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Vision Statement <br />Rasor Park is a special place, valued for its natural qualities including undeveloped public open space, <br />native vegetation, expansive views, and its function as a strategic node on the Willamette River <br />Greenway and West Bank Bikepath. The desired future park will feature a legacy of sustainable natural <br />open space and habitat, which will be restored, enhanced, and maintained using innovative resource <br />management strategies. Opportunities will be provided for multi-use, low-impact recreation on mowed <br />grass surrounded by restored native savanna-prairie and a healthy riparian zone along the river that <br />support passive recreation activities. Community education and awareness will be a major benefit of the <br />park through creative environmental interpretation methods and by active participation of volunteers in all <br />aspect of park management. The park and its strengthened connection to the river will enhance the <br />livability, tranquility, and civic pride of the River Road neighborhood by serving as a quiet refuge from the <br />urban environment. <br />5.3 Management Statement <br />The draft management statement for Rasor Park translates the park's vision statement into a <br />management framework, with more specific policy direction for action and implementation. <br />Management Statement <br />Rasor Park will be managed as a demonstration urban natural park and riverfront node. We will apply, <br />test, and assess progressive ecosystem management principles and practices for the purpose of <br />protecting, conserving, and restoring the natural, scenic, outdoor recreation, and wildlife values of the <br />site. These practices will require generally a low level of site maintenance with no permanent irrigation, <br />minimal soil disturbance, no herbicides, and varying mowing regimens. <br />Emphasis will be placed on restoring the native savanna-prairie and riparian forest, as well as providing <br />opportunities for simple, low-impact, passive recreation activities such as walking, biking, nature <br />enjoyment and appreciation, and multiple uses to include flying kites, frisbee, picnicking, and exercising <br />and playing with dogs (on leash). The park will be accessible to persons with different abilities. <br />The desired future park will feature a mowed grass area surrounded by aless-frequently mowed <br />savanna-prairie and riparian forest, separated from adjacent properties by a fire protection zone. The <br />tree/shrub component of the park will resemble savanna-prairie in structure with scattered trees and <br />shrubs. Some native wildflowers and grasses will be restored; however, the ground-layer vegetation will <br />continue to be dominated by non-native grasses. Experimental plots will provide opportunities for <br />research and testing. <br />Rasor Park will have a metropolitan education function with interpretive displays, signs, and river-viewing <br />opportunities an integral part of the management of the park. Opportunities will be provided for learning <br />about natural processes, natural values, and savanna-prairie and salmon restoration programs. The <br />legacy of volunteer involvement will continue in planning and maintaining the park, and in making park <br />enhancements. <br />Built facilities will be minimal, provide a minimal level of public access, will be designed to support <br />circulation throughout the park, and will provide environmental interpretation opportunities. All park <br />infrastructure will be compatible with the park's theme, designed for human scale, and using natural <br />materials where practicable. Safety and security will be key management goals, including emphasis on <br />maintaining good visibility and exposure, as well as fire protection. <br />Rasor Park Master Plan 19 City of Eugene, Parks Planning <br />