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Bob Hammitt DAVID P. ILLIG, Ph.D. <br /> City Maintenance <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Ave C and Consult$mhologist <br /> Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Dear Mr. Hammitt, <br /> I'm enclosing an earlier letter I wrote to the city council. It <br /> contains many of my observations that I still believe are relevant. I <br /> have heard recent rumors that there is thought to fencing off the part <br /> of the field west of the drainage ditch and to the woods and closing <br /> all the rest of the meadow. This is a bad idea. I walk in the ranch <br /> every day. I drive by several times a day. As noted in my other letter <br /> I believe allowing off -leash use as well as a variety of other uses is <br /> a good idea. By allowing total access to the full meadow people are <br /> able to adjust there use so there is minimum impact on the environment. <br /> I really enjoy walking through the head high grass. I recommend keeping <br /> it high because it is more protected that way. What is the difference <br /> whether I walk through there with Molly on the leash or romping free? <br /> There is no damage. There's plenty of room for other people to play. If <br /> the area on the west of the stream is fenced off the use will be <br /> concentrated so there will be worn grass and mud, just the things that <br /> the critics say are their concern. Part of the reason there is any <br /> problem at all is just because pet rights are so restricted. Spreading <br /> out cures the problem, restricting increases it. The park is easily <br /> handling the use as it is now. <br /> I really want you and our elected officials to show some <br /> leadership and strength in not giving in to the distorted views and <br /> selfish needs of the few neighbors who want to keep the public out of <br /> the park and keep it to themselves. Don't think for a moment that they <br /> care whether Molly is on the leash or not. They simply don't want ME OR <br /> YOU in "their" park doing anything, dog or no dog, leash or no leash. <br /> They use lots of politically correct words to support their desires but <br /> do not tell their truth. Creating a poor solution just to appease them <br /> is not proper. IT IS A PUBLIC PARK NOT THEIR PRIVATE PRESERVE. We are <br /> not restricting their use of the park in any way. Our use of the park <br /> is not supposed to be under their control. <br /> I also feel that the Historical Park Corp. is distorting its <br /> position and overstepping its boundaries. Everyday I walk in the park I <br /> try to look and see what could be bad for the community here and I <br /> cannot see it. I am a professional observer and analyst. As hard as I <br /> try I can only see that the normal, unbiased person who goes there <br /> would say that the dog owners with their pets off leash is not a <br /> problem and a very pleasant activity. There is an abundance of room for <br /> non -dog people to play in the park at the same time, even in the same <br /> area. I often take non -dog people with me and they enjoy it immensely. <br /> Frankly, if some of the neighbors are so upset that their views <br /> are changed by the public presence maybe they should move to a non- <br /> public, private area that they own and control. <br /> I appreciate your consideration and hope you spend some time <br /> hanging out at the Ranch and see for your elf how well it works. <br /> Sincerely, 4 ,4 ��. <br /> 550 Ful Vue Drive • Eugene, Oregon 97405 • (503) 484 -7097 <br />