Bond and Levy Report 2025

Summary

Eugene voters overwhelmingly approved a capital bond in 2018 and a renewal of the operating levy in 2023 for Parks and Recreation. As required by City Council resolution, this report summarizes spending activities related to these funding measures for the 2025 fiscal year (FY25). This report also provides updates on bond projects and levy funded services. For last year’s report and additional information, visit eugene-or.gov/4165

Implementation of the bond measure continued moving forward in FY25 with many projects completed, reaching important milestones or just getting started. Martin Luther King Jr. Park was renovated and re-opened to the public, and Santa Clara Community Park reached 90% completion on construction, opening to the community in late 2025.

Rising inflation continues to cause challenges with capital project budgets, making leveraged funding more critical than ever. System Development Charge and grant funds play a key role in augmenting bond dollars, allowing all projects to date to move forward without major scope reductions.

The renewal of the parks and recreation operating levy in 2023 was critically important in ensuring our ability to:

• Care for new bond funded parks and expanded recreation facilities as they opened

• Increase custodial services and park maintenance across the system

• Enhance safety in parks and natural areas and clean up illicit activity

• Improve trails and natural areas

• Expand health and fitness programs

Citizen Advisory Board

The Citizen Advisory Board is responsible for reviewing fiscal reporting to ensure spending complies with the intent of the ballot measures. Parks and Recreation staff have a deep appreciation for these individuals who volunteer their time to promote transparency and accountability of bond and levy spending.

Board Members:

• Jill Fetherstonhaugh

• Scott Sanders

• Dana Turell

• Pat McGillivary

• Claire Syrett

Eugene Parks and Recreation BOND REPORT

Bonds to Fund Parks and Recreation Facility Projects

Shall City of Eugene fund park and recreation projects using $39.35 million in general obligation bonds? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

If this measure is approved, the City will use bond proceeds for capital costs related to park renovation projects, trail and habitat projects, safety/lighting improvements, infrastructure projects, school district partnerships, recreation and pool facility renovation and improvement projects, and new park development. The measure would authorize the City to issue a maximum of $39,350,000 of General Obligation bonds.

The bond proceeds would only be used to fund the parks and recreation facility projects listed in Finding G of Eugene City Council Resolution 5221 and to pay bond issuance costs. Until all listed projects have been completed, bond proceeds could not be used to fund other projects.

An outside auditor would review the City’s use of the bond proceeds, determine whether proceeds were used as required by this measure, and prepare a report that would be made public.

The estimated property tax rate is $0.26 per $1,000 of assessed value and the estimated cost to the average Eugene homeowner would be approximately $58 per year (about $4.80 per month).

City Council Resolution 5221, Finding G

Park Renovation Projects

• Alton Baker Park, University Park, Tugman Park, MLK Jr. Park, Berkeley Park, Trainsong Park

Trails and Habitat Projects

• Amazon Running Trail, Delta Ponds Loop Trail, Susanne Arlie Park Ridgeline Trail and Access, West Eugene Wetlands, Skinner Butte Park, Ridgeline Park System, Whilamut Natural Area, Amazon Creek

Safety/Lighting Improvements

• Neighborhood parks, Alton Baker Park, Maurie Jacobs Park, Washington Jefferson Park, West Bank Path, Amazon Park, Fern Ridge Path, South Bank Path

Infrastructure Projects

• Repairing and improving irrigation systems

• Repairing and improving restrooms

School District Partnerships

• Artificial turf replacements at Meadow View, Willamette High School, Spencer Butte Middle School, and Arts and Technology Academy

• Churchill tennis court renovation, Churchill community center and park planning (including possible site acquisition)

Community Center, Pool and Sportsfield Renovations and Improvements

• Echo Hollow Pool, Campbell Community Center, Sports Complex (Phase 1), Sheldon Pool

New Park Development in Underserved Neighborhoods

• Striker Field, Mattie Reynolds Park, Santa Clara Community Park (Phase 1), Ferndale Park, West Bank Park, Riverfront Park

