Amazon Park, Overflow Parking - Laserfiche WebLink

New Search

Johnny Medlin, Director City of Eugene, Divison of Parks and Open Space 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard Eugene, Oregon 23 July, 2003 Dear Johnny, We ask that you respond positively to this proposal. We think, that to support the popular Amazon Pool program, that our community can do better than to field to park motorized vehicles on the field pool. Thus, after much discussion, we propose is for a joint effort to address the complex situation. The members of the Amazon Neighborhood Association Steering Committee would like to work with staff to address this mutual concern. We support the pool activities and respect the staff and patrons. There is a conflict over the use of park lands. We want to address the conflict with a view toward the broader issues and with the participation of the persons who are concerned. We are disappointed in the current practice of parking on the field. Despite the claim that many people must drive to the pool, we believe that alternatives have not received sufficient support. We applaud the good work of all who provide for the benefits of the pool, and we know that you do attend to competing demands. We are disappointed that parking demand has been accommodated to the detriment of other demands: stewardship of natural systems and enjoyment of the park for its traditional pastoral qualities. We had an excellent discussion with Robert Mervine at our recent Amazon Neighborhood Association Steering Committee meeting. As well, we have fielded requests from neighbors for the association to attend to this issue. And, it has been brought to our attention that the police have weighed in on this contentious matter. It is clear that none of us were prepared for the parking demand and that none of us are happy about it. So, after much discussion and research, we have come to the conclusion that the situation is not able to satisfactorily addressed by what seems like a defacto decision or by the distant Comprehensive Plan. With all of the above - mentioned persons supporting it, we propose: ----------- - - - - -- Form a winter study group, to develop a plan to be implemented for next swimming season. The Comprehensive Plan will be completed and funded for implementation for a long while. This group would meet over the course of the winter with the participation of neighbors, patrons and city staff. Their recommendations would receive consideration from staff, officials and citizens. ---------- - - - - -- Form a work group right now, with similar composition and official status with the short-term goal of mitigating problems on an experimental basis. This would have the effect of providing a constructive outlet for the tensions for all concerned, and very likely ease some of the pressure which would satisfy all of us. An additional benefit is this group's efforts and results provide useful and valid information to aid the work of the winter study group.