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EUGENE Public Works <br /> Maintenance <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard <br /> Eugene, Oregon 97402 - <br /> (503) 687 -5220 <br /> November 12, 1993 <br /> Angela Nikol <br /> John C. Nikol <br /> 295 West 17th <br /> Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Ms. Nikol, Mr. Nikol: <br /> Thank you for your letter expressing your disturbance at the condition of Charnel <br /> Mulligan Park this past summer. I want you to know that I share your concern. <br /> Irrigation system vandalism has been an historic problem at that site, but was not the <br /> reason why the park was not watered last summer. The decision not to irrigate Charnel <br /> Mulligan Park and fifteen other sites within the Eugene park system was a result of the <br /> Eugene Decisions citizen involvement process. Irrigation was shut off at these parks as one <br /> means of reducing operational costs to balance the City budget. <br /> A list of potential sites was developed by staff and reviewed by the Joint Parks <br /> Committee. Following adjustments in response to the Committee's suggestions, staff <br /> developed a final list including the sixteen sites mentioned above. None of these parks were <br /> irrigated in the summer of 1993, but unseasonal weather kept this from becoming apparent at <br /> most sites until very late in the season. Because of its sand -based topsoil, Charnel Mulligan <br /> Park dried up and "browned out" more quickly. <br /> There are no plans to re- activate irrigation at any of the sites shut off as a result of <br /> this cost - reduction program. I share your opinion that unirrigated parks are less attractive and <br /> pleasant for park users, but no funds have been budgeted to re- activate the systems <br /> (typically, repairs are needed to a system that has been inoperative for so long) or to pay the <br /> costs of the water to operate them. <br /> I appreciate your interest in our City parks maintenance program. <br /> Sincerely yours, <br /> 41fie <br /> Tim Rhay <br /> Turf 84 Grounds Supervisor <br />