HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdmin Order 58-97-13
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 5B--'17-/3
of the
Public Works Department
City of Eugene, Oregon
Adopting the West Alton Baker Park Development Plan.
The Executive Director of the Public Works Department of the City of
Eugene finds that:
A. Pursuant to the Eugene Charter of 1976 the City Manager is the administrative
head of the City of Eugene, and as such, has authority to administer the development of City
parks or to delegate that authority to others.
B. The City Manager has delegated to me, as Executive Director of the Public Works
Department, authority to administer the acquisition and development of City parks and parkland,
consistent with adopted City policies.
c. On July 10, 1989, by Resolution No. 4127, the City Council adopted the Eugene
Parks and Recreation Plan, which contains adopted goals and policies for development of City
parks. The Master Plan also contains guidelines to be followed in making administrative and
budgetary decisions about parks and recreation acquisitions, development and management
consistent with those adopted goals and policies.
D. Consistent with the above authority, the West Alton Baker Park Development
Plan (dated July 10, 1997), a copy of which is attached as "Exhibit A" hereto and incorporated
herein by reference, has been prepared, taking into consideration the following goals:
(1) Meeting the existing and future needs of the community through orderly
and systematic planning, implementation, and evaluation programs;
(2) Making a wide range of parks, programs and facilities available for
citizens and visitors of various ages, cultural backgrounds, abilities, interests, incomes, and
participation levels;
(3) Ensuring safe and convenient access to recreation lands and facilities;
facilities;
(4) Involving the community in the planning of parks and recreational
(5) Coordinating the provision of recreational and cultural services with the
plans and programs of other public agencies and private organizations;
(6)
community; and
Enhancing the environmental quality and visual character of the
(7) Maintaining, remodeling and upgrading park, recreational and cultural
facilities in order to respond to changing uses as well as attaining and preserving operational
efficiency.
E. Alton Baker Park Background:
1959-1964: Most of Alton Baker Park land is acquired by Lane County.
1969: Lane County Board of Commissioners established a nine-member Alton Baker
Park Citizen's Advisory Committee and six member Technical Advisory
Committee.
March 1972: The City of Eugene and EWEB transferred their land ownership in Alton Baker
Park to Lane County to facilitate a unified park planning effort. The transfer was
conditioned upon the formal establishment of a citizen's advisory committee to
represent the interests of Eugene, Springfield, EWEB, University of Oregon, and
Lane County. Subsequently, in April of 1972 the Lane County formally
established a II-member Alton Baker Park Citizen's Advisory Committee to
make recommendations and guide the preparation of a General Park Master Plan
to be adopted by the County Board of Commissioners.
Later that same year the Advisory Committee adopted the passive recreation
philosophy for the park.
Dec.1973: The first Land Use Plan for Alton Baker Park was adopted by the County Board
of Commissioners.
Dec.1978: The Alton Baker Park Citizen Advisory Committee endorsed a revised Land Use
Master Plan. The plan is adopted by the County Board of Commissioners, and the
City of Eugene.
June 1986: The Alton Baker Park Citizen Advisory Committee endorsed a revised Master
Plan that demonstrates conformance with Statewide Planning Goals #five, #eight,
and #15. The 1986 Master Plan is adopted by the County Board of
Commissioners. The City of Eugene adopts the Master Plan as Refinement Plan
to the Eugene / Springfield Metro Area General Plan.
Oct. 1987: Lane County conveyed the western portion of Alton Baker Park to City of Eugene
Administrative Order - 2
ownership. The City also took over the operation and maintenance of the
remainder of Alton Baker Park that was still under County ownership.
Sept. 1990: Lane County conveyed another portion of Alton Baker Park (area south of Day
Island Road, between the picnic shelters and the houses on Leisure Lane) to City
ownership. The Autzen Footbridge was also conveyed to the City at this time.
Sept. 1992: A West Alton Baker Park Development Plan update and an amendment to the
Alton Baker Refinement Plan were taken to the City Council for adoption. The
Council passed a motion to table the amendment until after the pending Nov.
election.
N ov. 1992: Ballot measure 20-01, which prohibited golf and promoted only passive
recreation, passed.
Feb. 1993: Lane County conveyed the remaining acreage of Alton Baker Park to the
boundary of 1-5 to Eugene, with an Intergovernmental Agreement stipulating the
City would act consistently with the goals of ballot measure 20-01.
