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<br /> Ms. Bascom asked about the relation between low-income participation rates and <br /> the elimination of wading pools. She said residents in her neighborhood had <br /> e raised private funds for operation of a wading pool, She said the pool was <br /> heavily used, and availability of wading pools appeared to be even more <br /> important in low-income neighborhoods and with increasing numbers of <br /> preschoolers. She asked about efforts to address those concerns. Ms. Wooten <br /> said the wading pool at Monroe Street Park was in a low-income area, where <br /> many families were busy working or could not afford to give money. She said <br /> the neighborhood had attempted to raise funds through a parking program at <br /> Lincoln School duri ng the Lane County Fair, but those funds were not <br /> sufficient to pay for a supervisor during the times needed. She said the pool <br /> also drained badly, adding that her feelings were hurt to realize that the <br /> City apparently could not operate a wading pool in a public park for a low- <br /> income neighborhood. Ms. Bascom requested costs for operating low-income <br /> wading pools as part of next year's budget. <br /> Mr. Rutan said he thought the survey reflected several national trends, such <br /> as a more active population and increasing numbers of seniors and youth. He <br /> noted that those trends were resulting in an exponential increase in use of <br /> parks services and facilities, particularly in the Eugene community. <br /> Ms. Schue said she thought the potential existed for more involvement by <br /> volunteers. Ms. Wooten said volunteers could not be used at wading pools <br /> because of liability issues. <br /> Mr. Gleason said Mr. Rutan's observation was correct, and the vo 1 ume of <br /> activity was increasing faster than the population. He also noted that all <br /> significant facilities were from 15 to 30 years old and eventually would <br /> e require upgrading or replacements. He added that the Jefferson Pool had been <br /> between 35 and 40 years old when it was demolished. <br /> Mayor Obie said he thought the parks department seemed to have a lot of "can1t <br /> do's,1I adding that he would like to see more IIcan do's.1I He challenged staff <br /> to ask whether the City truly had a great program and department, and if not, <br /> to develop ways to get there. He thanked staff for the report. <br /> Mayor Obie adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m. <br /> (Recorded by Leslie Scales) <br /> mncc0916 <br /> - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 16, 1987 Page 9 <br />