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Meeting Our Commitments to Continue Benefitting Eugene's Citizens <br /> Nearby Nature would like to acknowledge the terrific relationship it has with the City <br /> at this time. Particularly, it has been my joy to work with Chris Girard to develop a <br /> Waterwise Garden that will benefit all of Eugene's citizens. Since my transition on as <br /> new Executive Director, I have worked hard with my staff to ensure we address our <br /> obligations indicated in the Service Agreement. To address landscape issues raised in <br /> the previous negotiation with the City, in 2008, Nearby Nature raised over $20,000 to <br /> create a Learnscape for which we held a public grand opening a few weeks ago. In <br /> 2009, we raised an additional $4,000+ to continue maintenance and provide expanded <br /> programming in the Learnscape. We have also committed to provide $2,000 to the <br /> Waterwise Garden, plus additional labor and help with educational programming. <br /> Nearby Nature would also like to acknowledge the wonderful benefits Eugene's <br /> citizens have obtained through our partnership with the City. Working with the 4J <br /> school district, we have provided outdoor activities for thousands of school children <br /> each year at Alton Baker Park. Many of these children are from families suffering <br /> extreme poverty. We have raised thousands of dollars to provide scholarship support <br /> for these families over the past ten years. Families also come each month to enjoy our <br /> guided, low -cost Nature Quest walks through the park, and twice a year to enjoy <br /> festivals we hold at the park. Any income we receive from these endeavors are <br /> reinvested in our education programs. <br /> Finally, together, we have made the Park a safer and cleaner place to be, despite the <br /> growing challenge of dealing with Eugene's transient population. Our Park Hosts <br /> report that they pick up huge amounts of trash regularly. They also host <br /> environmental restoration and litter clean -up work parties for community service <br /> groups. They provide regular notification regarding suspicious individuals to the City. <br /> Without these services, we fear that much of Alton Baker Park would be abandoned <br /> by families. <br /> Nearby Nature is very interested in extending the service agreement. We want to help <br /> ensure that families can maximize their enjoyment of Alton Baker Park. As indicated <br /> by the City's inspector, there are safety issues and significant structural concerns with <br /> the house. We recognize that at this time, both Nearby Nature and the City are faced <br /> with significant budgetary constraints. But in reviewing our agreements, the City <br /> appears to have agreed that these types of repairs would be its responsibility. <br /> We hope the City is willing to satisfy its commitment and pay for and undertake some <br /> of these repairs promptly to ensure the safety of the residents and to keep the house <br /> from appearing completely run -down. Of these, Nearby Nature believes the repair of <br /> the window frames /windows is of highest priority. To recognize the good relationship <br /> we have with the City, we would help find volunteers to support work undertaken by <br /> the City. Given the note about the stairs in our original bid, we would happily <br /> perform that work. I look forward to our continuing work to enhance park use while <br /> keeping the park clean and safe. <br />