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EUGENE Public Works Maintenance 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard Eugene, Oregon 97402 July 30, 1992 (503) 687-5220 TO: Morse Ranch Park Interested Parties • FROM: City Staff SUBJECT: Use of the East Pasture for the Dog Off -Leash Program Last May staff developed what was hoped to be a compromise proposal regarding the use of the east pasture for the dog off -leash program. This proposal, made due to the continuing high degree of public controversy, consisted of replacement /repair of the pasture perimeter fence, locating the off -leash program on the westerly side of the pasture and preventing access to the stream. The goal of this proposal was to mediate the concerns voiced regard- ing dogs causing degradation of the stream, noise disturbance to residents along Lincoln street, and dogs running loose in the woods and streets. Un- _fortunately, little support has been indicated for this compromise proposal and therefore it has been decided to withdraw it. Staff observation, with park neighbor's confirmation, is that the amount of off -leash activity has substantially diminished since the off -leash area opened at Amazon Park. The parking impact in particular, on adjacent neigh- bors has been greatly reduced. The current City position is that the dog off -leash program will be retained at the Morse Ranch Park. The input received at the public forums, telephone conversations, and letters received indicate a majority support for the dog off -leash program retaining the access to both sides of the east pasture. Beginning in August a project will be started to install /repair the fence around the perimeter of the east pasture. This fence will replicate as close as possible the style of the existing fence. Additionally, to protect the stream which bi -sects the pasture, a north /south fence will be installed on both sides on the stream. The access between both halves of the pasture will be maintained at the existing stream culvert which is located approximately half way along the stream. It is anticipated this project will be completed prior to 15th of September. No changes in the area used by the off -leash program are anticipated during the fence construction. The most advantageous solution to the neighborhood disagreement is still for the parties involved to work together to propose an compromise alternative, however barring the development of this alternative work needs to proceed at the park. Over the next two months staff will incorporate the input received to date into the revised draft of the Morse Ranch plan. This revised plan will be returned for Citizen input at forums expected to be scheduled in September or October. For more information contact John Etter or Johnny Medlin at 687 -5220.