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EUGENE <br /> May 20, 2003 <br /> CONTACT: <br /> • Paul Peschiera, project coordinator, Eugene Delta Rotary, 342-6277 <br /> • Carrie Aker, public information representative, Eugene Delta Rotary, 513-7305 <br /> • John Weber, parks planner, City of Eugene, 682-4908 <br /> • Therese Picado, public information specialist, Parks and Open Space, 682-4814 <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> DEDICATION FOR NEW GAZEBO AT OWEN ROSE GARDEN SET FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 6 <br /> The Eugene Delta Rotarians will dedicate their most recent project at Owen Rose <br /> Garden—a gazebo in the heart of the garden—at their monthly club meeting Friday, June 6, <br /> from noon to 1:30 p.m. Mayor Jim Torrey, Delta Rotary Club President David Sohm and Parks <br /> and Open Space Director Johnny Medlin will discuss the accomplishments of this unique public- <br /> private partnership. Dick Owen, George Owen's son, will also share a few words about his <br /> father's vision to create a garden where the people of Eugene could "go and smell the roses." <br /> In partnership with the City's Parks and Open Space Division, the rotarians raised <br /> funds, purchased and constructed a gazebo in just over a year. The gazebo is a 28-foot <br /> hexagonal structure with an open clearstory that allows plenty of light to filter, as well as cool <br /> breezes to flow, through the structure. A cupola at the top of the roof, ornamental railings and <br /> planter beds around the gazebo add decorative elements. The gazebo is accessible to <br /> wheelchair users via a new concrete and brick walkway that travels through the rose-covered <br /> pergola and directly to the gazebo. Future plans include cultivating this section of the garden <br /> with heritage roses. The project was funded by a combination of private funds; donations of <br /> materials and labor from area businesses, such as Scharpf's Twin Oaks, The Wildish Company, <br /> Edwin & Marie Baker, Builder's Electric, and River Roofing; and matching funds from the City. <br /> Organizers are hoping the gazebo will provide a comfortable place for visitors to enjoy <br /> the garden. "The purpose of all of our projects at Owen Rose Garden has been to improve the <br /> quality of life for Eugeneans," says Paul Peschiera, Eugene Delta Rotary project coordinator. <br />