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Ms. Larson said there were things she would like to see, such as making the cedar grove accessible for wheel chairs. She averred that the CPC was operating on a mandate set into place in 1992. She stressed that it had been decided by CPC members in 1994 that hammer throwing was not a compatible activity for the area along with making certain areas of the park accessible. Ms. May opposed extending the use of the hammer throw area. Mr. Sonnichsen, seconded by Ms. May, moved to reiterate the minutes from the previous meeting which said the CPC members confirmed their opposition to al- lowing the hammer throw activity in the park. Ms. Behm, seconded by Ms. Mello, moved a substitute motion to word it as reaf- firming the CPC's opposition to the hammer throw activity in the Whilamut Natural Area. Mr. Deal reiterated that the athletes in question were not affiliated with the University of Oregon Ms. Nunn averred that the area in question was a natural area. She cited the East Alton Baker Park Plan, signed in 1986, and emphasized that the past tense had been used with reference to the hammer throw. She did not think "hammers flying around" were a good idea for a natural area. Ms. Behm felt that a line had to be drawn, asking when the CPC would stop "giving away the park." Ms. Larison ascertained from Mr. Deal that circa 12 people would practice at the hammer throw practice area and that for the week of the Olympic Trials that number might increase to 40 or 50. Mr. Ernst related that he had reviewed the park plan and the comprehensive plan and had not found anything that would support throwing. Ms. Soong reiterated that the athletes had a limited amount of time before the Olympic Trials. She underscored that all the athletes needed was a place to train until then. She stressed that the land would not be mowed more than it already was being mowed and that they would keep impacts to a minimum. She expressed a willingness to help restore the land after the Olympic Trials. Mr. Peara related that park personnel were the ones who reported that the hammer throw athletes were still using the Alton Baker site. He did not recall whether parks staff had contacted the University of Oregon. Mr. Medlin thought the agreement was with the University of Oregon and not with the non - collegiate group. He said the City had not taken action to make anyone aware that it had been closed and it had not been posted as closed. He believe allowing the facility to remain in its current environment would not create a high impact. He felt they were dealing with a philosophi- MINUTES — Citizen Planning Committee of the October 11, 2007 Page 10 Whilamut Natural Area