A piece of Oregon history in the heart of Damascus
In 1959, Oregon was busy celebrating its 100th year of statehood. A group of people in the little community of Damascus got together to put on a 100-day Centennial Celebration party and formed the Damascus Civic Club to make it happen.
When the dust settled three months later, people realized they had a little money left over. The group got together and asked, “What does Damascus need?” The answer was a park.
Park events over the years …
The children and residents of Damascus are the prime focus of park activities that over the years have included Movie in the Park, Easter egg hunts, Day in Damascus, Christmas activities, and honoring our own local heroes.
To reserve Damascus Centennial Park for your event …
All or part of the park can be reserved for your private event; a family reunion, birthday party, wedding, company picnic, etc. There is never a charge to reserve the park, although donations to help pay for park services are always gratefully accepted. The Damascus Civic Club owns the park, and we are a 503(c)(4) organization; donations are not tax deductible, but all funds are used to pay for park needs such as utilities, repairs and maintenance, equipment, insurance, etc.
Additionally, we have several items available for rent to make your event special. If you need tables, chairs, sign boards, hand wash stations, additional Porta Potties and more, we can help!
Annual Events
Day in Damascus
This community carnival is held on the 4th Saturday in July. Activities include lots of fun for the kids – inflatables, game booths, and a variety of field games, all with prizes and other goodies as a reward. Adults enjoy shopping the vendor booths, participating with the kids in their games, enjoying the many delicious offerings from our food vendors, and a real crowd pleaser, the incredible raffle held at the end of the day with items donated by our local businesses. We always have room for game booth sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, and your participation is encouraged.
Festival of Trees
New to the park in 2022, the Festival of Trees welcomes in the Christmas season with a 3-evening event, from 6 PM until 9 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the first weekend in December. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals reserve a 10′ x 10′ covered space to erect and decorate an 8′ tall Christmas tree. Visitors then vote on their favorite tree with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners announced on Sunday evening. Santa will be on hand, as will strolling carolers, and there will be plenty of hot cocoa, hot apple cider, candy canes, and Christmas cookies.
Support the Park – Buy a Brick
As a part of the park landscape, we have created a commemorative brick patio at the entrance to the Dee Wescott Memorial Pavilion. Your purchase of a brick helps the Damascus Civic Club maintain and enhance the park facilities.
Damascus Civic Club
The Damascus Civic Club was formed in 1959 to purchase land, build a community park, and serve the residents of Damascus, particularly the children. More than six decades later, that mission is continuing to be fulfilled by a dedicated group of unpaid volunteers who either live in or have businesses in the Damascus area.
To learn more about our history, our achievements through the years, and how you can see that the park continues into the future, please click on the link below.
Damascus Centennial Park 