On East 14th Avenue, between Hilyard and Patterson streets, is a rectangular patch of dirt dominated by a bulletin board and a few “No Parking” signs, but not for long. This area will soon be the site of the new West University Neighborhood Park.
“I like to call it the micro park,” said Deborah Healey, an active West University Neighborhood resident.
“I’ve been really advocating for this park because it is the only park that will properly serve this area,” said Robin Hostick, the principle landscape architect for the City of Eugene’s parks and open space division.
The park is to be a very compact version of a neighborhood park, according to Hostick. Some of the amenities that are planned for this small space include a café style seating area, a small playground, disc golf putting with a round of nine, a small basketball court and art installations. Trees, shrubs and wrought iron fences will designate the area as a public space.
Hostick said that community members were very instrumental in the process. “The plan developed through a partnership with the students, neighborhood residents and the city,” she said.
Funding for the park was provided by a land trade next door to the park and a matching grant put together by the West University Neighborhood Association.
Healey, who headed up the neighborhood matching grant process, said, “I think it’ll be a wonderful thing. It’ll be the only neighborhood park in the West University Neighborhood.”
Construction on the park is expected to begin next spring and with an estimated date of completion the following fall.
Hostick and Healey both emphasized the importance of community members becoming involved with the project. For the park to be an overwhelming success more fundraising and volunteer work are required.
If students or other area residents wish to be involved in the process they can contact Healey by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (541)-683-7454.