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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdmin Order 58-02-04 Administrative Order No. 58-02-04 of the Public Works Department City of Eugene, Oregon Adopting the Rasor Park Master 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 the 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 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 Rasor Park Master Plan (dated October 2001), a copy of which is attached as "Exhibit A" hereto and incorporated herein by reference, has been prepared taking into the 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) Enhancing the environmental quality and visual character of the community; ( 4) Involving the community in the planning of parks and recreational facilities; (5) Coordinating the provision of recreational and cultural services with the plans and programs of other agencies and private organizations; (6) Ensuring safe and convenient access to recreation lands and facilities; and (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. Rasor Park Background: Pre -1977: Following Euro-American settlement of the Eugene area and prior to its purchase as a City Park, the land where Rasor Park now exists was converted from native upland savanna/prairie to agricultural use. As early as the 1930's, air photography shows orchards occupying the site. 1977-79: Under the authority of the state's Willamette Greenway acquisition program, the City of Eugene purchased several parcels along the west bank of the Willamette River that now comprise Rasor Park. Some of the property was acquired through imminent domain. These purchases were part of several phases of a larger Greenway acquisition program dubbed the "West Bank", for which about 15 separate parcels were purchased between 1974 and 1980 with local and federal funding. 1977: A simple concept plan was prepared for the site. At this time the site did not have a separate identity but was considered a part of the West Bank Riverfront Park. The concept plan featured a parking lot off of River Road, trees and a loop path leading to the river's edge and connecting with a continuous riverbank path. Late 1970s: By this time, the cherry orchard had become overgrown with blackberry and was removed from the site for fire hazard and maintenance reasons. At this time the park assumed a more open, field-like character. 1989: The 1989 City of Eugene Parks and Recreation Plan included the following "medium priority proposed action" for the park: "Action 32. Rasor Park: Develop 5 acres for play fields." (P.51). No funding was allocated for this action. 1993-2000: A classic car restoration business located adjacent to the park was granted permission by the City to hold an annual car show in the park (the River Road Cruise-In). Over the years, the show increased in size and popularity, drawing increasing numbers of classic cars and car enthusiasts from the River Road community, Eugene, Springfield and throughout Oregon. The show's sponsor participated in mowing and maintenance of the park. In response to environmental concerns and the growth of the event, a 200 foot setback was recently designated along the river. 1996: Plans were prepared for an extensive indoor soccer facility for the park. The proposal met with opposition from community members and was abandoned. 1996: 1998: 1998: 2000: Forming out of opposition to the soccer facility, an informal organization of River Road area neighbors called the Friends of Rasor Park began to develop a vision for the park based on natural resource values, habitat restoration, and passive recreation. The group initiated an independent, grass~roots planning process within the neighborhood, conducting a survey and workshops to develop a plan for the park. The resulting concepts were not officially recognized or adopted by the City. The City approved a volunteer projects sponsored by the Friends of Rasor park to plant about 60 native trees around the edges of the park. The group planted and cared for the trees, including hand watering, to get them established. The group added other native plants, including shrubs and wildflowers, as part of their restoration efforts. The City adjusted mowing practices to help protect habitat value in the 200 foot setback along the river. Arrangements were made to ensure compliance with fire protection and vegetation code requirements. A lack of common planning objectives among interest groups led the City to place a hold on further car show and volunteer planting activities in the park until a comprehensive public process could be held to resolve outstanding issues and develop a common vision. The River Road Cruise-In event, which had become too large for the park to adequately support, subsequently moved to a more suitable site towards Junction City. F. The Rasor Park Master Plan was developed through a public involvement and research process from January 2001 through October 2001. A consultant team of landscape architects and natural resource specialists, including David Reed Associates, Schirmer/Schlessinger Associates and Salix Associates, was hired to evaluate the site and conduct the planning process. G. City of Eugene Parks Planning staff and the consultant team hosted and facilitated three public workshops for the design of the Master plan on February 15, 2001, June 28, 2001, and September 13, 2001, respectively. All materials for the proj ect, including technical reports, meeting reports, draft plans and drawings, were made available to the public online and at the Public Works Maintenance office. H. Advertisement for public involvement efforts included direct-mail postcard invitations to over 1800 neighbors, individuals and stakeholder organizations, display ads in the Register Guard and Eugene Weekly, news releases, poster advertisement in the park and at nearby businesses, personal contact and interviews with organizations and individuals, and listing on the Calendar of Public Meetings. I. A neighborhood survey was distributed to approximately 1000 residents living within Ih mile of Rasor Park. The purpose of the survey was to gather objective information about the needs, preferences and opinions of neighborhood residents relating to the park. Information from the survey provided a more objective framework for evaluating public workshop discussions. Now, Therefore, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF EUGENE ORDERS AND DIRECTS THAT: In addition to he above findings, which are hereby adopted, I have reviewed the Rasor Park Master Plan, which is 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 Rasor Park Master Plan, is hereby adopted, and will be accordingly implemented as resources permit. Dated this .:1!:i- day of ~ ' 2002. Ku ~ ~ Rasor Park Master Plan Exhibit A Available for review in the City Recorder's Office