HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdmin Order 58-02-08
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 58-02-08
of the
City Manager
City of Eugene, Oregon
Designating a Portion of East Alton Baker Park as
the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park.
The City Manager 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.
B. In 1992, Lane County Ballot Measure No. 20-01, established a Citizen Planning
Committee to determine a mix of passive recreational uses for East Alton Baker Park.
C. In 1993, Alton Baker Park was transferred from Lane County ownership to the City
of Eugene. In an Intergovernmental Agreement between the County and the City, conditions were
placed on the City to develop a plan for East Alton Baker Park consistent with the requirements of
Ballot Measure No. 20-01, including the appointment of a Citizen Planning Committee.
D. In January of 1996 the Eugene City Council approved the East Alton Baker Park Plan
as developed by the Citizen Planning Committee, which contains goals and strategies for park
improvements, restoration activities, and on-going maintenance activities. In March of 1996 the
Willamalane Board approved the same plan.
E. On August 10th, 2001, The East Alton Baker Park Citizen Planning Committee
submitted a proposal to the City Manager, requesting that the East Alton Baker Park name be
amended to "Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park." This recommendation was based on:
(1) Whilamut (pronounced "wheel-a-moot") is a Kalapuya word. The word
Whilamut, translated into English means "where the river ripples and runs fast." It is likely
that the current name of the Willamette River, which is the area's primary landmark, is
derived from this Kalapuya word.
(2) The term "natural area" is an appropriate descriptor of the existing and
intended uses of the park. The East Alton Baker Park Plan Vision Statement reads; "East
Alton Baker Park will be a riverside haven at the center of the Eugene-Springfield
metropolitan area, where urban dwellers can experience a variety of habitats for native plants
and wildlife and enj oy nature. East Alton Baker Park will also provide opportunities for
educational and passive recreational activities that require or are greatly enhanced by the
Administrative Order - 1
park's natural setting. In addition, East Alton Baker Park is a natural connection between
the Eugene and Springfield communities and will remain free of motorized vehicles."
F. I have reviewed the recommendation of the East Alton Baker Park Citizen Planning
Committee, and have determined that the area depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A hereto
should be designated as the "Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park."
Now, Therefore,
THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF EUGENE ORDERS AND DIRECTS
THAT:
1. Based on the above findings, which are hereby adopted, the portion of East Alton
Baker Park depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A hereto is hereby designated the "Whilamut
Natural Area of Alton Baker Park."
2. A copy of this Order shall be forwarded to the East Alton Baker Park Citizen
Planning Committee, to the Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and to the City's Park and
Open Space Director.
Dated this )- ~ day of February, 2002
~~~
James R. Johnson
City Manager
Administrative Order - 2
'Exhibit A'
Feb 28, 2002
Ca~ion: ~his map is based
on Imprecise source data
subject to change, and for
general reference only.
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