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!/ <br /> / 0, September 2, 2003 .... <br /> Parks � !9 Ms. Lorraine Graves <br /> 1483 Escalante Street <br /> Open Space Eugene, OR 97404 <br /> c,- r = -L r: Dear Ms. Graves: <br /> This is in re to your letter of August 2, 2003, regarding your involvement with the Hays <br /> Memorial Tree Garden. We are truly sorry that the experience has not met your expectations. The <br /> intent of the Hays Memorial Tree Garden is to be a positive public - private partnership where donors <br /> and the City work together to make a lasting contribution to our community. If the experience is not <br /> positive, for whatever reason, our mission has not been achieved. Therefore, we have refunded your <br /> donation for the bench and the Crabapple `Profusion' currently in the garden. A check for $2,150 is <br /> enclosed and we will ensure the plaques are removed. <br /> We recognize the importance of donations to our program. We also know that memorials of loved ones <br /> are tremendously significant gestures, and must be handled with great care. While you have had a <br /> negative experience, you should know that our work at the Tree Garden prioritizes the beauty and <br /> maintenance of these memorials. In retrospect, it is my belief that we have not adequately <br /> communicated with you about what you may or may not be able to expect from this donation program . <br /> This has lead to frustration and ultimately to your decision to abandon the donation. As a result, a <br /> Parks and Open review of our current memorial and donation policy has been completed, and we are working to ensure <br /> Space Planning future donors have better information provided at the onset of their involvement. <br /> Parks Maintenance <br /> A critical piece of that communication will deal with the vagaries of plant health and longevity. This <br /> Urban Forestry summer the Crabapple did experience a period of stress due to a blight common to the species. This <br /> Wetlands and Open resulted in a tree that visually did not meet your expectations of a fitting tribute to your parents. The <br /> Waterways variety "Profusion' was selected specifically to provide the hardiest Crabapple tree possible. As with <br /> any living thing, there are no guarantees and a fairly high degree of patience is needed to see a plant <br /> through its establishment period. We anticipate this Crabapple tree will continue to recover and <br /> hopefully thrive in the future. <br /> We are also working on establishing the standards for pathway benches. Certainly we want to find a <br /> bench that will be satisfactory to current and future donors. The bench's primary purpose is to provide <br /> seating for resting and appreciating the beauty of the Tree Garden. As with all park infrastructure, it <br /> needs to last so that it will look good every day for years to come. We have already experienced <br /> vandalism in the garden, and we know how disheartening it can be for donors and park managers alike. <br /> On behalf of the Parks & Open Space Division, I want to thank you for your existing <br /> contribution to this wonderful garden. If you would like to discuss this issue further, or if in <br /> the future you would like to reconsider, please feel free to contact me at 682 - 4930. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> ,Of <br /> Johnny .Medlin, Director <br /> Parks & Open Space Division <br /> EUGENE- <br />