Bond Project Progress Chart

New Park Development

Umso Park

Park

Renovation

Projects

Trainsong Park

Recreation Facilities

1. Echo Hollow Pool renovation

2. Campbell Community Center renovation

3. Sheldon Pool renovation

4. Sports Complex (Phase 1)

5. Artificial Turf Replacement (Meadow View School, Willamette High School, Spencer Butte Middle School, Arts and Technology Academy)

6. Churchill Tennis Court renovation

Trail and Habitat Projects

7. Churchill Youth Sports Park/Community Center planning 1. Amazon Park Running Trail renovation 2. Delta Ponds Loop Trail completion (bridge) 3. Suzanne Arlie Park Ridgeline Trail and Access 4. West Eugene Wetlands habitat restoration

5. Skinner Butte Park habitat restoration

6. Whilamut Natural Area habitat restoration

7. Ridgeline habitat restoration

8. Amazon Creek restoration 1. Alton Baker Park lighting 2. Maurie Jacobs Park lighting

Restrooms, Lighting and Irrigation

3. Washington Jefferson Park lighting

West Bank Path lighting 5. Amazon Park Path lighting 6. Fern Ridge Path lighting 7. South Bank Path lighting

Additional neighborhood park lighting, restrooms and irrigation projects throughout the park system

Bond Status

Six years into bond implementation, there are projects in all phases of completion throughout the community. Of the 38 bond-funded projects, 35 of 38 bond-funded projects are complete or underway (92%).

Completed Projects

The following projects are complete as of December 31, 2025.

Alton Baker Park Lighting

An upgrade of existing lighting in Alton Baker Park focused on the western loop of Pre’s Trail. The lighting system utilizes energy efficient LED technology and minimizes adverse impacts to habitat and wildlife by using warmer temperature lighting. This work was completed in November 2021.

Amazon Park Running Trail

This complete trail reconstruction project was completed in November 2020, adding a thicker rock base for long-term stability and a more level path without changing the footprint of the trail. Additional improvements based on community feedback included replacement of current lighting, a shelter and distance markers.

Berkeley Park Renovation

This park renovation included an expansion of the playground and installation of all new equipment, small sand play area and informal nature play area. The renovation also expanded the lawn and included burial of overhead utility lines, new tree planting and an accessible looped path. The renovated park opened in February 2022.

Campbell Community Center

The city celebrated Campbell’s opening in July 2021 after its renovation and expansion. This renovation expanded the original footprint by 50%, adding space for a variety of fitness activities, more socializing with improved circulation and connectivity. A public art installment was finished in mid-October 2022.

Churchill Community Center Planning

In early September 2022, Mattie Reynolds Park was expanded by 7.5 acres on adjacent land to the southwest. This acquisition will provide a site for a future community center and pool for residents of southwest Eugene, a priority identified for this region in the 2018 Parks and Recreation System Plan. There is no timeline on development of the facility currently. Phase one of Mattie Reynolds Park, however, is planned for construction in 2026.

Churchill Tennis Court Renovation

The courts, which serve as a shared community resource between the 4J School District and the City of Eugene, have undergone a transformation completed in 2023 to provide an improved playing experience for all. Upgrades include a brand-new court foundation, surfacing and nets on the four

Downtown Riverfront Park

tennis courts, new fencing and gates, sidewalk improvements for ADA access, court drainage improvements and updated furnishings. The renovation also added striping for four pickleball courts to support the growing popularity of the sport.

Delta Ponds Loop Trail

This project completed the last segment needed for a barrier-free 1.4-mile loop trail around Delta Ponds. Funded in part by a $350,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant, the project includes a new pedestrian bridge and an improved neighborhood connection. Trail segments may be temporarily inaccessible during high-water events. The loop trail construction was completed in December 2024.

Site preparation began in 2019 on this brownfield restoration of the former EWEB property with the demolition of buildings, mass grading, removal of soil to make the riverbank less steep and revegetation of the rocky bank with more than 24,000 plants. With the completion of new park features including paths, landscapes and art installations, the Downtown Riverfront Park opened to the public in June 2022. It subsequently hosted the Eugene Riverfront Festival in tandem with the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in July. An estimated 37,000 visitors came to the park during the 10-day festival. Then in 2025 the community was invited to celebrate the official grand opening of the Downtown Riverfront Park Plaza. This celebration marked the fulfillment of a long-held City goal to turn the former EWEB property into a vibrant, active, and accessible riverfront park that reconnects Downtown to the Willamette River.

