Welcome to River Forks Park, a serene yet historically significant site nestled at the confluence of the North and South Umpqua Rivers in Roseburg, Oregon. This park is more than just a picturesque spot for picnics and recreation; it is a living testament to the rich history and cultural evolution of the region.
The Umpqua River area has been a focal point for communities for centuries. Indigenous peoples such as the Umpqua tribe thrived here, utilizing the river for sustenance, trade, and ceremonial purposes. The confluence of these two rivers provided ample resources and a strategic meeting point.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, River Forks Park became the stage for a pivotal moment in Roseburg’s environmental history. In the late 1980s, a significant pollution event led to untreated sewage spilling into the Umpqua River, inciting community outrage. This incident catalyzed a movement for environmental awareness and action, leading to the creation of River Appreciation Day. This annual event, first celebrated at River Forks Park, highlights the river’s ecological importance and the community’s commitment to protecting it.
In 1997, the park became a symbol of international friendship when it received a sculpture entitled ‘A Mother Horse and Her Colt’ from Shobu, Japan, Roseburg’s sister city. This gesture marked the fifth anniversary of their sister city relationship and emphasized the cultural exchange and mutual respect between the two communities.
River Forks Park continues to host various community events, including the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights. The park is famously home to the world’s largest Nutcracker, a centerpiece of the festival, which recently gained attention when an owl made it a nesting site.
Today, River Forks Park stands as a vibrant community hub, celebrating the confluence of history, culture, and nature, and reminding us of our shared responsibility to cherish and protect our natural heritage.
