New Search
Friends of Hendricks Park <br /> Position Paper regarding Hendricks Park Staffing <br /> Background <br /> Hendricks Park is a unique setting. As Eugene's first park it is arguably the crown jewel of <br /> the city's park system. Hendricks Park has special natural and cultural resources that give it <br /> a distinctive role in the Parks and Open Space system. <br /> In the past, most of the park's resources have been focused on the Rhododendron Garden. <br /> Although it remains the most recognizable part of Hendricks Park and the section the public <br /> is most aware of, the Park now has two other distinct areas that demand attention: the Urban <br /> Forest and the Native Plant Garden. Increased focus on these areas is a direct outgrowth of <br /> the Forest Management Plan (FMP). <br /> The FMP calls for major restoration of the Park's ecosystem, removing invasive non - native <br /> plants, encouraging regrowth of the native plant understory in the forest, and providing more <br /> suitable wildlife habitat. The FMP also recommends utilizing this unique urban forested area <br /> for public education regarding ecosystems, native plants, and wildlife. <br /> The FMP emphasizes the importance of treating the entire park as an integrated ecosystem. <br /> The Native Plant Garden, due to both its location and its purpose, forms a "living bridge" <br /> between the Rhododendron Garden and the Forest. Therefore, an integrated vision for the <br /> three major areas is essential in guiding future park management. <br /> Another key development envisioned by the FMP working group is the formation of the <br /> Friends of Hendricks Park as a supportive non - profit organization. The emerging <br /> public /private partnership between FoHP and POS brings vital additional human and <br /> financial resources in support of the FMP along with future development and guidance of <br /> Hendricks Park. <br /> The FMP has provided essential guidance for reshaping Hendricks Park — expanding its <br /> appeal, broadening its usage, and thereby enhancing its public benefit. The uniqueness of <br /> this forested urban park with its world class Rhododendron Garden, revitalized forest, and <br /> new Native Plant Garden causes it to be much more than a "city park." It is recognized and <br /> utilized by a much broader constituency and warrants special attention and treatment within <br /> the Parks and Open Space system, as it serves to enhance the image of both the City of <br /> Eugene and its POS group. <br /> All these recent developments strongly influence the staffing needs and staffing model for <br /> Hendricks Park. The retirement of Michael Robert as the head person at the park provides an <br /> opportunity to review and possibly revise the staffing and supervision in the park. In <br /> fulfilling the stewardship part of its mission, FoHP is providing input as part of this process. <br />