Of particular note among the conditions of the Intergovernmental Agreement was
a condition that stipulated upon completion of the Citizen's Planning Committee's
East Alton Baker Park Plan, appropriate governmental agencies were to take
appropriate action, including amending the Alton Baker Park Master Plan or the
Metro Plan.
May 1995:
East Alton Baker Park Plan is adopted. The adoption notes the need to amend the
1986 Alton Baker Park Master Plan.
F. The planning process for updating the West Alton Baker Park Development Plan
began with City staff holding a public scoping session on May 28, 1996, at the Celeste Campbell
Senior Center. Notice of the meeting was mailed to an interested party list of 87 individuals,
government agencies, businesses, and organizations, including all neighborhood organizations.
The meeting generated a significant amount of interest in both oral and written testimony. A
summary of the testimony is attached as "Exhibit B."
G. Taking the input generated from the public scoping session, a draft development
plan was created and a general public meeting was held on January 29, 1997 at the Public Works
Maintenance conference room. Notice of the meeting was mailed to 111 people on the interested
party list. A news release was issued by Public Works. Notices were posted around the park
site, and the Register Guard ran two news articles prior to the meeting. Attached as "Exhibit C"
is a copy of comments received from this second meeting.
Administrative Order - 3
H. A third public meeting was held on April 24, 1997 at the Public Works Maintenance
Facility to receive comments on revisions to the draft development plan. Two separate design
options were presented to the public. The handling of vehicular (public and emergency) access
into and through West Alton Baker Park was the major difference between the two design
options. Notice of the meeting was mailed to all 118 people now on the interested party list.
Notices of the meeting were posted in the park, a news release was issued, and an ad was placed
in the local newspaper. A summary of the comments from that meeting is attached as "Exhibit
D."
I. Responding to concerns over vehicular access, parking, and to a lesser extent,
regarding modifications near existing facilities, such as WISTEC and Cuthbert Amphitheater,
staff prepared a revised development plan for public review. Following another news release and
notice to interested parties, a fourth meeting was held at the Public Works Maintenance Facility
on June 4, 1997 to take public comment. The concensus among all present was that the plan
presented was responsive to the testimony and it was very good. Critics of earlier versions
voiced their support for this latest draft development plan. Minutes taken at this fourth meeting
are attached as "Exhibit E."
J. A complete record of all written and oral testimony is maintained in the Public
Works Maintenance, Parks Planning office.
K. Except as noted above, no further written or oral testimony has been received
following the hearing.
L. Minor adjustments were made to the development plan in response to comments
received at the fourth meeting. A final version of the West Alton Baker Park Development Plan
is attached as "Exhibit E."
M. The Plan, presented in graphic form, is conceptual. The exact locations of various
improvements and their design and construction details will be addressed as the time of
implementation.
N. The attached development plan contains elements which will require the
amendment or repeal of the 1986 Alton Baker Park Master Plan. Such elements cannot be
implemented until the Master Plan is amended or repealed.
o. The entire Alton Baker Park is within the Willamette River Greenway. A
Greenway review and approval will be required as specified in Eugene Code Section 9.260.
Administrative Order - 4
Now, Therefore,
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF EUGENE ORDERS AND DIRECTS THAT:
In addition to the above findings, which are hereby adopted, I have reviewed the West
Alton Baker Park Development Plan attached as "Exhibit A" hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, and find that it is consistent with the goals and policies of the Eugene Parks and
Recreation Plan and other adopted City policies. Therefore, the attached Alton Baker Park
Development Plan is hereby adopted, and will be accordingly implemented as resources permit.
Dated this ~ay Of~, 1997.
