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Skinner Butte Park and RiverPlay Playground <br />Phase: Implementation <br />Planting and seeding for prairie restoration efforts near Lamb Cottage were completed last fall, and <br />germination and growth of the new prairie is expected this summer. Two interpretive elements were installed <br />in the park this winter. The Eugene Rotary Club commissioned the placement of a stone marker and bench at <br />the west summit of the butte denoting the centerline of First Avenue, as it was surveyed by Eugene Skinner <br />and Judge Risdon in 1851. This marker helps identify Skinner Butte as Eugene's earliest and most important <br />geographic feature. Also, a sculptural version of the view of Eugene from the Veteran's Memorial overlook <br />captures the essence of the Skinner Butte experience for people with vision impairments. The installation is <br />the creation of local artist Martha Snyder, supported by a local grant from the Lane Arts Council and matching <br />funds from the 1998 POS bond. Planning is under way for additional access management and interpretive <br />features to help protect and foster learning about sensitive natural areas on the butte. More information can be <br />found online at www.ci.eugene.or.us/parks/sbp. <br />Skinner Butte Trails Renovation <br />Phase: Implementation <br />Design has been completed and a low bid has been accepted for renovation and select realignment of <br />approximately 3/4 mile of trails on the north and west slopes of Skinner Butte. In addition, several cutoffs will <br />be obliterated to minimize damage to the steep slopes and allow revegetation of areas that have been damaged <br />and eroded over the years. New trail surfacing will be <br />compacted gravel. Trails not prioritized for renovation will <br />remain open in their existing condition. <br />RiverPlay Playground at Skinner Butte Park <br />Phase: Implementation of Phase 1 <br />There is a successful low bidder for the first phase of <br />construction at the RiverPlay regional playground at Skinner <br />Butte Park. Phase 1 will include all grading, utility, and <br />concrete flatwork and installation of the "Butte Climber" play <br />structure; several buildings in the Pioneer Village, stage <br />coach and Skinner's Cabin, the ferry, and Rain Circle and <br />mill race water play features. Rotary and community <br />volunteers will be instrumental in constructing several <br />playground components, installing site furniture installation <br />and planting areas around the playground. Construction is scheduled to start in early June 2005. <br />In addition to approximately $400,000 from the 1998 bond, the project has also received significant additional <br />funding through fundraising in partnership with the Eugene Rotary Club. More than $400,000 has been raised <br />in grants, in-kind donations and community contributions, including a $150,000 grant from the Meyer <br />Memorial Trust, $15,000 grant from EWEB, $25,000 donation from the Eugene-Springfield New Car Dealers <br />Association, and $15,000 in-kind donation from Jerry's. Nearly 500 engraved bricks have been sold as part of <br />the "One Brick at a Time" campaign, a grassroots outreach effort launched in fa112004 to involve families, <br />individuals, schools, and community groups in fundraising for RiverPlay. Bricks cost $100 each and include a <br />personalized inscription. The bricks will form the entranceway to the playground. For more information about <br />RiverPlay, see www.ci.eugene.or.us/PARKS/rverPlay. <br />Youth Sports Parks <br />Phase: Project complete <br />POS Periodic Update: 04/28/OS .................................................................................................................. <br />Making way for RiverPlay at Skinner Butte Park <br />