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MEMORANDUM <br /> EUGENE <br /> TO: Council Officers <br /> FROM: Jim Johnson, LRCS Executive Director <br /> SUBJECT: Ropes Challenge Course <br /> DATE: April 21, 1994 <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> The City of Eugene Outdoor Program currently manages the Emerald Valley Ropes <br /> Challenge Course in Creswell. The site has been found to be inadequate due to <br /> factors such as the lack of shade, design of the course in meeting accessibility <br /> standards, and the additional 510 per person fee to Emerald Valley for the use of <br /> the course. Travel distance from Eugene is also inconvenient for many users. <br /> Public Works /Parks Planning and Recreation Outdoor Program staff evaluated the <br /> use of Sladden Park and the Maurie Jacobs Park as possible Ropes Course sites <br /> because of their proximity to the River House. After meeting with the Whiteaker <br /> Neighborhood Association, and hearing their input, staff decided that relocation or <br /> construction of the course would not be in the best interest of this neighborhood, <br /> nor would it produce the best Ropes Course. <br /> Staff evaluated 12 other park sites in the Eugene area using a matrix. Each park <br /> was evaluated using seventeen criteria on the matrix. Spencer Butte scored highest <br /> based on an evaluation of: natural setting; ability to have a high tree course and <br /> low course at the same location; available and convenient parking; accessible <br /> restrooms; central location to users; protection from the weather; visual or noise <br /> impact on neighbors; and freedom from wetland considerations. Other park sites <br /> evaluated were: Alton Baker, Amazon, Hendricks, Maurie Jacobs, Skinner Butte, <br /> Westmoreland, Washington /Jefferson, Blanton Ridge, Skyline, Frank Kinney, and <br /> Sladden parks. <br /> PUBLIC PROCESS <br /> Staff presented a proposed outline of the public process to the Citizen Involvement <br /> CommittThe process was designed to gather input regarding the use of the <br /> Spencer Butte park site as a Ropes Challenge Course. The CIC made some <br /> additional suggestions to our plan and approved it. <br /> Staff held a public meeting for March 15, 1994 at Hilyard Community Center. <br />