~~~~
Christine Andersen, Executive Director
Public Works Department
Administrative Order - 5
r -1
Cl I ~ ~ \\ ~
~ (f:~ t;?f) :/ ~~I::<~/~ r II I "EX1hib;t A~-I
QJ = ~~ . _ _ _ .... \ '.111 .....J -# .. ~ J · P
e II ~ I""~ <,J\ Ii '! ~I 1.1 d I ,I
FI '- ~: ,'\ ,\ '.. . i ' .JI '" · , , a I ·
,...-- . , . . '~ ." ~' ' . "
~ \1 ~ ~\~,1~~~ l ~ ~\ i :)~:I \ ann-
o Ih I 1;..(1 IYUl~1 -$o._,~ II '..,i L : I 8 I. blW! _1
II; -/'/.:. 'PI I! i I Q:', 'D ' I
I' \ / /,'1"/."" ..... . l.b . r~b'l 'Iii ... ~
~ fit ~. -~,: \. --.lll~ ~.tJ II~! J \. II I ~ )1 j I 8
~ i/b d~- ~~~~ . .;- It ~ / Ih II ~,IIIII! II I
-< g{fr/Jo- ~IP .1. . ~ ~~;1r I\~d I t
~ V$~~::~~mb;i.1] "~b}.~ :. ~ --..19>
:;; f1:l ~r:l*:I~~~.;1l . )t~.o;~ ~o~':.' <<e~' I '~
~ : ~~. k!.T: ~___ " -.r~ I";. .,'J:>! -~1 ,!i- ~ ,
, i'i.../%"'1 <42J I~, ~ · ~I ·
-< i ", ~ . I;~",~~L~~'. ~~~: '. .?Q' . ';'O.&P 0 j !
~ I ~,\ ~\ \J~~~'~//o~' ~):'. o. o..Q8~ ~ ! :
~ I h ~,,-).~-r..:!fit . " . I ' I ~ I ~ ~ i
~ ! U u- ~~~~ II ! HI cP ~ d f II ~ n l~ ' ~I ~ :
J ~ ~ ~~~~~\\,,~ o. i' \~ i '). ~I ~ e. ~ ·
-<, .~ {JJ '?~.,_~~,~~ ~JI ~ ~~~jj~.fu. '~~$)~i
~ I I ~@' ..._..~~~~i II.' " I I Ita ~I til'; ,,+j :
en ~ t> I r~" ~~~~Y.r ..,"'/:: 0 l~~ ~ ~''rtf, : 1
[il ~ \Z ~ \' -..~~~.:, ~ .~ · ~r~~z lftf';;;. ~% :
!> I '" ~ \1._ ,\.'~ \)1 ~.:.-, ~ r.L ,I. ~ l riD- '~~i"f ! I
? "I ~v -i)V~ ;;:l"';', "-7. .... 0('"<- J :
~Q ~_ 2(\B'~~~h\-':<...,~~~~~,~.7II<{~~~~ :/1
~ !: 1~ II 0 ;~~ \1l~'(>lc ~ 1.J,.,~7 "
o ' ~,V~ ,-" -- ~ "". ; C[ nO'" )f' ,
Z ~, I! II ~ 'P"i .!' 0 v" ),l' '.. ''''If'' :
~ ~ .... I bUO~.Q.. ,J.~. J..~~l- .//
~,i!1: rY> :J/~ -" ~..P ~ or" J.
~" . ' -. n ---~ l;;~ - ...... J
,~ ~~,,"_. ~. 11'/ ,"
/"" / . .......~........ ..'\... T-_~,_,,"-llinl ,I; l l"iS
I / ~_~~"-~ "> ~__.... {iI ri.. ,liiE
U /' ". ,J0'~.. .. -ufr,Ht ~rl~t
"'-A u I~W!I~J II jl
~C\. ~ ~t!tUlli ~dil
-
5/28/96 W.A.B.P. PUBLIC SCOPING SESSION
~
~
~
=-
-.
=-
-.
t"'t-
=
...
...
