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SEPTEMBER 9, 1996 <br /> CONTACT: Dick Morgan, Parks Maintenance Manager, 687 -5220 <br /> From Public Information Section, 687 -5262 <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> SCOBERT PARK CLOSED TEMPORARILY TO PROVIDE RELIEF FROM MISUSE <br /> Scobert Park, a small park in the Whiteaker neighborhood, is being closed temporarily to <br /> give neighbors and landscaping a relief from misuse. <br /> The city park, located on Fourth Avenue just west of Blair Street, will be closed from <br /> September 9 to December 1. Signs have been posted to let residents and visitors know the park <br /> is off limits to all uses during the closure. Police are aware of the closure and will be taking <br /> enforcement action. <br /> Park neighbors and the Whiteaker Community Council pleaded for the closure, citing <br /> vandalism and drug use. Dick Morgan, Parks Maintenance Manager for the Eugene Public <br /> Works Department, said the three -month closure would give trampled park vegetation an <br /> opportunity to recover. Many of the flowers, shrubs and trees in the park were planted by <br /> volunteers, who are dismayed that their plantings are being damaged. Vandals also have <br /> repeatedly ruined a sculptural playground installed in the park by the City in 1990. <br /> More than 60 park neighbors signed a petition in late July asking the City to temporarily <br /> close the park to repair the damage and "end the ongoing heroin trafficking and use in the park." <br /> The Whiteaker Community Council voted unanimously to support neighbors' efforts to revitalize <br /> the park. <br /> (more) <br />