CC Newsletter - 08/18/05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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improved their reading skills this summer, and everyone had a lot of fun, too!” Ginnane expressed appreciation for EPL’s collaborators on Summer Reading activities including the staff of the University of Oregon Youth Enrichment and Talented and Gifted Programs; the many volunteers who helped; and the Eugene Education Association, which provided additional support to put brand new, free books in young readers’ hands. Summer Reading for Adults debuted this year as part of EPL’s centennial celebration. EPL created special book lists recommending 100 titles in categories such as mysteries and Oregon authors. Many adults reported reading “outside their genre” this summer, finding suggestions in the book lists, NoveList electronic database, and reader’s advisory conversations with EPL staff. Adults who read and briefly reviewed three books received coupons for a free coffee at the Downtown Library’s Novella Café. EPL Adult Services Librarian Lila Ekstrom reports that she is “impressed—but not surprised—by the high quality of these thoughtful, informative reviews, which we’ll share with the public this fall and winter.” EPL Director Connie Bennett congratulated Library staff and volunteers on a “terrific job,” and expressed “great appreciation for the support of the Friends of the Library and the Eugene Public Library Foundation, which helps bring these rewarding programs to the community.” For more information, contact Connie Bennett at 682-5450. West University Neighbors Invited to Comment on Park Proposal On Thursday, August 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., West University neighbors are invited to discuss a proposal to reconfigure and reopen West University Park. Adjacent property owners have offered a property exchange that would change the shape of the park. The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division is seeking input from all neighborhood residents and business owners to evaluate the proposal, which has received endorsement by the West University Neighbors association board. West University Park was closed in 1995 due to severe problems with negative use. Since that time, the park has remained closed, and a range of other efforts have been made to improve public safety in the area. The th meeting will be held in West University Park, located at 650 E. 14 Avenue. For more information or to give input, contact park planner Robin Hostick at 682-4915 or robin.a.hostick@ci.eugene.or.us, or visit the park’s webpage at www.ci.eugene.or.us/PARKS/brewer. Recreation Services’ 2nd Annual Whiteaker Neighborhood River Festival Over 600 frolickers gathered at River House Eddy on the banks of the Willamette River to enjoy this summer’s Whiteaker Neighborhood River Festival. Free hot dogs and lemonade provided fuel to participants on this fun-filled afternoon. Families enjoyed a variety of recreation activities including summertime storytelling by Eugene Public Library staff, Tai Chi demonstrated by Suman, and a family drumming circle led by Hands On Drumming which concluded the event. Centro LatinoAmericano, a new participant this year, contributed volunteers and the Public Works Stormwater Management Program hosted an information booth. The festival’s main attractions occurred in and around the water. The River House offered a demonstration of its river kayaks and canoes, and squeals of joy were heard up and down the Willamette River when a giant Slip’n’Slide was unveiled and kids of all ages took turns sloshing down the slippery slope. This activity was so much fun that Channel 9 weatherman John Fisher couldn’t resist a cooling slide during his weather forecast. The response from attendees about the festivities was overwhelmingly positive and the Outdoor Program and Centro staff received many thanks and encouragement to continue this annual affair. For more information, contact Youth and Family Services Program Manager Craig Smith at 682-6340. New Parking Lot and Trailhead Improvements Completed at North Delta Ponds Last month, crews substantially completed construction of a parking lot and trailhead servicing Delta Ponds. Located off Goodpasture Island Road at the northern end of the pond complex, the 10-car EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 August 30, 2005