HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Newsletter - 02/24/05EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
February 24, 2005
City of Eugene
777 Pearl Street, Room 105
Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793
(541) 682-5010
(541) 682-5414 (FAX)
www.ci.eugene.or, us
EUGENE AIRPORT PASSES TSA SECURITY INSPECTION WITH FLYING COLORS
TERRA HAUTE, INDIANA, LOOKS TO EUGENE AS A MODEL FOR PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH HEAD START
NEW SCULPTURE AT THE SUMMIT OF SKINNER BUTTE UNVEILS TACTILE VIEW OF THE CITY
Eu.qene Airport Passes TSA Security Inspection with FIyin.q Colors
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has given an outstanding rating to the Eugene Airport
following a comprehensive security assessment in mid-February. Among other things, the TSA tested
the ability of the airport's upgraded access control system to detect security breeches and evaluated
response times to alarms and how the access control system recorded these events. Vehicle gates were
tested in an effort to gain access to the airfield by users other than terminal tenants. In addition, the new
Airport Security Program was put to the test to identify potential weak areas. The inspections found no
security flaws.
"The results of these tests were found to be outstanding," said Bob Hawk, TSA Assistant Federal Security
Director, in a letter to Eugene Airport Manager Bob Noble. Hawk also cited several airport staff
members for their demonstrated ability and knowledge of the airport security program: Airport Security
Coordinator Mike Coontz, and Jorie Landers, Mark Mason and Jaylene Stevens, all with the Airport
Operations Section. For more information, contact Bob Noble at 652-5430.
Terra Haute, Indiana, Looks to Eugene as a Model for Parks and Open Space
Eugene's reputation as the "World's Greatest City for the Arts
and Outdoors" has spread--at least as far as the Midwest.
When officials from Terra Haute, Indiana, recently embarked
on a planning process to revitalize their riverfront and create a
system of vibrant parks and open space and a pedestrian-
friendly environment in their community, the track coach from
Indiana State University recommended they look at Eugene as
their model. Last week a delegation, consisting of the track
coach, superintendent of parks and recreation, city engineer,
and a community planner, spent two days talking to Parks and
Open Space (POS) and other Public Works staff and touring
Eugene's parks and open space system.
The delegation was particularly interested in Eugene's
extensive system of multi-use trails and natural areas and how these elements contribute to the livability
and economic viability of the community. They are in the process of acquiring 6,000 acres of wetlands
and hope to create an area similar to the West Eugene Wetlands. Through several sessions with staff
and excursions throughout Eugene's parks and open space, they were so impressed that they hope to
return for another visit -- and this time bring their mayor, who is a strong parks advocate. "Your park
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
February 24, 2005
system and the level of involvement from the community are amazing and will serve as a model for what
we want to do in our community," said Greg Ruark, superintendent of Terra Haute Parks and Recreation
Department. "By revitalizing our parks and open space, we hope to make our community more
economically attractive."
The exchange was an opportunity for POS staff to share with colleagues from other parts of the country
the considerable knowledge and experience they have gained through the implementation of the 1998
parks and open space bond measure and developing the new Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan. For more information about the visit, contact Parks and Open Space Division
Director Johnny Medlin at 682-4930.
Eugene Public Library Partners with Head Start
In February, the Eugene Public Library (EPL) successfully completed an important literacy enrichment
project, "Abriendo la Puerta a los Libros Infantiles" (Opening the Door to Children's Books). The 4-week
program was offered to Spanish-speaking parents of children enrolled in Head Start of Lane County, and
was presented by bilingual EPL Youth Services staff member Vicki Morgan.
Abriendo la Puerta shows parents how to connect their young children with reading by taking advantage
of the natural ways kids explore the world. Topics including exploring imagination, identifying patterns
and shapes, counting and measuring, and nature appreciation are covered through discussion, picture
books, and an activity guide. Of the nine families participating, half visited the Library for the first time
due to this program. Twelve new library cards were issued to participants and family members.
EPL staff adapted Abriendo la Puerta a los Libros Infantiles from the Mother Goose programs created by
the Vermont Center for the Book, which EPL has offered in English with support by state Ready to Read
funding. The first session of Abriendo la Puerta was held in the spring of 2004. The 2005 series received
funding from the Eugene Public Library, the EPL Foundation, and Friends of EPL. For more information,
contact EPL Youth Services Manager Mary Ginnane at 682-8315.
New Sculpture at the Summit of Skinner Butte Unveils Tactile View of the City
On a radiantly sunny afternoon this past Tuesday, Skyler Green, a
student at Briggs Middle School who has been blind since birth, and
several other blind people were able to "see" the view from the top of
Skinner Butte looking south towards Spencer Butte for the first time.
This breathtaking experience was made possible through a tactile
bronze sculpture created by local artist Martha Snyder. Snyder was
joined by Mayor Kitty Piercy, Rob Cook, a local accessibility advocate
who is also blind (see photo at right), Robin Hostick, the park planner
for Skinner Butte Park, and over 50 community members to dedicate
the sculpture and celebrate the opportunity it provides to persons with
visual impairments, as well as the artistic contribution it makes to the
butte's summit for all visitors. The special sculpture is mounted on a
pedestal at a height that is accessible for wheelchair users. The project
was funded by grants from Lane Arts Council and the City of Eugene
Cultural Services with additional funding from a Lane County Tourism
Special Projects Grant and the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space.
"This project has been in the works for the last three years," says
Snyder, who has created similar tactile graphics of Crater Lake
National Park and Fort Clatsop National Memorial and tactile
translations of Oregon artist Maude Kerns' paintings. "1 am real tickled
that it's finally up at the top of Skinner Butte in this permanent bronze casting at last!"
At the base of the map is an inscription describing the piece in regular text and Braille. See The Register-
Guard story about the tactile sculpture here:
http://www, reg iste rg u a rd. co m/n ews/2005/02/21/b 1. ct. bra illesculptu re. 0221. htm l.
For more information about Snyder's work, visit www'm°mentsintimeexhibits'c°m or call 484-0197. For
more information about Skinner Butte Park, call Robin Hostick, park planner, at 682-4915.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
February 24, 2005