Recent court rulings have effectively nullified Oregon liability waivers, impacting the accessibility and affordability of recreation and fitness for people across our state. Oregon businesses are now paying significantly more for liability insurance than other western states.
As a result, recreation and fitness providers are forced to either increase consumer costs or eliminate recreation options altogether. Without waiver reform, Oregon risks losing the tremendous societal and economic benefits recreation and fitness provide.
Two popular trails on the Tillamook Coast have already been closed due to this issue – Short Beach Trail and Tire Trail in Oceanside.
The good news is that there are a number of recreational advocacy groups that are working to restore recreational immunity in the coming legislative session. Called Protect Oregon Recreation, they have created a website and an online petition for all Oregonians to make their voice heard on this issue. In addition, the League of Oregon Cities and the Association of Oregon Counties intends to bring a bill to the Legislature in 2024 to restore recreational immunity.
“TCVA supports the concerted effort to restore recreational immunity,” said Dan Haag, TCVA’s Director of Trails and Outdoor Recreation. “We encourage everyone to visit the Protect Oregon Recreation website, sign the petition, and contact your local legislature to express your support for continued access to the outdoors.”
To learn more and to access the Protect Oregon Recreation petition click here.