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Imagine a multi -cultural community/aquatic center in central Eugene, <br />a running trail in the Bethel area, accessible nature trails through the <br />forest at Hendricks Park, a sports complex in north Eugene, and an <br />extended riverfront park system to the north and Ridgeline Park to the <br />east and the west. These are just a few of the exciting ideas that <br />came out of the two -year-long community process to map a course <br />for the community's parks, recreation and open space for the next 20 <br />years. Over 3,000 Eugene residents participated in this process. They <br />represented every neighborhood in the city and many different <br />community groups, sectors, interests, and initiatives. Not surprisingly, <br />the backgrounds, values and input of these participants were rich in <br />diversity. Although at times divergent, their proposals were almost <br />always advocated with passion, intelligence and creativity. And, <br />what ali participants—whether they were young or old, sports or <br />nature enthusiast, artist or arborist—had in common was the desire to <br />create a more livable, dynamic, and accessible community by <br />strengthening and substantially contributing to our parks, recreation <br />and open space. <br />This plan attempts to build on this collective vision as well as capture <br />as many of the diverse, specific ideas as possible and fashion a <br />practical, long-term and engaging plan to improve and enhance the <br />community's parks, recreation and open space into the future. For all <br />those who have been involved in the planning process so far and all <br />those who will get on -board now, this plan is a living challenge to <br />continue to work together and build a livable, vital Eugene in the <br />years ahead. It is filled with amazing projects that reflect this truly <br />extraordinary and resource -rich city and its diverse citizens. The <br />Committee members and the City staff who have worked on this Plan <br />sincerely hope that it will serve as a blueprint and inspiration for all <br />those who will step up to bring to fruition the exciting, dynamic reality <br />envisioned on these pages. We welcome you to read the plan, catch <br />the vision, and join us in our ongoing efforts to forge a healthy, vibrant <br />Eugene! <br />"The plan is a great <br />road map for the <br />future of our city <br />and its parks," <br />"What was most <br />impressive throughout <br />this process is the <br />persistent passion of <br />residents about <br />park issues. " <br />-Terry Leary <br />