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�_I <br /> EUGENE / Public Works <br /> Parks and Open Space <br /> City of Eugene <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard <br /> Eugene, Oregon 97402 <br /> (541) 682 -4800 <br /> (541) 682 -4882 FAX <br /> www.eugene-or.gov/parks <br /> October 3, 2007 <br /> Justin C. Williams <br /> 1465 Buck Street <br /> Eugene OR 97402 <br /> Subject: Acorn Park Improvements <br /> Dear Mr. Williams, <br /> Thank you for your letter and petition stating your concerns in regards to placing a basketball court at <br /> Acorn Park. I very much appreciate you sharing your experiences and concerns with us. We need good, <br /> watchful neighbors to provide "eyes on the park" and alert us to trends and issues as they arise. <br /> A little background might be helpful. Initial funding was secured for improvements to Acorn Park in <br /> 2005 through a Community Development Block Grant. A public park planning process was then initiated <br /> to gather input from the neighbors of Acorn Park. A postcard was mailed to all 2,000 households that fall <br /> within the Acorn Park service area followed by two public workshops. The first was held at McCornack <br /> Elementary School on June 1S 2005 with approximately 40 neighbors in attendance. The second was on <br /> June 28 in Acorn Park with a smaller attendance. <br /> At the first workshop, we learned that the existing basketball court located immediately east of your <br /> residence was problematic due to its isolated nature and low visibility into this area. It had become a <br /> place for people who did not want to be seen engaged in negative behaviors. There was strong support <br /> expressed both to move the basketball court to address the ongoing problems as well as continuing to <br /> accommodate youth basketball within the park. <br /> At the second workshop the final site plan was presented along with a prioritized list of improvements <br /> which included relocating the court. There was general support expressed for the proposed improvements <br /> expressed by those attending the workshop and those who submitted feedback via email. No opposition <br /> to the relocated basketball court was received. <br /> The construction of the basketball court was anticipated to be included in Phase 1. Unfortunately, project <br /> costs were higher than anticipated and the courts construction was postponed. Numerous youth and <br /> families in the area expressed disappointed that basketball was no longer available at Acorn Park. <br /> Subsequently, an opportunity for funding to construct the court presented itself in early 2007 through the <br /> Community Development Block Grant program. At the public hearing on this block grant request only <br /> one citizen testified and that was in support of the funding for the court. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />