August 2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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GENE � ./ / '�JI, IL �7a/ �'J / 4'�i� Lr7 � EUNINE�s� =raimimmimia _iimArAPiger- awil 0117..._ Lam:�" August 9, 2002 it t A-t. CONTACT: • Chris Girard, Coordinator, City of Eugene Volunteers in Parks, 682-4845, 915-5242 (cell phone for day of event only and not for release) • Therese M. Picado, Public Information Specialist, Parks and Open Space, 682-4814 or 682-4800, therese.m.picado a(�ci.eugene.or.us R- C"-- FOR rFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW DOG PARK AT ALTON BAKER PARK OPENS THIS SATURDAY Users of the new off-leash dog park at Alton Baker Park can "howl" for the home team on the appropriate Saturdays this fall. Located along the Autzen footpath near Pre's Trail, the park, which has a commanding view of Autzen Stadium, will open its gates this Saturday, August 10, with an opening celebration at 10:30 a.m. Mayor Jim Torrey and other City staff will be joined by dog park volunteers as well as dogs and their owners to applaud (and bark) the new dog park and all its improved features. Dogs and their owners will enter the park through a double-gated entryway on a green concrete pathway and enjoy innovative dog park amenities, such as a dog wash down station, dog waste bag dispensers, pedestrian nodes, or gathering places where trails or paths intersect, and a pasture rotation system, a process in which one half of an area is closed to allow the grass to regenerate faster. In addition, many trees have been planted this past winter to provide shade, and a new, soft, natural turf has been installed in an area that was previously littered with soil and rocks. The park is secured by perimeter fencing and the entry gate. Many of these features were donated by community members who support the dog park. A volunteer advisory group worked with parks staff to address dog park issues and give input into the design of the park. Advisory group member Kathie Brenneman, who has been very involved with raising support for the park, is very enthusiastic about the opportunity the park will provide dogs and their owners to socialize. "The park is an excellent venue for dog owners to communicate and network with each other and for creating happy, friendly dogs," says Brenneman, who will speak at the event on Saturday. To access the new dog park, travel on Centennial Boulevard to Leo Harris Parkway behind Autzen Stadium and park in lot eight. Proceed west over the footbridge. The dog park is located on the west side of the path. For more information about the new off-leash dog park, contact Volunteers in Parks Coordinator Chris Girard at 682-4845 or community liaison Kathie Brenneman at 485-5275. ###