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"Although the initial installation cost is a bit more, the savings in long-term maintenance and the extra safety it provides for playground users make this a good investment,"says Eric Johnson, POS Amenities Supervisor. Before deciding to go dr head with the new surfacing at Scobert Park,Johnson and City staff did considerable research, including a pilot project in Iliftihich a similar rubberized product was installed in the wear area around the merry-go-round at University Park. Scobert Park was selected as a site in part because its playground is relatively small and POS staff can continue to evaluate the treatment before installing it on larger playgrounds. The project was paid for with Community Development Block Grant funds. In recent years, park planners have used a variety of techniques to create safe, accessible, low-maintenance playground surfaces. University Park features a sand playground surface with the rubber track around the merry-go-round. The three playgrounds at the new youth sports parks are surfaced with engineered wood fiber and rubber tiles in high-wear areas. Laurel Hill and Maurie Jabobs playgrounds have beach sand surfaces (which are being maintained with a new sand-sifting machine), Mangan Park playground is engineered wood fiber, and the newest neighborhood park, Irwin Park in west Eugene, has engineered wood fibers and rubber tiles in its playground. Last week, POS crews placed 230 yards of new beach sand at State Street Park, replacing the wood shavings that decompose faster than other approved surfacing materials. For more information about playground surfacing materials, contact Eric Johnson at 682-4904. City Ordinance Requires Property Owners to Cut Tall Grass and Weeds City of Eugene Code requires property owners to trim overgrown, or"nuisance,"vegetation on their property. Uncontrolled vegetation can cause fire and traffic hazards. The following conditions require trimming: • Grass and weeds over 10 inches • Trees and shrubs that block streets, alleys, and sidewalks • Blackberry vines that extend into a public right-of-way or cross property lines • Any vegetation that obstructs motorists'visibility Lohe City requests the cooperation of property owners in monitoring and maintaining vegetation on both undeveloped and developed property. Property owners are notified through newspaper advertisements and/or by letter. If the problem persists,the City may correct tall grass and weeds on undeveloped property any time between June 15 and September 30 without further notice. For problems on developed property, the property owner will be notified by letter any time during the year and given 10 days to correct the violation. In either case, if it is necessary for the City to rectify the problem, the property owner will be charged for the cost of trimming. The minimum charge is $166. For information, call Eric Cariaga,Vegetation Code Manager, at 682-4821 or www.ci.eugene.or.us/pw/vege/tallgras.htm.. Dates Announced for Public Forums Concerning Code Changes The Eugene Human Rights Commission is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the Eugene Code. The commission is developing proposed language to update three elements of the code to: 1) Revise the establishing ordinance to create the Human Rights Support System; 2) Update the anti-discrimination code to include gender identity protections and create a private right of action clause; and 3) Create a municipal domestic partner registry. Four public forums have been scheduled: Tuesday, May 28, 6:00 p.m., Hilyard Community Center, 2580 Hilyard Street. Friday, May 31, 1:00 p.m., Campbell Senior Center, 155 High Street. Thursday, June 6, 6:00 p.m., Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road. Saturday, June 8, 11:00 a.m., McNutt Room, 777 Pearl Street. C EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 May 16,2002 cc020516.wpd