{{Short description|State park in Oregon}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox park | name = Benson State Recreation Area | image = BensonLakeSPOR.jpg | image_size = | image_caption = Benson State Recreation Area in 2024 | map = Oregon#USA | map_size = 220 | type = Public, state | location = Multnomah County, Oregon | nearest_city = Troutdale | coordinates = {{coord|45.5790072|N|122.1256421|W|region:US-OR_source:gnis|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = <ref name="gnis">{{cite gnis |id=1137936 |name=Benson State Park |access-date=2011-06-23}}</ref> | area = | created = | etymology = Simon Benson | operator = Oregon Parks and Recreation Department | visitation_num = | status = | open = }} '''Benson State Recreation Area''' is a state park in the U.S. state of Oregon, administered by the Oregon 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Benson State Recreation Area - Oregon State Parks |url=https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=106 |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=stateparks.oregon.gov |language=en}}</ref>
Benson State Recreation Area as well ask Benson Lake are named for businessman and philanthropist Simon 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 that Multnomah Falls drains into.
== History == left|thumb|Benson Lake in 2009 The Park was founded in 1915 by the City of Portland as '''Benson Park'''. It was named for Portland businessman and philanthropist Simon Benson, one of the primary proponents of the nearby Historic Columbia River Highway, who donated the land.
In 1933, the city granted permission to the Federal Government to build a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, known as '''CCC Camp Benson'''. From 1933 to 1935, CCC members remodeled the park, creating '''New Benson Park'''. In 1939, the City of Portland donated the park to the United States Forest Service who transferred control to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (commonly referred to as Oregon State Parks), when it became known as '''Benson State Recreation Area'''. From 1939 to 1977, the park was expanded by additional land donations primarily from the Lenske Family and Multnomah County, as well as a significant purchase by the State Highway Division on behalf of Oregon State Parks.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Benson State Recreation Area (New Benson Park) - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area OR |url=https://livingnewdeal.org/sites/benson-state-recreation-area-new-benson-park-columbia-river-gorge-national-scenic-area-or/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Living New Deal |language=en-US}}</ref>
==See also== * List of Oregon state parks
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{cite web |url=http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_147.php |title=Benson State Recreation Area |publisher=Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |access-date=2011-06-23}}
{{Protected areas of Oregon}}
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Category:State parks of Oregon Category:Parks in Multnomah County, Oregon
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