Item B: Update on Ridgeline Park Acquisitions

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ECC DR UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Update on Ridgeline Park Acquisitions Meeting Date: May 11, 2011 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Eric Wold www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-4842 ISSUE STATEMENT For many years, the vision for Eugene’s Ridgeline Park has been a recreation and wildlife corridor that extends from Fern Ridge Reservoir to Lane Community College. This vision has been supported, in part, by the 1998 and 2006 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) bond measures. This work session provides an opportunity for the council to learn about accomplishments to-date and ongoing efforts to achieve the Ridgeline Park vision. BACKGROUND Vision and Policy The ambitious goal of having a recreation and wildlife corridor along Eugene’s south hills requires a long-term commitment. Over the past 15 years, the City Council and the community have supported or endorsed several important efforts aimed at achieving this goal, including:  In 1998, voters passed a $25.3 million PROS bond measure, which included $3.7 million for expanding Ridgeline Park.  In 2003, the City Council, other elected bodies from the region, and other organizations endorsed the Rivers to Ridges Metropolitan Regional Parks and Open Space Study: Vision and Strategies. An expanded recreation and habitat greenway along Eugene’s ridgeline was a key element of this plan.  In 2005, the City Council adopted the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Comprehensive Plan. This plan had numerous goals and strategies for conserving natural areas throughout the City, including specific goals for expanding Ridgeline Park and the Ridgeline Trail.  In 2006, the City Council adopted the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Project and Priority Plan. The plan included specific goals for expanding Ridgeline Park and the Ridgeline Trail.  In 2006, voters passed a $27.5 million PROS bond measure, which included $5.75 million for expanding Ridgeline Park.  In 2008, the City Council, other elected bodies from the region, and other organizations endorsed the Ridgeline Area Open Space Vision and Action Plan. A trail and habitat corridor along Eugene’s ridgeline, extending from Fern Ridge Reservoir in the west to Lane Community College in the east, was a central element of this vision. Collaboration Achieving the ambitious, long-term goal of a recreation and habitat corridor from Fern Ridge Reservoir to Lane Community College requires a lot of collaboration. The City has benefited significantly from collaboration with the other eight organizations in the Rivers to Ridges Partnership. This partnership, \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110511\S110511B.doc