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0 <br />E U G E N E <br />Parks and <br />Open Space <br />a division of Public Works <br />1820 Roosevelt Blvd. <br />Eugene, Oregon 97402 <br />(541) 682 -4800 <br />(541) 682 -4882 Fax <br />www.ci.eugene.or.us/pw/parks <br />Parks and Open <br />Space Planning <br />Parks Maintenance <br />Urban Forestry <br />Wetlands and Open <br />Waterways <br />11 <br />October 20, 2003 <br />Dear Ms. Cauthorn: <br />Johnny Medlin <br />POS Division Manager <br />The Parks & Open Space Division is conducting a public involvement process for <br />Amazon Park because we are committed to ensuring projects reflect the desires and the <br />concerns of the community. In addition to the September 25 workshop, we plan to <br />conduct at least two more workshops before a final plan is developed. The ballfield <br />construction is not a "done deal ". However, both the bond measure vote and the <br />opinions expressed at the first public workshop indicate that the community desires <br />improvements to the ballfields. Indeed, at the September 25 workshop, of those <br />people who indicated a preference, a majority gave their support to the ballfields. The <br />communication to the public about the components of the bond measure was very clear. <br />Information about each of the 53 projects included in the 1998 POS bond measure can <br />be found in a circular that was mailed to all households prior to the vote. Page three of <br />the circular includes a list of eight projects "providing services to all of Eugene." Item <br />number four is a recommendation to construct two new lighted ball fields with parking <br />at Amazon Park. <br />The decision - making at Amazon Park does not have to be a ballfields vs. open space <br />issue. The priorities expressed by Eugene residents are diverse, but not exclusive of <br />one another. While there was strong support for the ballfields, their was also <br />considerable support expressed for natural resource enhancements. A program for <br />Amazon Park which neglected either of these interests would be non - responsive to the <br />public interest. Based on this input, Carolyn Weiss is working on developing an <br />improvement program for Amazon Park that can go a long ways towards addressing the <br />priorities identified by attendees of the September 25` workshop, including: <br />• Developing and renovating athletic fields; <br />• Adding safe and accessible restrooms; <br />• Improving pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular access, including parking issues; <br />• Enhancing the Amazon channel, wetland, and ash grove; <br />• Developing improvements to the off -leash dog park; and <br />• Upgrading the existing jogging trail. <br />Based on public meetings with thousands of Eugene residents, the results of the 1998 <br />Parks & Open Space bond measure, monthly meetings with the Mayor's Parks, <br />Recreation, & Open Space Committee, the 2003 Comprehensive Plan survey, and daily <br />phone calls, I whole- heartedly agree with you that there is significant community <br />interest in preserving green space. Based on this support, the City of Eugene's Parks & <br />Open Space Division has directed large amounts of both financial and staff resources <br />towards the acquisition, preservation, and management of quality natural open space in <br />Eugene. Specific to the 1998 POS bond measure, the City has: <br />■ Acquired over 350 acres of ridgeline open space, 115 acres of which is in the upper <br />Amazon drainage basin. <br />■ Secured a $3.5 million grant from the Army Corps of Engineers to enhance aquatic <br />habitat and provide passive recreation at Delta Ponds. <br />■ Incorporated natural areas, such as open drainage corridors, wetlands, and native <br />plant communities into master plans for Gilliam, Irwin, Oakmont, Mangan, Shadow <br />Wood, Walnut Grove, Frank Kinney, Rasor, and Skyview parks. <br />