Agenda Packet 7-15-19 Public Hearing

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MEMORANDUM TO: Parks and Open Space Division Staff FROM: John Etter (on behalf of Retired Eugene Parks & Recreation Employees) DATE: January 24, 2015 SUBJECT: Renaming Washington-Jefferson Park to honor Edwin R. Smith A group of eight retired Eugene Parks & Recreation employees who worked under Ed Smith propose that the Washington-Jefferson Park be renamed the Edwin R. Smith Park in his honor. We submit the following information as requested in the Donation Guidelines, City of Eugene Parks and Open Space, APPENDIX A: NAMING POLICY FOR PARK LANDS AND FEATURES. Description of feature to be renamed: Washington-Jefferson Park Proposed name: Edwin R. Smith Park Description of reason(s) for the name change: The Washington-Jefferson Park would not exist today if Ed Smith had not envisioned the potential for dual use of this highway corridor. The initial State highway design for the I-105 extension called for the highway to be built on a landfill, at a height going over the railroad tracks and 1st and 5th Avenues. Ed convinced the State that their solution would divide the neighborhood and be an eyesore. On the other hand a park space, partly sheltered from rain, would be something the State and the City could be proud of. Although Ed contributed to many other valuable projects during his career with the City, his effort to establish this unique park makes it especially worthy of bearing his name. Extraordinary contribution of the individual to the community: Ed Smith served the city of Eugene in many capacities from 1962 till his retirement in 1991. He was Director of Parks and Recreation from 1964 through 1980, and the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services from 1988 to 1991. His versatility was particularly appreciated in the interim years as he was asked to step into managing the Conference and Hult Center construction after the the initial project ATTACHMENT B July 15, 2019, Public Hearing – Item 3