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MEMORANDUM <br /> August 18, 1992 <br /> TO: Eugene Parks and Recreation Commission <br /> FROM: Christine Andersen <br /> SUBJECT: GOLDEN GARDENS GOLF_ PROPOSAL UPDATE <br /> While the Park Planning long range work plan does not currently include park <br /> development planning for the Golden Gardens area, the recent private proposal <br /> for the development of a golf course using some city owned lands within the <br /> area has the possibility of achieving the Parks and Recreation Plan goal of <br /> an area golf course earlier than was anticipated. <br /> The private land owners have approached the City with a request to purchase <br /> the Golden Gardens parcel owned by the City, possibly through an exchange of <br /> land with equal value. The golf course could likely be developed without the <br /> acquisition of the City owned parcel, however development options would be <br /> increased if this land was acquired. <br /> Initial staff discussions with the City Council and the Parks and Recreation <br /> Commission indicate an interest in the golf proposal, however, we are a long <br /> way away from a consensus on what type of developed park is needed within the <br /> area in the future. The Parks and Recreation Plan contains a recommendation <br /> for a full range 35+ acre community park to be developed in the area. Parks <br /> Planning staff are recommending the development of a neighborhood park given <br /> that current facilities at Echo Hollow and Peterson Barn may be unnecessarily <br /> duplicated in a community park. <br /> An outline of the public process proposed to identify community concerns on <br /> these issues is attached. The projected timeline for this process is roughly <br /> 12 to 18 months. The agent for the property owners has indicated that a <br /> prolonged timeline for reaching a decision on the golf course issue would be <br /> a problem in delaying the negotiation process. <br /> STAFF RECOMMENDATION <br /> Staff recommends that the issue of sale or trade of the Golden Gardens prop- <br /> erty for the purpose of developing a public golf course and the determination <br /> of ultimate park needs within the area be separated. This separation would <br /> allow the negotiations to immediately proceed to determine the feasibility of <br /> the City owned parcel being acquired for the development of a public golf <br /> course. <br />