Eugene has been gathering people's opinions about the city's system of soft trails. Those include hiking, running, mountain biking and even water trails. There are plans to add more.
Eugene has about 38 miles of what's called soft-surface trails. Phillip Richardson is a landscape architect with the Parks and Open Space Division. He says according to the results of a survey conducted earlier this year, Eugenians really like their trails.
Richardson: "Our trails are getting more and more use. And I think that's great. People are more and more active. There's been studies showing that actually it's good for your mental health to go out and be outside in nature."
A lot of the popular trails in Eugene get crowded and there's a need for more options.
Richardson: "It came out pretty clearly that people are desirous of more trails and that's what we're trying to provide."
Richardson says one idea is to add a soft running path alongside the paved Ruth Bascom trail on the Willamette River. There's also a plan to add more connectivity to the ridgeline system. A very popular hiking spot has already gotten an upgrade. The improved access to the top of Spencer's Butte is almost complete and will be fully open in August.
Eugene Parks and Open Spaces is holding an open house Tuesday evening from 6 to 8. The public is welcome to view maps and talk with staff about Eugene's soft trail system.
The meeting is at Parks and Open Space Facility Conference Room
1820 Roosevelt Blvd
Eugene, OR 97402
