Amazon Park, 1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Lomatium bradshawii) grows on both sides of the western part of the trail. In fact, it grows right on the edge of the trail in at least two places. It is obvious that the trail was placed through the population when it was built (probably because the plant's existence was not known in the park at that time). 2. Runners have expressed their desire to light the trail not only because it is "lumpy," (most likely because it is constructed on Bashaw clay), but also because women (in particular) feel that attackers could hide in the woods and jump out. This argues for placement of the trail in the open, where no hiding places exist. 3. Vegetation and wildlife growing and breeding cycles could be disrupted by the installation of lighting. Many plants and animals have cycles adjusted to photoperiod, and if this is artificially manipulated, it could impact them negatively. This needs to be researched and determined during the planning process (probably through the Goal 5 analysis) before planning for lighting gets farther along. 4. The parking and street crossing situation is very unsafe. Watch where many runners park and cross the street between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. any warm day. They cross to the east of the crosswalk, where they weave between vehicles and bicycles. It would be much safer to site parldng between 24th Street and the tennis courts -- a presently unused piece of land. Consideration might be given to moving the trail in the park if a better location could be found (after base information was collected and analyzed). The trail could perhaps loop out in the open -- with a view of the woods. Then, the ash wetland forest could be restored on both sides of Amazon Creek. (This would include a bike path reroute.) This would greatly increase wildlife habitat values, and allow for restoration of the Bradshaw's desert parsley population. Also, runners would be much farther away from vehicle exhaust. Perhaps I'm too optimistic, but I believe we can have a wonderful track for runners (I run there sometimes myself), and restore habitat values. I spoke yesterday with Eric Zemper, who agreed to meet in the park with a small group of us (perhaps you and I, Sharon Teague, et. al. ?). I think we should look at both short- and long -term options. New Ball Fields. I would like to see a vacant lands map showing all vacant land in the area, and an analysis of which of these are most suitable for ball field construction, considering access and an analysis of where the present unserved population is. If Amazon Park is the resulting logical choice, the master plan could then contain a site for the ball fields in the most suitable location with the least impact on wetlands, wildlife, and vegetation. If lighting is provided for the fields, perhaps it could double as lighting for the relocated running trail, or for a second running trail for after dark (lighted) running. In conclusion, I strongly recommend a master planning process for Amazon Park. I don't think it is in anyone's best interest to plunk down community centers, dog run areas, ball fields, bike paths, running trails, or other facilities without good base information, and good analysis of that information. I also think the present tack flies in the face of good planning sense probably is a violation of planning laws. I respectfully suggest consultation with the Planning Division (Planning and Development Department) for their expertise on the City of Eugene's planning program. I also wish to thank the mowing crew (Dick, Molly, Jeff #1 and Jeff #2, as well as Tim, their supervisor) for their outreach, cooperation, and positive attitude in seeking input on mowing to minimize impact on the Lomatium bradshawii. They are quite willing to stake out and mow around small trail -side populations, and mow the "interior" parts of the western area of the park