 541-667-5018 or stop by the Hermiston Community Center.
Dogs are welcome in most city parks, provided they are leashed (no longer than 6 feet) and under control at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets. Designated off-leash dog parks are available at the Hermiston Bark Park. Please note that dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, sports fields, or indoor facilities.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited in Hermiston’s city parks, per Chapter 93.04(M) of the Hermiston Code of Ordinances.
However, alcohol may be permitted for special events on a case-by-case basis at McKenzie Park only, with prior approval. To request permission, you must apply to the Hermiston Parks & Recreation Department for approval through the City Manager's office at least 60 days in advance and include all required Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) approvals. Additional requirements, such as fees, security, law enforcement, and liability insurance, may apply. For private events with fewer than 200 participants, submit a Park Alcohol Use Application, available at https://www.hermiston.gov/parksrec/page/parks-trails. For further details or to discuss your event, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 541-667-5018.
We value your input to help us maintain and improve our 21 parks and over 12 miles of trails across Hermiston’s 172+ acres of parks and open spaces. To share feedback, report maintenance issues (e.g., vandalism, unsafe conditions, or broken amenities), or inquire about park and trail closures, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 541-667-5018 or submit a comment through our website at Park Watch - Report a Safety/Maintenance Issue. Note that recreational areas may be closed due to lack of maintenance resources or unsafe conditions caused by acts of nature, as outlined in our park policies.
We do not typically rent out an entire park. We only rent the shelters. On a case by case basis, we may look at the event happening and make a consideration. Please come in to the Community Center with event information ready to discuss.
Please visit the Teach a Recreation Class! page for more information. We are ALWAYS looking for additional instructors and classes!
Most city parks are open daily from dawn to dusk, typically 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, unless otherwise posted. Specific facilities like community centers, pools, or sports complexes may have different hours.
Hermiston Family Aquatic Center
Hermiston Community Center
Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex
HEROS Sportsplex
Typically, the Butte Spray Park (splash pad) is open Memorial Day through Labor Day 11am-7pm.
You can find sports schedules and roster information at: bit.ly/hermistonrec_sports. Check your receipt for when rosters will be released!
Our park restrooms are typically open from April through October and closed during the winter months (November through March) to prevent damage from freezing temperatures, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to costly repairs. Additionally, restrooms may occasionally be closed for maintenance due to issues like vandalism, broken fixtures, or the need for extensive cleaning. We strive to keep facilities safe and functional, and we appreciate your understanding. For the nearest park restroom, check the park information pages on our website at Parks & Trails or contact our office at 541-667-5018. Portable restrooms may be available at select parks during the off-season.
How can I provide feedback or report issues about Hermiston parks and trails?
We value your input to help us maintain and improve our 21 parks and over 12 miles of trails across Hermiston’s 172+ acres of parks and open spaces. To share feedback, report maintenance issues (e.g., vandalism, unsafe conditions, or broken amenities), or inquire about park and trail closures, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 541-667-5018 or submit a comment through our website at Park Watch - Report a Safety/Maintenance Issue page. Note that recreational areas may be closed due to lack of maintenance resources or unsafe conditions caused by acts of nature, as outlined in our park policies.
Watering and mowing schedules may shift based on weather, equipment availability, or staffing. Flexibility allows us to adjust for rainfall, heat, and seasonal growth rates so we can use resources wisely. We adjust schedules and practices throughout the season to balance park health, community use, and responsible resource management.
Differences in soil type, sunlight, irrigation systems, and usage levels all affect how parks grow and appear. High-traffic areas may show more wear, while shaded or irrigated areas may look greener.
Irrigation systems are programmed in advance and may occasionally overlap with rain events. Weather sensors and staff adjustments help reduce this, but sometimes watering is still needed to regulate pressure, maintain turf health, or complete scheduled cycles. We adjust schedules and practices throughout the season to balance park health, community use, and responsible resource management.
Our irrigation is scheduled during overnight hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lower. This reduces water loss from evaporation and allows more water to soak into the soil, making it the most efficient and responsible way to water. Every effort is made to irrigate when parks are not being used. However, on occasion irrigation may occur during the day to help regulate water pressure across the system or to meet specific turf and landscape needs. Schedules are adjusted throughout the season to balance park health, water efficiency, and community use.
Our goal is to maintain healthy, welcoming parks that provide safe spaces for the community to enjoy, recreate, and relax. Our mowing season typically runs from April through October, though it may extend based on seasonal conditions. Weekly mowing helps keep grass healthy, reduces weeds, and ensures safe, usable spaces for sports, recreation, and community gatherings. We adjust schedules and practices throughout the season to balance park health, community use, and responsible resource management.
