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i r- <br /> i C` <br /> ~ ~ ~ - i <br /> February 24, 999 <br /> I <br /> j CONTACT: ric Jones, Public Information Coordinator, 682-5523 <br /> i <br /> From Public I formation Section, 682-5523 <br /> j FOR IMME IATE RELEASE <br /> $120 00 DONATION TO FUND PURCHASE OF PRE'S PARK IN EAST EUGENE <br /> A sig ificant private donation to the City of Eugene to fund the purchase of a park honoring <br /> Steve Prefont ine will be made Friday, February 26. Cliff and Sherry Shirley, former Eugene <br /> I <br /> residents who now own businesses in the Portland area, have pledged $120,000 to purchase <br /> ~I <br /> approximate) 1.5 acres of property near the intersection of Birch Lane and Skyline Boulevard in <br /> i <br /> I <br /> east Eugene, t e site of Prefontaine's death in 1975. <br /> i <br /> The C ty of Eugene will use the Shirleys' contribution to purchase the property from the <br /> Oregon Depa ment of Transportation, which acquired the land from Lane County and the City of <br /> Eugene in the 1940's as highway right-of--way. Officials from the two agencies expect the final <br /> agreement tra sferring the property to the City will be inked in the next several weeks. <br /> I <br /> While there are no plans to significantly develop the park property, improvements over time <br /> ~I <br /> could include parking area, trails, benches and sculptures. Donations for park enhancements may <br /> ~ be made to th Pre's Park Memorial Fund at any branch of Wells Fargo Bank. <br /> i <br /> Attention As i nment Editors: A news conference on the Pre's Park donation will be held at 11 <br /> I <br /> ~ a.m. Friday, ebruary 26, in the ls~ Floor Conference Room at the Public Works Building, 858 <br /> Pearl Street. Cliff Shirley and members of the Oregon Track Club will be joined by Mayor Jim <br /> Torrey, City anager Jim Johnson, representatives from ODOT, and other to formally sign the <br /> donation cont act and respond to questions. <br /> <br /> PuNllic Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl • Eugene, OR 97401-2727 • Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX (541) 682-6826 ' <br /> <br />