SUMMARY OF WRITTEN TESTIMONY
*Develop aquatic floats (upon which to sun bathe) and canoe fetes along the canoe canal. -
tmCrex Matzler)
*Sandy beaches with sculptures along the river. -tm
*Create passive areas, and enhance the natural environment adjacent to the river and else where
by regrading and planting of selected natural vegetation. -tm
*Create floral displays. -tm
* Additional outdoor performance area for music, dance, singing. -tm
* Additional vehicle parking that could be 'turf parking' located near existing access roads. -tm
*Family group activity area with facilities for picnicking, volleyball, sand boxes, horseshoes, and
power outlets. -tm
*Use areas that are handicap accessible. -tm
. *Conduct a land use study of the park to determine best placement and relationship of uses. -tm
*Designate an area (15-20 acres) in the park to establish an Asian-American Cultural Education
Center. -AAFO (Asian/American Foundation of Oregon, David Toyama & Ken Nagao)
*Large open lawn areas suitable for fairs and festivals (Obon and Taiko Festival draws 4,000 to
5,000 people to the park), with close proximity to parking, utilities, and restrooms. Bollards or
kiosks around the perimeter can serve as connection sources for utilities for scattered booths. -
AAFO
*Friendship Gardens - Japanese, Oriental, and others. -AAFO
*No alternate modes bridge at Leisure Lane. -cb (Charles Biggs)
*More dispensed parking, smaller in scale. -cb
*More picnic tables. -cb
*Place bike/ped bridge access over river from 8th and Hilyard to the picnic shelter area to the
east. -cb ~
*More information (historic too) signs in the park. -cb
* Allow for temporary rental shops in park (bikes, boats, in-line skates, refreshments) -cb
*Plants that encourage wildlife (ie. Natives). -cb
*More restrooms in the park. -cb
*No regulation (sports) fields or courts. -cb
*Blackberry eradication -cb
*Distinctive auto signage to Alton Baker Park -cb
*Make provisions for U.of o. to make physical contributions to the park in exchange for leasing
the land they use in the park. Examples could be upgrading of the community gardens, seasonal
rototilling of the community gardens, or creating a native plant nursery for park benefit. -cb
*Correct the current 'piece meal' layout of some of the park features (community gardens, dog
off leash area, park maintenance yard, V.ofO. Corn field). -cb
*Provide more canal benches and vegetation. -cb
*Provide greater (more and improved) designated access to the river thru bark trail heads and
stepped approaches. -cb
*Need a children's kite flying area (probably for adults too, that way the Asian Kite Festival can
use the same space) away from power lines. -cb
*Like to see police on bikes, during summer events especially, to inform user of park rules and
direct people. -cb
*Fix the drinking fountain at the Autzen canoe canal bridge. -cb
*Thoroughly study a one way access road through West Alton Baker Park, going east bound out
to Leo Harris. -cb
*Consider the following activities for inclusion in West Alton Baker Park: - WPR (Willamalane
Parks and Rec, Philip Farrington)
-Archery (possibly a lower priority)
- Disc golf (between Neilson Gardens and Cuthbert Amphitheater)
-Boat launch access south of the picnic area
-Additional picnic shelter(s) and playground (near the canoe canal and/or Cuthbert area)
-Bike path extensions to Cuthbert Amphitheater
-Sand volleyball courts (east of the picnic shelters)
*Develop parking and gateway features near Leo Harris Drive and Wistec: - WPR
-signage, kiosk, path maps
*Relocate Lane County Historical Museum to new facility west of Wistec - WPR
*Or construct a new multi-purpose community center (which may include the River House) for
such things as rental of canoes, in line skates, bicycles, neighborhood center, and gardening
instruction. - WPR
*Construct a demonstration compo sting area near the community gardens. - WPR
*Construct a demonstration xeriscape garden near the community gardens. - WPR
*Remove auto access to the interior of the park except for maintenance vehicles. - WPR
*Relocate both the bike path and the maintenance yard further away from the river. - WPR
* Amend the 1986 Alton Baker Master Plan to discard the 'Agricultural Historic Area Concept' .
The Dorris Ranch Living History Farm fills these intended uses and function. - WPR
*Install irrigation and tutf in the meadow area near Cuthbert and remove the filbert trees to
accommodate an expanded event/festival staging area. - WPR
*Improve the banks of the canoe canal by planting trees, willows, etc. - WPR
*Replace the chain link fence around Cuthbert with something more aesthetically pleasing. And,
remove the fence barricades in the canoe canal. - WPR
*Update the globe lighting in the park with some more pleasing and with a "less dated look". -
WPR
*Install more benches around the boat basin, canoe canal, river, and on the edges of the turf
areas. - WPR
*Locate the new "Ferry Street Bridge" bike bridge just west of the picnic shelters to match up
with Hilyard for a logical connection with the University area.- WPR
*Place a life sized bronze statue of "Steve Prefontaine" at the beginning of "Pre's Trail" in Alton
Baker Park. -jr (Jerry Rust)
* Plan a river side location for a new "River House" to replace the old facility at the end ofN.
Adams Street. jj (Jim Johnson)
SUMMARY OF ORAL TESTIMONY 5lztO\q ~
Gardens - Sister City, Oriental, Friendship. Would like 15 to 20 acres by the Amphitheater,
maybe on the north side of the amphitheater? The gardens would be supported by the
Asian/American Foundation (including $). There should be a building on the site, and there
should be the use of water throughout the garden - water features, focal points, needed for fish
and plants. -AAFO (Would the Tree Garden be compatible with the Oriental Garden concept?)
