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MATSLER Clara T <br /> From: MATSLER Clara T <br /> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:19 PM <br /> To: DARNELL Kelly A <br /> Subject: RG 9.17.08 by Ruggeri. Wire theft cuts Amazon Park lights, postpones softball games <br /> Wire theft cuts Amazon Park lights, postpones softball games <br /> By Laura Ruggeri <br /> The Register -Guard <br /> Published: September 17, 2008 <br /> Heavy -duty copper wiring stolen from the lighting system at Amazon Park has prompted the cancellation of all <br /> games this week in the city Recreation Department's adult fall softball program. <br /> About 600 people play on the program's 48 teams. <br /> The theft was reported to Eugene police late Monday morning, police spokeswoman Kerry Delf said. Metal theft <br /> has been a growing problem throughout the area as the price of scrap metal has climbed. <br /> The theft involved underground wiring used in the lighting of two softball fields at the park, said Dave <br /> Battaglia, city recreation athletics manager. <br /> Only half of each field could be illuminated, he said. <br /> And with the sun going down earlier, the games could not be played without lighting, he said. <br /> It's expected to cost at least $10,000 to replace the wiring, said Johnny Medlin, director of the city's parks and <br /> open space division. Before the wiring is replaced, a different design may be created to make it harder to steal, <br /> he said. <br /> On a positive note, games scheduled for next Monday through Wednesday will be played at Guy Lee Park in <br /> Springfield. <br /> Battaglia said the offer was made after he contacted Willamalane Park and Recreation District officials to see <br /> how they dealt with a wire theft this past summer. <br /> Games slated for Thursday of next week will be played at the ball fields near Shasta Middle School in west <br /> Eugene, Battaglia said. <br /> Clara T Matsler <br /> Parks and Open Space <br /> 541 - 682 - 4908 <br /> 1 <br />