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AN ALTERNATE PROPOSAL FOR <br /> COMMUNITY PARK FACILITIES IN SANTA CLARA <br /> (Passed by resolution of a general assembly of the <br /> Santa Clara Community Organization on April 7, 2005) <br /> The Santa Clara Community Organization, representing the citizens of Santa Clara, sees the <br /> need for park facilities in their community, but consider maintaining the integrity of the Urban <br /> Growth Boundary (UGB) paramount. As the Parks and Open Spaces department only <br /> searched for parcels of land 40 acres or larger within the UGB to meet their goals, they found <br /> no workable solutions. The Santa Clara Community Organization, however, feels there are <br /> better alternatives to the City's "one site fits alt" proposed park which would better meet our <br /> needs, reduce urban sprawl, reduce automotive traffic impacts, reduce policing needs, and <br /> better comply with Eugene's own growth management policies, metropolitan plan and state <br /> land use practices. <br /> Acquire and amend the Santa Clara Elementary School <br /> This site is just over 8 acres and has much of the infrastructure required for the functional <br /> operation of a community center (gymnasium, classrooms, multi - purpose rooms, library, <br /> kitchen, restrooms, playground, administrative support facilities, parking, hard surface for <br /> basketball court, etc....) There is sufficient space to add elements of a community park like an <br /> aquatic facility, a skate park, children's play area. It is centrally located on a major arterial, has <br /> LTD bus service to its front door every 30 minutes, is adjacent to our commercial center and <br /> close to senior living facilities in our area. Siting the park on a major arterial facilitates <br /> adequate policing and reduces opportunities for vandalism and mischief. In addition, the <br /> building is one of our last remaining historical sites in Santa Clara and deserves to be <br /> preserved to meet our future needs while retaining part of our past. <br /> The Eugene Parks and Recreation Plan (July 1989) calls for community parks to be central to <br /> the community being served. If this criteria is met, the service area broadens to a three mile <br /> radius. Drawing a three -mile radius from Santa Clara Elementary encompasses the entire <br /> region without impacting smaller neighborhood streets. <br /> Extend the Riverfront Bike Path north through Santa Clara <br /> Doing this gives citizens access to our most prominent natural feature and provides park <br /> connectivity with the rest of the city park inventory. Parkland along the Willamette River will <br /> meet many of our recreational needs while providing alternative transportation modes to the <br /> city center and connecting our park system with the city's other parks. This part of our park <br /> system could be home to informal and reservable picnic areas, natural areas, and interpretive <br /> facilities, community gardens (our most fertile soil lies along the river banks), multi -use paths, <br /> pedestrian trails, off leash dog areas, and unprogrammed play space. If the path could follow <br /> the western channel of the river it could connect to Lane County's parks in the area (Whitley <br /> Landing and Hileman Landing) to maximize the resources of both governing entities. <br /> Again, the length of this park space works to dissipate traffic concerns over large areas, <br /> promotes access by alternative transport, and makes use of this park convenient and desirable <br /> for folks from all areas. <br /> Build a sense of community by developing strong community partnerships <br /> Work with School Dist. 4J to upgrade and light the existing ball fields located at the area <br /> schools for after school use by community members. The 1998 Parks and Open Spaces bond <br />