Restoration of Natural Values - Need a Nature Center for Nearby Nature. Need a nature trail and
bridge to the Butterfly Sanctuary and Heron Woods. Would like to use one of the existing
houses for the program. Nearby Nature would like to see Day Island Road eventually removed
to Ken Nielsen Gardens. Sensitive areas need to be ecologically managed. Change the cornfield
to Habitat Restoration testing area. (Be careful about allowing single use areas like the U.ofO.
Cornfield) -NN (Nearby Nature, Joseph Minato)
No to all the proposed new bridges over the Willamette River, and no new roads thru the park. -
NN
Need a small pedestrian bridge over the canal, just south ofWISTEC. -NN
Nearby Nature would support a bus stop near the intersection of Day Island Road and Leisure
Lane.
Alton Baker Park needs good signage to help people find their way. -NN
Nearby Nature supports the function of the Wistec facility.
Existing houses are in violation of the Willamette Greenway.
South Bank - North Bank Inconsistency - but there are adopted plans for each side.
Flood Plain Problem at the Museum Site - may rule out any additional buildings, could consider
other uses - an opportunity area for other than museums. - jj
Boat Ramp on Willamette River needed.(site south of existing picnic shelters discussed) -jj and
NN
Canoe Parking Problems - need parking and launching area for canoeists putting in west of
spillway. -jj
Thramer House Foundation - apparent lack of interest in this and associated Agric. Histor. Area.
Festivals and Special Events- Need a better location. "Art in the Vineyard" is hard on the park,
Cuthbert area may be better (between Cuthbert and parking lot - Thramer area). Need restrooms,
power, and water. -jj
Reserve area to expand Amphitheater. -jj
Water main needed for fire protection/suppression at building locations. Check water main size
at WISTEC. Don't need hydrants for brush fires, just adequate clear ways for tank truck to
travel. DPS (Dept. of Public Safety)
Outdoor Science Park by Wistec (no Disneyland) - Wistec
Children's playground in park is a good idea. - Wistec and others
Ifbike/ped bridge is to be built over Willamette River, preferred crossing would be just north of
the steam plant. -general concensus
One way second access, near WISTEC. Improved service by LTD. Light at Leo Harris Parkway
and Centennial for left turn out. Parks can have roads closed on the weekends. -cb
Check with U.of O. Practice Field Building.
Keep intense development in the N. W. area of the park.
Plea for a cultural center at or in the vicinity of WISTEC. -rb (Ruth Bascom)
Post in the Park, notices of future meetings. -jrob (Junior Robertson)
WEST ALTON BAKER PARK
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
1/29/97 PUBLIC MEETING
...
~
~
=-
-.
cr
-.
....
n
-.
-.
SUMMARY OF ORAL TESTIMONY
* Too much parking
* Ties between remaining Autzen parking and event areas
* Improve bus access - separate lanes
* New parking below 100 year flood zone
* Nearby Nature supports keeping house, not supporting 'hammer throw area' use
* Examine any 'upper meadow' proposals - there are valuable natural resources there
* No support for 'cultural center'
* 28 acres for 10 acres is not a fair swap
* Nature Center doesn't need/want vehicle access. Concept supported by Mobility International.
Need to check code/regulations
* Enough parking already
* LRCS staff - like River House location, Tree Garden. Need event -oriented parking, maybe
remove some paving; more grass (parking)
* Discount tickets for non-auto arrival to events
* Find better location for cultural center
* Sister City gardens - water related?
* Get clear about 'cultural' facilities
* Access to Wistec is poor (by footlbike). Strengthen pedestrian connections to rest of park
* House used for 'caretaker residence'? (Nearby Nature has caretaker at Armitage)
* Paths too wide
* Show area near Wistec as garden area that is 'culturally related'.
* Concentrate high use/ -development in west end.
* Use reinforced turfparking. (And closer to existing parking)
* Spacial organization needs definition.
* Need more flexible plan.
* LRCS - parking for events needs continuous design- not separate locations.
* Look at Alton Baker in context of whole riverfront park (east and west halves combined).
Bring plan to next meeting.
* Lack of good access to Cuthbert hurts success of performances (financially).
* Shuttle service would lessen the need for parking! roads.
* Don't build new auto bridge. Reinforce existing bridge to accommodate emergency vehicles.
* Should' Art in the Vineyard' (or any big event) occur in this park? They (Carol Brewster,
LRCS) say no other space in the city works for them. They will work within limitations.
