River Road/Santa Clara Urban Services Committees Final Report and Recommendations

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SPECIFIC SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ~.a PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION , ~ By Ann Vaughn How Service Is Provided: The service for parks and open space acquisition is the same in both River Road and Santa Clara. With j the exception of Emerald Park, which is owned by the River Road Park District, Eugene is the only ~ agency acquiring parkland in the area. In the past, the City has acquired major parkland along the Willamette River Greenway. The City presently has two sources of funds for park acquisition. System development funds collected at the time of building permits are used to acquire neighborhood parks. In addition, a Eugene parks bond measure approved in 1998 is being used to acquire neighborhood and community park sites in the area. What We Have Learned: The City of Eugene is the only agency acquiring parkland in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of River Road and Santa Clara. City residents in these areas are contributing through the bond measure to these acquisitions whereas county residents are not. River Road residents are very supportive of the River Road Park District and very satisfied with the Emerald Park and Recreation Center. However, beyond this park, River Road and particularly Santa Clara are currently under-served by neighborhood parks. Several sites in River Road remain undeveloped and unfunded. In Santa Clara the situation is even more urgent. Awbrey Park sorely needs renovation and the other sites are either undeveloped, unfunded and/or not yet acquired. Although other parks throughout the city are accessible to River Road/Santa Clara residents, they are not always convenient. The lack of neighborhood parks in the residential areas of River Road and especially Santa Clara negatively affect the livability and character of these neighborhoods. Goals and Recommendations: As the City moves forward with park acquisition and development in the River Road/Santa Clara area, three considerations should be incorporated into the process: 1) Political representation on the River Road Park District Board is important to residents. River Road and Santa Clara residents therefore should be represented in their respective areas as park land is acquired and developed. 2) Equity in taxes levied and/or fees charged should be established and maintained for city ~ residents and non-residents. 3) Santa Clara needs a community center. This center would serve not only as a recreational resource for the community but could also be used as a hub for activities leading to the development of a stronger sense of community. 36