Since opening, the Downtown Riverfront Park has won four awards:

• 2024 Grand Award – American Council of Engineering Companies, Oregon

• 2023 Design and Construction Award – Oregon Recreation and Park Association

• 2022 Honor Award, General Design – American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon

• 2022 People’s Choice Award, Landscape – American Institute of Architects, Willamette Valley

These professional associations recognize and celebrate landscape design and architecture throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond.

Echo Hollow Pool & Fitness Center

The expanded and renovated Echo Hollow opened to the community in June 2021. The facility now meets increased demand for pool space for recreation and competitive swimmers. New construction added more locker room space, a large lawn and a brand new activity pool. Renovations included a new roof with a solar array, an upgraded interior tank and energy efficient lighting and water heating.

Fern Ridge Path Lighting

New solar powered lighting was added to the previously unlit section of Fern Ridge Path between City View Street and Bailey Hill Road in 2024. This project also included the replacement of several missing lights along the path just east of Chambers Street.

Four Artificial Turf Fields

Every eight to ten years the turf carpet needs to be replaced at the widely used artificial turf fields the City of Eugene jointly manages and maintains with school district partners. The turf was replaced in 2020 at Meadow View School, Willamette High School, Spencer Butte Middle School and Arts and

Martin Luther King Jr. Park Renovation

A public engagement process that began in May 2022 identified goals around renovation, activations and community art opportunities for this small, neighborhood park. The renovation improvements include an updated playground, a plaza with game tables and seating for small group gatherings, accessibility improvements including van accessible parking, a looped walking path, and a beginner’s level skate friendly curb and seat wall. Interpretive elements will celebrate and honor diversity and Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. Construction began in late 2024 and was completed in July of 2025. The City hosted a grand opening celebration in September and engaged Eugene’s Black Community for music, food, and community gathering. Art murals and site interpretation will be designed and installed in 2026/2027.

Technology Academy. Many thanks to the partners at Bethel and “School Districts for jointly funding and managing these community sports fields.

Monroe Park Lighting and Restroom Improvements

Lighting in this high-use, urban neighborhood park was fast-tracked for replacement following system failure in early 2021. New, longer lasting fixtures with efficient LED lighting were installed and designed to minimize impacts to night skies and the surrounding neighborhoods. Renovations to the restroom were scoped and designed with the goal of making this seasonal facility accessible and opened to the public year-round in 2023.

Sheldon Pool & Fitness Center

The renovated pool and fitness center reopened in September 2022. The $10.1 million project expanded the facility’s southeast corner, adding a 4,980 square-foot natatorium that includes a warmwater pool with a current channel. It also added a hot tub to the main deck, renovated both locker rooms, updated the HVAC and pool systems and made improvements to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Santa Clara Community Park, Phase 1

Phase one of construction began in March of 2024 and includes a large playground, spray play, restroom, parking lot, outdoor community gathering space, picnic shelter, open lawn, multipurpose field, and tree planting. A new pedestrian bridge connects the north and south sections of the park and soft-surface walking trails loop the north end of the site. A new bike/ pedestrian paved path will eventually meet the West Bank bicycle path extension project connecting the neighborhood to the Ruth Bascom Bike system along the Willamette River. The park was completed and opened to the community in September of 2025 with a grand opening celebration scheduled for summer 2026.

South Bank Path Lighting

The South Bank Path lighting project was constructed in conjunction with new path construction through University of Oregon property from the Downtown Riverfront Park to the Frohnmayer Bridge. This work was completed, and the path was reopened in November 2021.

Restroom Cozies

New black metal screening enclosures around portable restrooms in developed parks and along the Ridgeline trail system improve the look of these popular facilities providing both seasonal and yearround service in the park system.

Tugman Park Playground Renovation

Completed in August 2019, this project was fast-tracked because of safety concerns and the playground is now a fun, safe and inclusive play space for all. Additional improvements to Tugman Park are scheduled for construction by 2027.