* Show howl where natural resource enhancement occurs.
* Minimal lighting preferred; low level. Keep some area dark.
* Need restrooms in east portion. (Maybe composting?)
* Support for new foot bridge shown south of Wistec.
* Landscaping along path to guide pedestrian traffic.
HAL'S NOTES
* Felt the City Council thought parking was not a design component. Why more parking?
* Hold U of 0 accountable. Shuttle bus option. Improve access for bus only.
* Where did cultural center idea come from?
* If the parking is moved, can cultural center go there?
* Use already impacted areas for cultural center.
* Nearby Nature would require no parking.
* Plenty of parking already in park.
* Investigate ADA requirements for wheelchair access. (To nature center)
* Please keep park wild, remove roads, parking.
* (for) Events, grass type parking to replace paving.
* Strengthen connection to parking by Autzen - improve pedestrian routes.
* Cultural center as a garden, 'friendship garden', entertain 'sister city gardens'.
* Term 'cultural center' -list uses of cultural center, define.
* Integrate Wistec into park -improve access from park - reduce its isolation.
* (use) House as caretaker home to provide (park) security.
* Nearby Nature as caretaker.
* Specialized gardening area around Wistec.
* Reduce concentration of activities as you move toward East Alton Baker.
* What is the sequence or arrival?
* Concern for loss of parking (for) Cuthbert (patrons).
* How does the design relate to rest of River Front Park System?
* (limit) Facilities (to those) that serve the park.
* Invest in nature parts - invest in restoration - plan restoration.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
...
~
~
=-
-.
0-
-.
fIIto.
~
...
...
APRIL 24,1997
PUBLIC MEETING
WEST ALTON BAKER PARK
Nearby Nature - "Don't build new access/bridge."
Support for boat landing. Emergency access to water for rescue.
Keep recreation opportunities close to city.
Fairness/ Balance w/ East Alton Baker.
* Support for nature center.
Question- Any value to WISTEC pond? Some support for no expanded WISTEC parking.
Spread out use to reduce turf wear - Ken Nielson Gardens is over-used. Too many things going
on in K. Nielson Garden.
Check costs between A and B (design options shown at the meeting).
Nocturnal wildlife are more impacted by plan B.
Don't use East Alton Baker Park criteria to design West Alton Baker Park. Population will
double, we have to accommodate.
Dead end roads are problematic.
Look for alternate (modes) transportation.
Support for keeping and enhancing Cuthbert Amphitheater.
Parking permits or keys to control auto access.
Flexible parking based on demand. Improved pedestrian connection from Autzen. Valet
parking. Break up parking masses.
Parking / pond relationship not liked. Like pond and lack of cars in front of WISTEC.
Stacked parking used at Hollywood Bowl. -- try here.
Cuthbert ticket could include L TD fare.
Charge more for parking.
As population increases, need for auto free parks is greater.
WISTEC location is poor. Expanded parking will not help, possibly hinder. They want more
viability.
* Keep new pedestrian bridge to nature center, in whichever plan is used.
Another restroom by outdoor teaching facility.
Art in the Vineyard- equipment and vehicles is tough on the park - generators.
(An audio tape of the meeting is available for duplication. Interested parties may bring in two
standard cassettes and copies will be made.)
MINUTES
....
~
~
c:r
-.
0-
-.
.....
~
West Alton Baker Park Public Hearing
Conference Room A -- Public Works Maintenance--1820 Roosevelt
June 4, 1997
7:30 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: John Etter, Johnny Medlin, John Weber, (Public Works Maintenance); Carol
Brewster, Jim Johnson, (Library, Recreation and Cultural Services); Micki
Kaplan, (Lane Transit District).
PUBLIC PRESENT: Paul Beistel, Bruce Davison, Julie Fischer, Gary Houser, Glen Love, Tony
Lum, Tex Matsler, Junior Robertson, Ben Romano, Beth Stein, Meg Trendier,
Ian Whitelaw, Tim Whitley.
Mr. Etter called tbe meeting to order and stated that the public hearing was intended to provide
feedback on a plan design developed for West Alton Baker Park. He explained requirements of
Oregon public meeting laws regarding public hearings.
Mr . Weber reported that there had been three previous public meetings regarding the plan design for
West Alton Baker Park. He explained that the process involved would lead to modification of the 1986
Alton Baker Park Master Plan and involve a Willamette Greenway Review. He said an administrative
order would be required for adoption of the plan.
