A big, unexpected challenge was one of the most significant events for Eugene Parks and Open Spaces in 2024, as outlined in their recently released annual report.
“We had a devastating ice storm that really heavily impacted our parks, our trails, and our urban forest,” said spokesperson Kelly Shadwick.
She said staff and volunteers put in thousands of hours after the ice storm to clean up the city’s parks and trails so they could safely reopen.
Shadwick told KLCC they’re still doing some cleanup.
“We’ve completed about 19 trail fixes and we still have seven more items that we need to address in the Ridgeline,” she said.
An ongoing problem
Crime is a perennial issue for Eugene’s parks. There were two different rapes reported in West Eugene parks last summer. One happened on the Fern Ridge bike path. The other was at Wild Iris Ridge Park.
Shadwick said the department installed new lighting to the Fern Ridge path. They’ve also added nighttime security to some hotspots, including Washington Jefferson, Maurie Jacobs, Monroe and Scobert Gardens.
The Parks Department reports it completed the Delta Ponds Loop Trail last year and opened a new dog park at Washington Jefferson Park.