Umso Park (Striker Field)

Completed in 2023, this newly opened eight-acre park site now serves the recreational needs of northeast Eugene with a large playground, sand play, restrooms, picnic shelter, spray play, walking paths, open lawn, parking lot and space for community gatherings and small performances. The park also features a full-sized basketball court, two pickleball courts, and a pétanque court.

In September 2024, City Council voted unanimously in favor of renaming the park Umso Park. Umso is the Kalapuya word for “it is good.”

Construction Underway

West Bank Path Lighting

This 2021 project replaced approximately one mile of the Ruth Bascom Path between Stephens Drive and Copping Street (funded by pavement bonds) and added new lighting extending to Maurie Jacobs Park (funded by Parks and Recreation bonds). The lighting system utilizes energy efficient LED technology designed to provide lighted alternative transportation routes between the River Road neighborhood and downtown. The lighting design minimizes adverse impacts to habitat and wildlife by using warmer temperature lighting.

The following projects are under construction as of Dec. 31, 2025 and expected to be completed in 2026.

Amazon Creek Habitat Restoration

Work on the northern half of the Amazon Creek restoration project has been completed. In June 2025, construction work resumed on the south half of the project. This stream construction phase is expected to wrap up in 2026, with landscape contractors returning to finish planting over the winter. These enhancements will improve water quality, stabilize the creek banks, and create an inviting habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.

University Park Renovation

This 2.8-acre park is often busy with activity and includes a ball field, shelter, restroom, and performance space. In fall 2023, staff wrapped up the public engagement process and initial renovation design work. The design was refined to a higher level of detail through 2024. Park construction started in the fall of 2025 with the park reopening scheduled in 2026.

Suzanne Arlie Ridgeline Trail and Access

Phase one of park development is underway and includes a two-mile extension of the Ridgeline shared-use trail, and 13 miles of new mountain bike-optimized trails, and a skills park. The project went out for bid in February of 2025, and construction occurred from May until mid-November of that year. Construction will resume this spring and the project is scheduled to open to the public in late 2026.

The Eugene Parks Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign, “Finish the Ride,” to further develop the trail system in Suzanne Arlie, establishing a network of mountain bike trails. Once complete, there will be three trail hubs and eleven mountain bike trails for riders of all ages and abilities. To learn more about their efforts, visit : eugeneparksfoundation.org/ finish-the-ride/

In the Wings

The following projects are currently in the planning stages.

Golden Gardens Park and Sports Complex

Golden Gardens is a large, 223-acre park on the northern edge of the Bethel neighborhood. Proposed features include neighborhood park amenities, habitat protections and sports fields. A master planning effort kicked off in 2022 to plan the future of this park. Public engagement concluded in 2025 and the project is now in further planning stages for Phase 1 construction, anticipated for 2029.

Mattie Reynolds Park

This neighborhood park is named for the matriarch of one of Eugene’s first Black families. An additional 7.5 acres was acquired to expand the total park acreage to 12.5 acres and provide a location for a future community center and pool for southwest Eugene. Public engagement began in 2022 with an Advisory Committee of Black residents providing focused input and guidance into the planning process. Construction is planned for 2027.

Trainsong Park Renovations

This neighborhood park was found to have dioxincontaminated soils requiring remediation prior to implementing Bond-funded renovations. The City applied for and received an EPA Brownfields grant to implement this clean up, with the future planned renovations serving as a key criterion for grant approval. Community engagement on desired renovations will occur in 2026 and construction is planned for 2027.

Alton Baker Park Comprehensive Plan

A community engagement and planning process will take place in 2026 to revisit the Alton Baker Park Comprehensive Plan and update and prioritize park renovations and new capital investments. Serving as the “Central Park” of Eugene, Alton Baker is home to various community festivals, miles of riverfront, and dozens of cherished recreation amenities big and small. The updated master plan will serve as a roadmap for major community investments in the coming years.

Ongoing Habitat Restoration

These projects are spread out over several years. By coming back to a site over two to three consecutive years, invasive species are more effectively managed.

Habitat stewardship work in the Ridgeline consisted of purchasing native trees and shrubs for revegetation in areas where blackberry thickets and other non-native vegetation has been cleared to remove hazardous fuels and invasive species. Plantings are designed to be low-density and not re-create fuel loads, increase native plant abundance, and help jump-start recovery of large, cleared areas. The availability of the Native Plant Nursery to care for the plants allows the city to participate in a bulk plant purchase, greatly reducing per-plant costs, and increasing the number of native plants in natural areas. Small bare-root shrubs and trees were up-potted by volunteers and planted out in early winter 2025.

