| Benson State Recreation Area | |
|---|---|
 Benson State Recreation Area in 2024 | |
   | |
| Type | Public, state |
| Location | Multnomah County,Oregon |
| Nearest city | Troutdale |
| Coordinates | 45°34′44″N122°07′32″W / 45.5790072°N 122.1256421°W /45.5790072; -122.1256421[1] |
| Etymology | Simon Benson |
| Operated by | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
Benson State Recreation Area is astate park in theU.S. state ofOregon, administered by theOregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The Recreation Area contains a disc golf course and picnic area and is home to Benson Lake and Hartman Pond, which are open to non-motorized personal boats, swimming, and fishing.[2]
Benson State Recreation Area as well ask Benson Lake are named for businessman and philanthropistSimon Benson. Hartman Pond is named for Bud Hartman, a prominent local fisherman and officer of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club. Benson Lake is the body of water thatMultnomah Falls drains into.
The Park was founded in 1915 by theCity of Portland asBenson Park. It was named for Portland businessman and philanthropistSimon Benson, one of the primary proponents of the nearbyHistoric Columbia River Highway, who donated the land.
In 1933, the city granted permission to the Federal Government to build aCivilian Conservation Corps camp, known asCCC Camp Benson. From 1933 to 1935, CCC members remodeled the park, creatingNew Benson Park. In 1939, the City of Portland donated the park to theUnited States Forest Service who transferred control to theOregon Parks and Recreation Department (commonly referred to as Oregon State Parks), when it became known asBenson State Recreation Area. From 1939 to 1977, the park was expanded by additional land donations primarily from the Lenske Family andMultnomah County, as well as a significant purchase by theState Highway Division on behalf of Oregon State Parks.[2][3]
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