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Pre's Trail Master Plan Proposal <br /> Background <br /> Pre's Trail is a major recreation resource located in Alton Baker Park. The trail is <br /> designed to be an all- weather running and walking trail situated to provide a stimulating <br /> workout in an aesthetic setting. <br /> Pre's Trail was originated and is maintained as a private - public partnership. Presently <br /> the partners are Oregon Track Club (OTC), Oregon Track Club Masters (OTCM), and <br /> the city of Eugene Parks and Open Spaces Division. <br /> The trail is approximately 4.12 miles in dedicated length. Though the layout has <br /> changed somewhat from its' original design, the purpose has not — that is, this resource <br /> be available for the enjoyment of runners and non - vehicle recreation in perpetuity. <br /> The Trail was originally the idea of Steve Prefontaine and Bill Bowerman. Their <br /> inspiration came from the running trails that were so successful in Finland and New <br /> Zealand. These trails were away from traffic where the runner could do a safe and <br /> enjoyable workout. �J <br /> After Steve Prefontaine's untimely death in May of 1975, the push was made to <br /> establish this trail in his memory with complet on by Labor Day of the same year. <br /> The Prefontaine Foundation was established /and was successful in completing a soft- <br /> surface bark trail in the then Lane County parkland that is now Alton Baker Park. <br /> Pre's Trail was maintained by The Prefontaine Foundation until that responsibility was <br /> assumed by the Oregon Track Club Masters as a community service project. In 2000 it <br /> became apparent that previous maintenance standards would not be adequate to see <br /> the trail survive. An assessment was done and an evolving plan was implemented to <br /> restore and upgrade the trail. <br /> It is clear that broader involvement will be needed to accomplish the work and to <br /> preserve this valuable community resource. In response to this need, the combined <br /> clubs of OTC /OTCM have taken on the Pre's Trail renovation as a club focus and <br /> dedicated additional resources — and fundraising to support this project. Eugene Parks <br /> and Open Spaces has correspondingly increased their equipment and manpower <br /> efforts. <br /> Pre's Trail is a community resource similar to the Amazon Pool and the ball fields, <br /> tennis courts, dog park, boat ramps, neighborhood parks or wetlands. More <br /> importantly, unlike these fine local resources, Pre's Trail enjoys national and <br /> international recognition. People travel to New York to see the Empire State Building <br /> and the Statue of Liberty. Though not in the same numbers, people come here to see <br /> Hayward Field and to run on Pre's Trail. The Trail is recognized and respected <br />