IN THIS ISSUE | APRIL 2022

Pre's Rock Renovations Completed

Renovations at Prefontaine Memorial Park, also known as "Pre's Rock," have created a safer place for visitors to honor the legacy of Steve Prefontaine.

Along a hairpin turn on Skyline Boulevard, the memorial is set in stone at the site of the roadside boulder where Prefontaine died in 1975. With no sidewalk or bike lane, visitors of the memorial often stood on the curb or in the street.

These new improvements include an expanded sidewalk, raised viewing area and railing to create a distinct space for visitors to safely stand, sit and place personal items.

Branching Out in Eugene's Hottest Neighborhoods

New growth in the air this spring as we work to plant 600 new street trees. With the help of volunteers and the non-profit Friends of Trees, Urban Forestry is taking an important step toward an ambitious climate goal to increase tree canopy cover from 22 to 30 percent by the year 2030.

Based on a variety of health index and socio-economic factors, three of the highest priority and hottest areas in Eugene were selected for the majority of the trees this planting season – Highway 99, downtown and the neighborhood surrounding Chase Commons Park.

With this approach, we can begin to address quality of life disparities in historically underserved neighborhoods. View the Tree Plotter Canopy Tool to explore tree canopy and environmental justice conditions throughout Eugene.

Each tree has been specifically selected for the location with considerations given to future growth, rooting, conditions, soil type, overhead and underground obstructions, and diversity among the urban forest. These precautions help minimize damage down the road and ensure long-term health of the tree.

Urban Forestry will monitor the health of these young trees intensively through establishment to ensure they have a great head start.

Learn more about tree planting, care and removal. Contact Friends of Trees to get a tree of your very own in three easy steps.

Free Wall Debuts in Skinner Butte Park

The new, freestanding art wall at Skinner Butte Park provides an inclusive, safe and free space where people are empowered to paint, wheat-paste and stencil in a City-sanctioned location.

Within hours of opening the wall, 20x21 muralist Bayne Gardner left his mark (pictured).

Led by the Whiteaker Community Art Team (WCAT), this project is funded and/or supported by the Oregon Health Authority, CDC Foundation, the City of Eugene Cultural Services and Parks and Open Space, as well as Whiteaker community artists and businesses.

WCAT plans to utilize additional funds from a CDC Foundation grant to offer an Artist in Residence program for Eugene artists which will include a vaccine confidence inspired mural and educational workshop.

Check out this vibrant and dynamic project near the Skinner City Community Garden.

New Portable Restroom Enclosures

Last month, we started construction on screening enclosures around portable restrooms at several trailheads.

Amazon Headwaters
Blanton Ridge
52nd and Willamette
Wild Iris Ridge
Spencer Butte

The new enclosures improve the look of these popular restrooms and concrete pads make them more stable for users.

Placement of these popular restrooms and construction of the enclosures has been made possible with funding from the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond and Levy. Thank you, voters!

Join Eugene Recreation for a special Summer Rec Registration Event on April 23 to celebrate the coming of summer and all the fun activities Rec has planned. The celebration starts at 9 a.m. and registration starts at 10 a.m.

Explore the ecology and management of Eugene's parks with Recreation and Parks and Open Space staff on our First Saturday Park Walks. Space is limited and registration is required so sign up early.