Ridgeline Habitat Restoration

Habitat stewardship work during this period occurred at six different natural areas in the Ridgeline Park System. Projects were focused on removal of highly invasive species and plantings to assist the recovery of native plant communities in areas where dense vegetation has been removed to mitigate the potential for a severe wildfire.

At Amazon Headwaters and Blanton Ridge Park, the highly invasive grass false brome was removed along the Ridgeline Trail corridor and interior where it was expanding, preventing conversion of the forest understory to a grass monoculture.

200 sword ferns and 450 native shrubs were planted at Blanton Ridge and Spencer Butte in areas where thickets of blackberry had been removed for hazardous fuels reduction. Plantings completed by volunteers were mulched to improve establishment at Hendricks Park.

Over at Suzanne Arlie and Wild Iris Ridge Parks, extra rosy checkermallow wildflowers were planted in prairies where woody vegetation was removed for wildfire mitigation, improving habitat for pollinators and birds, as well as hikers who can enjoy seeing the flowers in bloom in the spring.

Skinner Butte Park Habitat Restoration

Skinner Butte habitat enhancement work began in 2021 with restoration focused on establishing a more diverse native understory in the south forest. This was accomplished through the planting of 370 native trees, shrubs and ferns, as well as 500+ native forbs and sedges.

In 2022, the focus shifted to enhancing habitat in the riparian forest along the Willamette River in the eastern portions of the park. 470 native trees and shrubs were planted in an open grassy area along the river that needed little site prep.

In spring and summer of 2022, efforts were focused on preparing additional areas for planting through

the removal of invasive species. In late 2022 and early 2023, 770 native trees, shrubs, and ferns were planted in those areas along the river that had been prepped the previous seasons.

Remaining funds were used in spring and early summer of 2024 to weed throughout the riparian planting areas to give those plantings their best chance of long-term survival.

All planting areas had high survival rates. This funding allowed us to achieve our goals of increasing native plant diversity in all areas planted and filling in gaps in the riparian forest.

Leveraging Bond Funds

By leveraging bond dollars with other funding sources, the number and scope of projects that can be undertaken is greatly increased. It is estimated the $39 million in Parks and Recreation bond funds will be matched with an additional $60 million from other sources to make these projects a reality. These sources include Parks and Recreation System Development Charges, Facilities Capital, Stormwater Capital, Urban Renewal Funds, Transportation funds, and grants and donations. The ability to tap into a diversity of funding streams indicates projects have a high level of collaboration and address multiple benefits.

Grants applied for and received to date that support bond measure projects include:

• A $2.7 million grant from Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Amazon Creek restoration project.

• A $1.2 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development

Administration for phase one of Suzanne Arlie Park development, including trails and mountain bike facilities.

• $3.3 million in additional ARPA funds for several bond projects including Umso Park, Mattie Reynolds Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Trainsong Park and West Bank Park.

• A $528,000 grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Local Government Grant Program for phase one of Santa Clara Community Park Project.

• A $350,000 grant from Oregon State Parks was awarded to the City of Eugene for the Delta Ponds Loop Trail.

• Partner funding previously received or expected for bond-funded projects include:

o Approximately $880,000 in partner funding from the Bethel and 4J School Districts for artificial turf field replacement at four fields.

o The Eugene Parks Foundation raised $50,000 for the spray play at Santa Clara Community Park. Learn more about donations at eugeneor. gov/4582.

Bond Project Expenditures

Approximately $34 million in bond funds have been spent to date, that’s about 87% of the total $39 million. This spending is on track and expected given that many larger cost projects were front loaded at the beginning of bond implementation.

$39.35 Million Bond –Spending to Date (FY19-FY24) $34,262,323 $5,087,677 Bond Spending to Date Remaining Bond Funds

Eugene Parks and Recreation LEVY REPORT

Measure 20-288

Five-Year Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Local Option Levy

Shall Eugene levy $3,150,000 per year for five years beginning July 2018, for parks and recreation facilities operation and maintenance? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.

