Story and Photos by Katherine Marrone
When the sun finally stretches out onto the lawns of our houses and over the green of our campus, Eugene comes to life. It’s on these days that the inches of past rain are forgiven, and we are reminded of why it’s so great to be a Duck. While the lush lawns of UO campus are always inviting on these beautiful days—serving as a great spot for resting between classes, snacking, and sunbathing— I encourage you to venture past the campus bubble and celebrate the gorgeous weather in other areas of the city, areas that give Eugene its reputation for the great outdoors and its diverse inhabitants. In these spots you will find the usual and quirky, each place exuding its own unique flair. Hop on your bikes, in your cars, or on your own two feet, for a Eugene adventure in the sun.
1. The Saturday Market
Location: 8th Ave. and Oak St.
Even bleary-eyed from the previous night’s endeavors, you can’t help but feel energized walking through the Saturday Market. In every direction, something is worth noting. Handmade jewelry, delicious pad thai, abstract artwork. In the drum circle, men and women play, old and young, unified in a rhythm that seems to come from a world only they are a part of. Feet away are people selling unique items, playing hacky sack or impromptu break dancing. The Eugene Saturday Market is where all those who give Eugene its quirky culture come out, and share with us the spiritual and psychedelic side of this city.
2. Owen Rose Garden
Location: N. Jefferson at the Willamette River.
Although the flowers aren’t quite in bloom this time of year, the Owen Rose Garden contains more than 4,500 roses of over 400 varieties. Come equipped with weeding tools, and you could volunteer year-round for Thursday work parties, tea and snacks included. Drinking tea in the garden’s gazebo, while breathing in the fresh scent of roses, sounds like the epitome of summer relaxation.
3. Kesey Square
Location: Downtown Eugene (Willamette St.)
When you’re looking for a quaint place to rest downtown, Kesey Square is the perfect spot. Only feet away from Voodoo Doughnuts, you can grab a maple bar, people-watch, and sit alongside the bronze Ken Kesey.
4. Skinners Butte
Location: Edge of downtown, near the Willamette River
The first time I saw Eugene on Skinner’s Butte, from approximately 200 feet high, I must admit, it changed my perspective of the town. While Eugene isn’t a particularly large city, from Skinner’s Butte, the “O” at the Autzen Stadium appears brighter, the buildings taller, and the trees greener. The fact that everything is enveloped in green also adds to the spectacular sight.
5. Skinners Butte Park
Location: From Ferry Street to Lincoln along Cheshire St.
Located just below Skinners Butte and just north of downtown Eugene, Skinners Butte Park has 100 acres of property along the Willamette River, running and bike paths, and acres of lawn. Have a picnic at one of the picnic areas, revert to your youth while playing on the jungle gym, or take a stroll along the river path.
6. Monroe Park
Location: 10th Ave. and Monroe Street
Formerly the site of an elementary school, this small park is a mix of the artsy and the quirky, and a staple to the Jefferson/Westside Neighborhood. You can play on slides, play basketball at one of its three hoops, or just enjoy the sun beneath the large and abstract art sculpture. On a beautiful day, you are likely to see people tight-roping, practicing their Tai Chi, or hula hooping. Join in, and you just might meet some new, and interesting, friends.
7. Amazon Park
Location: 22nd to 34th, Amazon Pkwy. to Hilyard Street
While not the most beautiful of parks, this 90-acre area is filled with opportunities for recreational activities, including basketball and tennis courts, a soccer field, a running track, a pool, and even Eugene’s only dog park, where you can take your furry creature to roam free of a leash.
8. Autzen Footbridge
Location: Over the Willamette River
Take pictures of the sunset above the Willamette River. Rest on a bench and people-watch. Read a book. The Autzen Footbridge, which passes over the Willamette, then goes on to Alton Baker Park, can be a rest stop on the way to your destination or the destination itself.
9. Fifth Street Market
Location- 296 E 5th Avenue
Located in the center of the Fifth Street Market is a sitting area– filled with flowers, a water fountain, and patio tables. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. With no expectations to purchase anything, this is a unique and serene area to relax and chat with friends.
10. Hendricks Park
Location: Summit and Skyline Drive
With Douglas Firs two hundred years old, flowers vibrant with color, and a resting spot with a beautiful view of Eugene, Hendricks Park is a natural refuge. It’s Eugene’s oldest city park and includes 78 acres, over six thousand varieties of plants, and a native plant garden– an ideal escape from the campus hub of activity.
