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FILE 70yfivie-- November 18, 1976 PROPOSED WAYNE MORSE PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN The Wayne Morse Park is a unique park and recreation resource which presents a variety of options in terms of future utilization and development. The sequence of events which led to its acquisition by the City of Eugene are a study of contrasts , and perhaps contradictions, inasmuch as some advocates prefer to seethe site as a historical-farm- monument in memory of the former U.S. Senator. Others are inclined to place more emphasis on the people-oriented potential of the property and to feel that a park named after Wayne Morse is sufficient and that the past use of the land should not necessarily dictate future plans. Stipulations provided by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (a primary source for acquisition funds) suggest that a historical or farm proposal would not he consistent with the intent of their funding for outdoor recrea- tion purposes. A solution therefore lies somewhere between under-utilization of the land and over- utilization; and a plan that provides a diversity of compatible uses, rather than a host of divergent uses simply to appease each interest or advocate group. Fifteen park and recreation department staff met on November 16, 1976 at the Wayne Morse Park to share ideas of possible uses of the new park. These ideas as well as others pre- viously suggested in months past have been reviewed in terms of interim and future uses that seem to be consistent with community needs and in keeping with the character of the property itself. There appear to be three conditions which staff felt quite strongly about: A. The natural wooded areas are somewhat fragile and restraint should be used in any improvements proposed in these areas. As urbanization continues to surround the remaining open spaces these natural woods will increase in esteem. B. Every effort should be made to retain the exterior character and appearance of the existing man-made improvements of the property, including the buildings, fences , and landscaping. C. An effort should be made to preserve the integrity of the interior of the home, if not the other buildings, but to allow for increased wear and tear ( foot traffic, etc. ) which a public facility is expected to absorb. Particular attention should be paid to interior repainting, recarpeting, possible re-draping, replumbing, re- • wiring, etc. These conditions should probably app►.y to any of the management options considered for the park whether interim or long range . The management plan of Wayne Morse Park will be shaped by ideas, suggestions, and philo- sophical viewpoints, but primarily by budget. Immediate, partial , or total development and operation of the park will be directly related to the dollars available for that purpose. All things considered, there appear to be three distinct steps that should be taken in maktng"the transition from a private estate to a public park : STEP I - REMAINDER OF FY 1976-77 The City inherited resident caretaker, Keith Schroeder, by virtue of his willingness to supervise the property during the transactions of transferring title from the Morse family to be Nature Conservancy to the City of Eugene. While his presence presents some constraints imposed by his reluctance to assist any groups utilize the residence, he does serve to deter any vandalism of the property and