Admin Order 58-97-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the park is requested. The Owen Rose Garden Park originated with the donation of land and original plantings by Mr. and Mrs. George E. Owen in 1950. Mr. Owen also agreed to match any initial funds the City might provide for development of the park. In 1951, with the passage of a voter- approved tax levy, monies were earmarked for the park. The official ground-breaking ceremony was held on March 28,1951. The Owen Rose Garden is one of 25 in the U.S. accredited by the All-American Rose Society, giving it official status as a national test garden for experimental roses. By 1976, the plantings, many which are All-American Rose Society award winners, had been increased to a total of 2,900 rose bushes, and continues to increase annually. The Eugene Rose Society, which donated the initial collection of roses, continues to assist in the development of the park. The Owen Rose Garden also contains a 130 year old cherry tree, the largest cherry tree in Oregon, as well as one of the largest in the United States. The subject request is for an Owen Rose Garden Development Plan which results in a modification to the development plan previously approved for the Willamette Greenway Conditional Use. The applicant indicates that this plan provides for changes to the rose garden's development. There will not be any removal of existing riparian vegetation and trees along the Willamette River. The major changes to the rose garden are listed below: a. Replacement of the existing structure with a new structure to be used for group rental and community activities; b. Relocation of the existing maintenance function from the existing structure in the middle of the park to the southwest corner of the park; c. Construction of a large pergola for climbing roses; d. Redesign and layout of new rose beds and lawn area in the southwestern portion of the park; e. Addition of a fountain and pond feature; f. Addition of a gazebo; g. Construction of new viewing paths for the heritage rose beds, and the paving of main walks to improve accessibility; h. The construction of entrance gates to the garden and extending the perimeter trellis along the western side of the park. This development plan is intended to be a long range document that will guide future improvements in the park. No funding has been allocated or identified at this time for the improvements, therefore it is impossible to predict any construction schedule for any of the specific elements proposed in the park. The only exception is the 692 square foot OWEN ROSE GARDEN (MD 97-6) (CU 84-23) Page 2