Mr. Weber described changes made in the plan design since the previous public meeting--creating
smaller parking expansion areas, creating a pedestrian/bicycle/emergency vehicle bridge across the
canoe canal, identifying a new location for the Outdoor Program building, revising the configuration of
the amphitheater performer and accessible park area, revising the "front yard" of the Willamette
Science and Technology Center (WISTEC), and providing a pedestrian access into the park from a bus
stop between the WISTEC ponds.
Mr. Weber described changes made in the plan design preceding the previous public meeting--creating
a boat ramp access to the river; providing additional picnic structures; realignment of Pre's Trail;
providing for new Cuthbert Amphitheater entrances; relocating the dog leash-free area and community
gardens; creating a 20-acre meadow/lawn area; providing additional pedestrian/bicycle paths;
developing additional canoe access and parking; planning for a nature center, resident park host, and
outdoor teaching/meeting facility; providing for canoe canal enhancements and a new island; planning
for a cultural garden area; and providing for a playground.
Mr. Etter opened the public hearing. He noted that the record of the hearing would remain open for
written testimony and comments to staff until June 11, 1997.
MINUTES-- West Alton Baker Park
Public Hearing
June 4, 1997
Page 1
Paul Beistel, 2805 University, stated that the 1986 Alton Baker Park Master Plan for the park had
identified its primary goal as enhancement of recreational opportunities for metropolitan area residents
and its secondary goal as preservation of open space and wildlife habitat. He said the 1995 East Alton
Baker Park Plan emphasized the secondary goal and separated the park into natural habitat and public
recreation zones. He said he believed vegetation in the western zone of the park should incorporate
non-native species developed for urban areas. He pointed out that a park master plan needed to
accommodate a significant increase in population of the area. He said the western zone of the park
should be judged by the primary goal of the park and not have criteria developed for the eastern zone
applied to it. He expressed his opinion that East Alton Baker serves nature and that West Alton Baker
should serve people.
Beth Stein, 2436 Nixon Street, stated that she represented Nearby Nature. She expressed appreciation
for the effort exerted in development of the park design plan. She said the members and staff of her
organization unanimously endorsed the current plan. She expressed concern that the proposed new
emergency road not be available as a regular access route for vehicles, that an over-abundance of
parking was planned, that the new location for the dog leash-free area could impact areas set aside for
wildlife preservation. She said she supported the concept of a cultural garden, but expressed a concern
that its boundary not extend into riparian areas. She suggested that language be incorporated into the
plan which would indicate that incursion of a new river crossing bridge over the Willamette River
would not be permitted in the park. She said she believed that the proposed path just west of the
houses on Leisure Lane might be somewhat redundant, given the pedestrian and bike route along the
Leisure Lane alignment, and would prefer to see emphasis put on the Leisure Lane route.
Junior Robertson, Post Office 10952, said he believed natural areas had value and did not distinguish
between the recreational needs of humans and the needs of wildlife. He said he was generally happy
with the proposed plan, but shared the concerns of Ms. Stein regarding new access paths and dog
leash-free areas.
Beth Stein, 2436 Nixon Street, stated that many native plants had been developed for ornamental park
uses. She said the advantages of such plants were that they required less irrigation and were less
expensive to maintain.
Tex Matsler, 2645 Chula Vista Drive, stated that he agreed with the assertion of Mr. Beistel that plan
designs were incorrectly dividing Alton Baker Park into two zones. He said he supported the proposed
plan design but that he was concerned that, by concentrating on the western area of the park, it ignored
valuable riverfront areas. He pointed out that most eastern areas of the park were not in a natural state
since they had been disturbed by agricultural use, gravel mining excavation, and use as a municipal
dump. He said that without a general plan of the entire park, it was impossible to make plans for
specific areas. He recommended that public input regarding park design be sought from a broad range
of citizen interests.
Meg Trendier, 2300 Leo Harris Parkway, stated that she appreciated adjustments to the park design
plan made since the previous public meeting. She expressed support for providing additional proposed
development--connection of new areas over the existing canal, good signage for all paths, a bus
MINUTES-- West Alton Baker Park
Public Hearing
June 4, 1997
Page 2
turnaround, canoe access, and improvements to areas nearby WISTEC and the Planetarium. She said
she felt it would be positive to create a sign marking access to the park at WISTEC which was visible
to west-bound traffic on Centennial Boulevard. She indicated that she liked the outdoor science park
shown between Leo Harris Parkway and the WISTEC building; however, she would also like the
ability to utilize the space behind the WISTEC building at some point in the future.
