Yamhill County, OR. — A long-standing parks partnership is coming to a close as Crabtree Park, a quiet natural retreat in Dundee, prepares to transition from the Chehalem Park and Recreation District (CPRD) to the Yamhill County Parks Department. The change will take effect January 1, 2026, when Yamhill County assumes full management of the property.
Crabtree Park features a large picnic shelter, a peaceful pond, Hess Creek running under a small footbridge, and the Green Thumb Nature Trail, a short, scenic walking path accessible from town. The site does not include permanent restrooms or drinking water, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own water.
The shift marks the end of a 57-year lease, under which Yamhill County had leased the park to CPRD since 1968. During that time, CPRD maintained the site as part of its inventory of more than 20 parks serving Newberg and Dundee.
With the lease expiring at the end of 2025, both the CPRD Board of Directors and the Yamhill County Commissioners reviewed their options and agreed that returning the park to County management was the most effective long-term approach. CPRD will formally exit the lease on December 31, 2025.
CPRD said it will continue working with the County to support a smooth transition. As part of that process, Crabtree Park is being removed from CPRD’s website and phased out of upcoming district publications.
Despite the administrative changes, Crabtree Park will remain open to the public throughout the transition, ensuring uninterrupted access to the park’s natural amenities.
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