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11/04/2003 15:59 FAX 541 682 5414 CITY MGRS OFFICE [7J004 I October 20, 2003 E ~E~t E Perks and Dear Ms. Cauthom: Opee Space The Parks & Open Space Division is conducting a public involvement process for _ a otivision ofPud~ic works Amazon Park because we are committed to ensuring projects reflect the desires and the f820 Roosevei181vd. Eugene, ~regan 97402 concerns of the community. :[n addition to the September 25`b workshop, we plan to conduct at least two more workshops before a final plan is developed. The ballfield l~t> s82-0SOO construction is not a "done deal". However, both the bond measure vote and the (54t) 682-4882 Fax o inions ex ressed at the firsit ublic worksho indicate that the cornmuni desires www.ci.eugene.or.us/pw/parks P P P P tY improvements to the ballfiields. Indeed, at the September 25`h workshop, of those people who indicated a preference, a majority gave their support to the ballfields. The communication to the public about the companents of the bond measure was very clear. Information about each of the; 53 projects included in the 1998 POS bond measure can be found in a circular that was mailed to all households prior to the vote. Page three of the circular includes a list of right projects "providing services to all of Eugene." Item number four is a recommendation to construct two new lighted ball fields with parking at Amazon Park. The decision-making at Amazon Park does not have to be a ballfields vs. open space issue. The priorities expressed by Eugene residents are diverse, but not exclusive of Parks and Open one another. While there was strong support for the ballfields, their was also Space Planning considerable support expressed for natural resource enhancements. A program for • Parks Maintenance Amazon Pazk which neglected either of these interests would benon-responsive to the public interest. Based on this input, Carolyn Weiss is working on developing an U~,~Forestry improvement program for Amazon Park that can go a long ways towards addressing the Wetlands and Open priorities identified by attendees of the September 25'~ workshop, including: Waterways Developing and renovating athletic fields; Adding safe and accessible restrooms; ¦ Improving pedestrian, bi<;ycle, and vehicular access, including parking issues; ¦ Enhancing the Amazon channel, wetland, and ash grove; ¦ Developing improvements to the off-leash dog park; and ¦ . Upgrading the existing jogging trail. . Based on public rneetix~gs'vJiihil'aCUSililda of Eugera°. residents, the resales of the 1998 Parks & Open Space bond measure, monthly meetings with the Mayor's Parks, , Recreation, & Open Space Committee, the 2003 Comprehensive Plan survey, and daily phone calls, Iwhole-heartedl;y agree with you that there is significant community interest in preserving green space. Based on this support, the City of Eugene's Parks & Open Space Division has directed Iarge amounts of both financial and staff resources towards the acquisition, prese;rvation, and management of quality natural open space in Eugene. Specific to the 1998 POS bond measure, the City has: ' ¦ Acquired over 350 acres of ridgeline open space, l 15 acres of which is in the upper Amazon drainage basin_ ¦ Secured a $3.5 million grant from the Army Corps of Engineers to enhance aquatic habitat and provide passive rE;creation at Delta Ponds. ¦ Incorporated natural areas, such as open drainage corridors, wetlands, and native plant communities into master plans for Gilliam, Irwin, Oakmont, Mangan, Shadow Wood, Walnut Grove, Frank Kinney, Rasor, and Skyview parks.