Ian Whitelaw, 2740 University, stated that he was a volunteer with Nearby Nature and Valet Bicycle
Parking organizations. He said he appreciated the proposed accessible view point, but expressed
concern regarding the safety of locations where wheelchairs would cross bicycle paths. He suggested
that such intersections were more appropriately placed in open meadows than wooded locations. He
said he supported plans for locating areas set-aside for specific uses in close proximity. He said he
believed the dog leash-free area and the community garden area provide good buffers between the more
active recreation in Alton Baker and the more passive recreation/natural areas in East Alton Baker. He
suggested that the proposed footbridge connection between WISTEC and Cuthbert Amphitheater could
be made special, and be an opportunity for development of a self-guided interpretive nature trail
providing an introduction to native plant species.
Tony Lum, 1030 Spyglass, stated that he represented the Asian American and Sister Cities foundations.
He said that both organizations had discussed and approved the cultural garden proposal contained in
the proposed park plan. He said he anticipated that the foundations would seek to fund development of
the cultural garden at some time in the future.
Tim Whitley, 280 West 30th Avenue, stated that he was a biology teacher at Sheldon High School. He
said that he often took groups of students to the eastern zone of Alton Baker Park because it was one of
the few areas in the metropolitan area providing examples of natural eco-systems. He reported that it
was his experience that all areas of the park were well used.
Paul Beistel, 2805 University, described the history of public boat launching facilities in the area of
Alton Baker Park. He said that including such a landing in the park design was positive because it
would eliminate the need for boaters to navigate a dangerous section of the river by the 1-5 bridge.
Bruce Davidson, 2315 Tyler Street, stated that he was a resident in the Westmoreland Park area of
Eugene. He said he agreed, and that he favored the proposed park plan because it preserved a pristine
and natural area in the middle of an urban environment.
Julie Fischer, 778 Elm, stated that she supported the proposed park plan, but had concerns that the
proposed new bicycle path to the overlook on the river was unneeded, that the dog off-leash area was
larger than needed, and that planned parking east of WISTEC would unduly encroach on surrounding
areas.
Carol Brewster, One Eugene Center, stated that she was Special Events manager for the City of
Eugene. She said she supported the proposed park plan, but had concerns that adequate parking was
not included for Cuthbert Amphitheater, especially in light of proposed construction by the University
of Oregon in parking areas of Autzen Stadium. She said she also supported creating a river viewpoint
MINUTES-- West Alton Baker Park
Public Hearing
June 4, 1997
Page 3
in the park which met Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards, and improving
ingress/egress to Day Island Road. She said she thought the park needed a better intersection where
Day Island Road intersects with Club Road.
Glen Love, 393 Ful Vue Drive, stated that he was an advocate for developing a boat landing in Alton
Baker Park and represented the interests of the McKenzie Flyfishers organization. He expressed
appreciation that such a landing was included in the proposed park plan and stated that it was the only
public landing within Eugene's city limits.
Mr . Weber commented that contact with the State Fish and Wildlife Department has indicated that
funding for development of the boat landing might be available through ODF&W and/or the State
Marine Board.
Jim Johnson, 22 West 7th Avenue, stated that he was Executive Manager of the City of Eugene's
Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services. He said that future refmements to the proposed park plan
would involve members of the public and that participation would be solicited by public announcement
and use of mailing lists of interested parties developed at public meetings and public hearings about the
park.
Mr. Etter closed the public hearing. He said he was sympathetic to altering a proposed bicycle path by
moving it closer to the edge of what is known as East Alton Baker Park, to reduce the residential street-
like character to the east of the houses. He said the change could solve accessible viewpoint issues and
eliminate an alley atmosphere in the current access road.
Ms. Stein said she favored such an option and encouraged any development to be planned to have
minimal construction impact on the area.
Mr. Medlin said that he would favor relocating the existing right-of-way to provide for a meandering
style road and to avoid impact on designated wildlife preservation areas.
Mr. Etter stated that the suggested alteration of the plan would be considered with the East Alton Baker
Citizen Advisory Committee.
Mr. Etter thanked those who had attended the public hearing.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
(Recorded by Dan Lindstrom)
r:197pwlwabp04'(J67
MINUTES-- West Alton Baker Park
Public Hearing
June 4, 1997
Page 4