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BABE RuTti <br /> SOUTH EUGENE CHARTER <br /> April 14, 2000 <br /> WILLAMETTE VALLEY BABE RUTH <br /> Andrea Riner <br /> BASEBALL <br /> City of Eugene, Parks Planning Manager <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Blvd. <br /> Eugene OR 97402 <br /> Dear Andrea, <br /> I would like to thank you, Carolyn, Renee, David and Trevor for meeting with me and Jake Risley <br /> last Friday about the development of the Amazon Ballfields. The meeting was very helpful in giving <br /> us a picture of the various issues, impediments and opportunities involved in making this area a <br /> valuable community resource. <br /> We at South Eugene Babe Ruth (SEBR) began the process of negotiating the lease of this land with <br /> the City in August 1998 and culminated it with the signing of the lease by Jim Johnson on November <br /> 16, 1999. The process has been long and a bit frustrating especially over the past two months while <br /> we've been poised to begin a major donor fundraising campaign. To date we have raised <br /> approximately $4,000 from SEBR families alone without appealing to the community at large. We <br /> have not approached the business community for support because of questions concerning the final <br /> site of the field. <br /> I understand and appreciate the issues you and your staff raised concerning wetlands delineation and <br /> mitigation, shared use and neighborhood impact. This is a highly visible, centrally located site <br /> where neither you nor we can afford to err in its long -term development. Late in the meeting we <br /> began to discuss the possibilities of a shared effort between SEBR and the City. You seemed to take <br /> the lead in discussing this possibility. Admittedly I was initially reluctant to embrace this idea <br /> fearing further delays in development. However I believe you are moving in the right direction. If <br /> the City wants multiple use of the site, coordination in its development makes a lot of sense. I <br /> believe we at SEBR can bring significant human and financial resources to the effort. Obviously the <br /> City can do the same and with some creative planning and cooperation we can build a facility that <br /> will pay dividends for our children and grandchildren. <br /> If we can assist you in the initial planning of this project let us know. Please be assured that our <br /> organization is committed to this field. The people from SEBR most integral to this process are: <br /> Jake Risley Amazon Field Development Coordinator 682 -2005 iake.risley @co.lane.or.us <br /> Doug Barber Amazon Fundraising Coordinator 302 -6620 dbarber @ulum.com <br /> Charlie Ward SEBR Chairperson 343 -6505 caward @worldnet.att.net <br /> Thanks again Andrea. I know your plate is full and I appreciate your efforts in making these fields <br /> (both soccer and baseball) a reality. <br /> Regan s <br /> Charlie Ward, South Eugene Babe Ruth <br />