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1996:. Forming out of opposition to the soccer facility; an informal organization of River <br />Road area neighbors called the Friends of Rasor Park began to develop a vision <br />for the park based on natural resource values, habitat restoration, and passive <br />recreation. The group initiated an independent, grass-roots planning process <br />within the neighborhood, conducting a survey and workshops to develop a plan <br />for the park. The resulting concepts were not officially recognized or adopted by <br />the City. <br />1998: The City approved a volunteer projects sponsored by the Friends of Rasor park to <br />plant about 60 native trees around the edges of the park. The group planted and <br />cared for the trees, including hand watering, to get them established. The group <br />added other native plants, including shrubs and wildflowers, as part of their <br />restoration efforts. <br />1998: The City adjusted mowing practices to help protect habitat value in the 200 foot <br />setback along the river. Arrangements were made to ensure compliance with fire <br />protection and vegetation code requirements. <br />2000: A lack of common planning objectives among interest groups led the City to place <br />a hold on further car show and volunteer planting activities in the park until a <br />comprehensive public process could be held to resolve outstanding issues and <br />develop a common vision. The River Road Cruise-In event, which had become <br />too large for the park to adequately support, subsequently moved to a more <br />_ suitable site towards Junction City. <br />F. The Rasor Park Master Plan was developed through a public involvement and <br />research process from January 2001 through October 2001. A consultant team of <br />landscape architects. and natural resource specialists, including David Reed <br />Associates, Schirmer/Schlessinger Associates and Salix Associates, was hired to <br />evaluate the site and conduct the planning process. <br />G. City of Eugene Parks Planning staff and the consultant team hosted and facilitated <br />three public workshops for the design of the Master plan on February 15, 2001, <br />June 28, 2001, and September 13, 2001, respectively. All materials for the . <br />project, including technical reports, meeting reports, draft plans and drawings, <br />were made available to the public online and at the Public Works Maintenance <br />office: <br />H. Advertisement for public involvement efforts included direct-mail postcard <br />invitations to over 1800 neighbors, individuals and stakeholder organizations, <br />display ads in the Register Guard and Eugene Weekly, news releases, poster <br />advertisement in the park and at nearby businesses, personal contact and <br />interviews with organizations and individuals, and listing on the Calendar of <br />Public Meetings. <br />