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Natural Foods, and Tactics Boardshop. Each business will donate a minimum of $100.
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<br />"Just like the RiverPlay playground at Skinner Butte Park, Unique Eugene members celebrate the unique
<br />spirit of Eugene," says Evon Smith, owner of Smith Family
<br />Bookstore and member of the Unique Eugene consortium. "By shopping at one of our Unique Eugene
<br />stores on June 18, you, too, are investing in our community, both by buying local first and contributing to
<br />RiverPlay!"
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<br />The following Saturday, June 25, from 6 p.m. to midnight, the Eugene Rotary Club and Eugene City
<br />Brewery invite the community to a party at the brewery at 844 Olive Street. The party includes live local
<br />bands, Fuzz and Android Ethic, raffles, an outdoor barbeque, more than 30 microbrews on tap, and a
<br />wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Minors are welcome until 10 p.m. For $15 in advance or $20
<br />at the door, partygoers receive an entrance mug, two tickets to try any of the 30 microbrews on tap or
<br />unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and one raffle ticket. Entrance mug packages can be purchased
<br />directly at the Eugene City Brewery any time prior to the day of the event.
<br />
<br />"Now that construction of the playground has begun and it's actually taking shape, everyone's hard work
<br />and efforts are beginning to materialize," says Bob Mylenek, the chair of Eugene Rotary's RiverPlay
<br />fundraising committee. "However, our job is not complete until the last play structure is in place in this
<br />one-acre playground packed with fun for children of all ages and abilities."
<br />
<br />Proceeds from both events will help Eugene Rotary and the City reach final fundraising goals for Phase
<br />1 of the playground. Phase 1 of the RiverPlay playground includes a mammoth play replica of Skinner
<br />Butte, two water features, the millrace and the rain circle, which represents the origins of the Willamette
<br />River, a child-operated ferry, stagecoach, and the pioneer village. Subsequent phases will include an
<br />ancient history sand dig, miniature Willamette River, old mill play structure, and Kalapuya village. For
<br />more information about RiverPlay or either fundraiser, contact Carrie Peterson, park development
<br />coordinator, at 682-4907 or visit www.ci.eugene.or, us/parks/riverplay.
<br />
<br />Bocce in Monroe Park
<br />While happy dogs looked on and kids ran off with the target balls, about a dozen neighbors took part last
<br />Thursday evening in the first of many summer Bocce sessions, providing an idyllic example of what a
<br />neighborhood park can be--a place where friends, families and neighbors can relax and enjoy each
<br />other's company. The simple game of Bocce, or lawn bowling, is like a cross between bowling and
<br />horseshoes; the goal is to roll or throw a croquet-sized bocce ball as close to a golf-ball sized target ball,
<br />or pallina, as possible.
<br />
<br />Bocce, as we know it today, originated in Italy, though ancient Egyptians using polished rocks played
<br />similar forms of the game as far back as 5000 BC. A sport of nobility and peasants alike that required
<br />little equipment and could be played anywhere, Bocce spread with the Roman Empire throughout
<br />Europe. Though the game suffered many setbacks, it has endured and was brought to the U.S. at the
<br />turn of the century by Italian immigrants. Today, millions of players in the U.S. and around the world
<br />enjoy the simple game's rejuvenating effects on mind and body.
<br />
<br />Bocce in Monroe Park is a simple affair--no white leisure suits or Italian accents required. Thursday
<br />evening's participants sported a mix of sandals, jeans and baby backpacks, and all seemed to share the
<br />goal of bringing fun and community into the neighborhood park. The playing was informal as well, with
<br />teams of all ages choosing their challenge level and playing on grass, sand or slopes.
<br />
<br />Bocce games will occur every other Thursday (June 16, 30, July 14 and 28) from 6:00-8:30 p.m. this
<br />summer. No fee or sign-up is necessary. For more information about the Bocce games, check the City
<br />of Eugene Recreation Services Spring and Summer Guide, page 23, or call the River House at 682-
<br />5323.
<br />
<br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
<br />June 9, 2005
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