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05/10/06 WED 10:03 FAX 541 687 0805 ROBT LOWRY ATTY [71003 <br /> .moo erf D. JJ'Owry <br /> ATTORNEY AT Ld' <br /> Mr. Rocky L. Houston <br /> May 9, 2006 <br /> Page 2 <br /> generally climbing up the "back" or southeast side, and one up the <br /> shorter but much more steep and rocky and rugged westerly side (at <br /> least seven months out of the year) . Both were often impassable <br /> due to deep slippery mud. <br /> It was then in the late 1970s when Mel Jackson, inspired with <br /> the encouragement and support of the Eugene Parks & Recreation <br /> Department and with the help of volunteers that he himself <br /> inspired, initiated an extensive "permanent" trail-building program <br /> that, even though Jackson died it seems many years ago, is still <br /> very much alive today, in fact and in spirit . <br /> Mel Jackson, as you may be well aware, is really responsible <br /> for bringing the concept of "high adventure" outdoor trips to what <br /> had been previously "safe and bland" city parks and recreation <br /> programs . He utilized the "Outdoor Program" model of the <br /> University of Oregon, of which Doug Newman was on the cutting edge . <br /> Mel Jackson' s model , however, recognized the frank reality that, <br /> for a large number of people, the most desirable "wilderness" <br /> experience was to be able to spend an hour or two (but no more) in <br /> a "wild" (but reasonably safe) environment, defined as really just <br /> a bit more rugged than their groomed city parks, where they could <br /> for as briefly as they like still experience a fairly natural and <br /> actually even very adverse out-of-doors adventure . <br /> Mel Jackson recognized that Spencer Butte Park in Eugene <br /> offered just that unique "mix" of a safe "park" structure but, at <br /> the same time, with true "out-of-doors" qualities . For Spencer <br /> Butte Park, that includes rattlesnakes, bears and cougars, steep <br /> exposed routes with a frank level of danger, particularly in <br /> adverse weather conditions or in good weather but in the dark. <br /> However, Spencer Butte was also a place that people could <br /> drive to and hike up to the summit and be back in their home in two <br /> hours or less . As stated, Mel Jackson recognized this and, with <br /> the full support of the Eugene Parks & Recreation Department, <br /> inspired both the City as well as individuals as well as groups to <br /> participate, with the emphasis of providing a true "wilderness- <br /> type" of experience but with general accessibility for all . <br /> Additionally, this vision carried on to inspire Lane County to <br /> create a similar out-of-doors opportunity that is now Mount Pisgah <br /> (County) Park which, with a series of very durable and very well <br /> maintained trails now offers another rigorous opportunity for <br /> people of a similarly very accessible out-of-doors experience, <br /> albeit perhaps a bit less rugged than at least portions of Spencer <br /> Butte . <br /> As you may know, Doug Newman had a very severe physical <br /> disability but, until his latter years, you certainly would not <br />