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Kurt Corey <br /> PW Director <br /> October 20, 2003 PW Admin <br /> E U G E N E <br /> Parks and Dear Ms. Cauthorn: <br /> Open Space <br /> The Parks & Open Space Division is conducting a public involvement process for <br /> a division of Public Works Amazon Park because we are committed to ensuring projects reflect the desires and the <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Blvd. <br /> Eugene, Oregon s74o2 concerns of the community. In addition to the September 25"' workshop, we plan to <br /> conduct at least two more workshops before a final plan is developed. The ballfield <br /> (541} 682-4800 construction is not a "done deal". However, both the bond measure vote and the <br /> (541) 682-4882 Fax <br /> www.ci.eugene.or.us/pw/parks opinions expressed at the first public workshop indicate that the community desires <br /> improvements to the ballfields. Indeed, at the September 25t'' workshop, of those <br /> people who indicated a preference, a majority gave their support to the ballfields. The <br /> communication to the public about the components of the bond measure was very clear. <br /> Information about each of the 53 projects included in the 1998 POS bond measure can <br /> be found in a circular that was mailed to all households prior to the vote. Page three of <br /> the circular includes a list of eight projects "providing services to all of Eugene." Item <br /> number four is a recommendation to construct two new lighted ball fields with parking <br /> at Amazon Park.. <br /> The decision-making at Amazon Park does not have to be a ballfields vs. open space <br /> issue. The priorities expressed by Eugene residents are diverse, but not exclusive of <br /> Parks and Open one another. While there was strong support for the ballfields, their was also <br /> Space Planning considerable support expressed for natural resource enhancements. A program for <br /> Parks Maintenance Amazon Park which neglected either of these interests would be non-responsive to the <br /> public interest. Based on this input, Carolyn Weiss is working on developing an <br /> Urban Forestry improvement program for Amazon Park that can go a long ways towards addressing the <br /> priorities identified by attendees of the September 25`'' workshop, including: <br /> Wetlands and Open Developing and renovating athletic fields; <br /> <br /> Waterways <br /> ¦ Adding safe and accessible restrooms; <br /> ¦ Improving pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular access, including parking issues; <br /> ¦ Enhancing the Amazon channel, wetland, and ash grove; <br /> ¦ Developing improvements to the off-leash dog park; and <br /> ¦ Upgrading the existing jogging trail <br /> Based on public meetings with thousands of Eugene residents, the results of the 1998 <br /> Parks & Open Space bond measure, monthly meetings with the Mayor's Parks, <br /> Recreation, & Open Space Committee, the 2003 Comprehensive Plan survey, and daily <br /> phone calls, Iwhole-heartedly agree with you that there is significant community <br /> interest in preserving green space. Based on this support, the City of Eugene's Parks & <br /> Open Space Division has directed large amounts of both financial and staff resources. <br /> towards the acquisition, preservation, and management of quality natural open space in <br /> Eugene. Specific to the 1998 POS bond measure, the City has: <br /> ¦ Acquired over 350 acres of ridgeline open space, 115 acres of which is in the upper <br /> Amazon drainage basin. <br /> ¦ Secured a $3.5 million grant from the Army Corps of Engineers to enhance aquatic <br /> habitat and provide passive recreation at Delta Ponds. <br /> ¦ Incorporated natural areas, such as open drainage corridors, wetlands, and native <br /> plant communities into master plans for Gilham, Irwin, Oakmont, Mangan, Shadow <br /> Wood, Walnut Grove, Frank Kinney, Rasor, and Skyview parks. <br /> , <br /> <br />