Voting YES will Preserve and Enhance Our Parks, Trails, Natural Areas, and Recreation Facilities and Keep Them Safe
What’s the history?
The pandemic reminded us just how vital Eugene's parks, trails, and recreation facilities are for stress relief, socializing with loved ones, and promoting a strong sense of community.
In the 25 years prior to 1995, Eugene had fallen behind. We had fewer sports fields, playgrounds, community centers, and pools than other comparable cities in the Pacific Northwest. Hiking and bike trails were the only elements where Eugene had surpassed other medium size cities. Voter-approved bond measures in 1998, 2006, and 2018 have fueled the growth of our parks system, adapting to Eugene's evolving needs.
The 2018 bond funded seven new parks and the reconstruction of Campbell Center, Echo Hollow, and Sheldon Pools. A Five-year Operating Tax Levy was also approved to provide operations and maintenance funds for these new parks. To improve park safety, the levy provided dedicated police officers and two new Park Ambassadors to address illicit activities, graffiti, and vandalism in all parks.
2023’s Levy — Measure 20-343 — is an extension of the 2018 voter-approved tax levy that will make our parks safer and available for all to enjoy!
What will Measure 20-343 fund?
Park Ambassadors
& Tackling Illicit Activities
Park Ambassadors provide information, search for illicit activity, and with the assistance of two dedicated park police, remove illicit camps.
Measure 20-343 includes two additional Park Ambassadors providing seven-day-a-week coverage further reducing vandalism, graffiti, and other illicit activites in parks.
The levy extension will provide nearly one-quarter of the funds for park maintenance and all the funds for addressing illicit acitivites.
Maintenance, Upkeep & Restoration
• Increases Park safety and security
• Maintains existing and three new parks - Downtown Riverfront, Striker Field and Santa Clara’s
• Provides custodial service for additional toilets
• Restores trails and provides portable toilets at trailheads
• Maintains sports fields that our children use
Recreation Classes
Adds recreation classes at Campbell, Echo Hollow, and Sheldon
Provides continued funding for swimming lessons, fitness classes and others that our community rely on
Restoring Community Services
Keeps six restrooms open that were previously closed because of budget reductions or vandalism pre-levy at Sladden Park, Monroe Park, Hendricks Park and Sheldon playground.
In addition, the Cal Young Sports Park restrooms remain open on Saturdays and Sundays. These openings represent a 22 percent increase in available restrooms for public use.
Why should you vote yes?
This levy is a strategic investment in our parks and recreation facilities preserving parks built by previous bond funds. The proposed levy will cost an average homeowner $5.58 per month.
Our parks and recreation facilities greatly contribute to the exceptional quality of life we cherish and bolster our community's well-being. They also attract businesses, fueling economic growth in our region.
Vote YES for Eugene Parks and Recreation! Together, let's create a vibrant, thriving community.
