New Search
• To estimate the maintenance costs for parks and open spaces we use the <br />NRPA resource management analysis method. We modify the time standards and <br />frequencies where appropriate, to reflect our standards and practices. <br />Parks and Open Space Survey <br />b. If so, what systems are in place to collect this information? <br />• We measure the time it takes to perform maintenance activities, figure $/A and project costs <br />for that park and similar parks. <br />c. What is the average cost to maintain facilities such as community centers, swimming <br />facilities, bathrooms, etc? <br />• Parks and Open Space does not maintain such facilities. That work falls to the Library, <br />Recreation and Cultural Services Division. <br />d. What is the average cost to maintain park land? If possible could you estimate the cost <br />to maintain an acre of designed park land versus an acre of low maintenance park.) <br />Please match these estimates to the pictures taken in B2. <br />For developed parks we figure it costs us between $12K /A/yr for small, high -use parks to <br />$4K /A/yr for larger suburban neighborhood parks. <br />For undeveloped open space land, which may get rough mowed twice each year and may <br />have a gravel trail, or no amenities, we figure less than $1K /A/yr. We have not done a <br />thorough analysis of the costs of maintaining undeveloped lands recently, so this figure is <br />something of an educated guess. <br />E. Natural Resource Plans <br />1. a. Does your organization preserve natural lands, ecosystems, species, etc.? <br />Yes, the City of Eugene preserves a wide variety of natural lands, ecosystems, and species. <br />Some of the habitats that we protect include wetlands, rivers, streams, other open waterways, <br />forests, oak savannas, and upland prairies. These protected lands are habitat for a wide <br />variety of native species, including five species (three plants, one butterfly, one fish) that are <br />listed under the federal endangered species act. There is an entire "Natural Resources" work <br />section within the Parks and Open Space Division, comprised of 19 FTE, that manages <br />natural lands in the park and open space system. <br />b. If so, how effective has your organization been in preserving natural lands, ecosystems, <br />species, etc.? <br />The City of Eugene has been very effective at preserving natural lands, ecosystems, and <br />species. For example, in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and The Nature <br />Conservancy, the City has acquired 3,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands in the "West <br />Eugene Wetlands ". In addition, the City's park system includes riparian habitat along most <br />segments of the Willamette River, the major river that flows through the middle of Eugene, as well <br />as along Amazon Creek, the other major waterway in Eugene. The City also has a major park <br />system in the south hills of Eugene that protects forests, streams, and other habitats, while also <br />providing recreation opportunities such as hiking. The City has been recognized often for its efforts <br />-11- <br />