The funds from this levy will be used to improve the cleanliness, safety and general conditions of the City of Eugene’s parks, recreation facilities and natural areas. Funding will be directed to the following activities: park safety and security (two police officers, two park ambassadors), illicit activity response (illegal camp clean-up, graffiti removal, vandalism response), general park maintenance (restrooms, litter/trash pick-up, turf mowing, landscape/trees, infrastructure and weekend/after-hours maintenance), habitat and natural area maintenance (invasive weeds, wildfire risk abatement, trails, infrastructure, native plantings), and future park, community center, pool, and field maintenance (phased in over time).

Staff will prepare an annual report on spending that will be reviewed by the Citizen Advisory Board and made available to the City Council and the public. The levy will raise $3,150,000 each year for five years for a total of $15,750,000. The typical Eugene taxpayer is estimated to pay an average of $41 per year over the levy’s five-year period. The estimated tax rate for this levy is $.019/$1000 of assessed value. The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of the estimate and may reflect the impact of early payment discounts, compression and the collection rate.

Levy Status

The passing of the Eugene Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Levy in May of 2023, made it possible for Parks and Recreation to continue their levy funded work aimed at maintaining new bond-funded parks such as Santa Clara and Downtown Riverfront and expanded recreation facilities such as Sheldon Pool. This work also includes increasing park maintenance services across parks and natural areas, strengthening park safety, keeping parks clean and welcoming, and increasing recreation programming.

Downtown Riverfront Park and Plaza

Projects Completed and Ongoing

Park Safety

The Park Safety Team received the 2025 Maintenance and Asset Management Award from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Association for the transformative work that team has done in caring for over 5,000 acers of parks and natural areas throughout Eugene. The Park Safety Team uses an innovative approach that has reduced public service requests by 40%, significantly reduced response times, and protects sensitive wildlife areas. To learn more about the team and the award they received watch the video.

In FY25, park staff posted 1,295 structures, removed and cleaned up

799 330

instances of graffiti dump truck loads worth of garbage

From 2022 to 2025 public initiated requests for service have significantly declined.

29.6%

• Four full-time Park Ambassadors continued to provide seven day a week coverage throughout the park system. Their role is to remind people of park rules and create a welcoming presence. Their work is supported by additional seasonal park ambassadors starting each spring through early fall.

• Two full-time Eugene Police Park resource officers remained focused on increasing park safety through enforcement of park rules and crimes, supporting park staff when voluntary compliance is not gained, and being present in the park system.

• The Illicit Activity Team made up of two-full time staff and seasonals worked throughout the year to cleanup abandoned campsites

particularly along Eugene’s waterways and remove graffiti from parks.

• Nighttime security officers working in hot spot parks are reminding people parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., addressing emerging safety issues and letting parks staff know about vandalism or other park damage.

• Parks’ two guardian camera trailers were dispatched to numerous illicit activity hotspots across Eugene.

Together this team reduces instances of camping and other illicit activity, cleans up associated garbage and hazardous materials, and helps safeguard the overall park system.

Trails and Natural Area Maintenance

• The Natural Area Operations team oversaw the resurfacing of 5,200 lineal feet of gravel surface trail at Spencer Butte Park, Delta Ponds and the Ribbon Trail.

• Levy-funded preventive maintenance continues in natural areas and future developed park sites. This includes road, fence and sign maintenance as well as additional trash pickup.

• Increased custodial services continue at five locations including trailheads at Spencer Butte and other high-use sites. In addition, portable toilets continue to be offered at six trail heads.

Park Maintenance

• Six levy-funded park operations staff positions continue to meet the current and growing service levels across the parks system.

• Six restrooms remain open that were previously closed because of budget reductions or because of vandalism pre-levy: Sladden Park, Monroe Park, Hendricks Park and the Sheldon playground. In addition, the Cal Young Sports Park restrooms are now open on Saturdays and Sundays. These openings represent a 22% increase in available restrooms for public use.

• Increased daily maintenance services such as litter and trash pickup, restroom cleaning and graffiti abatement continue throughout the developed park system. This represents a

55% increase of service compared to pre-levy activities.

• The implementation of a levy-funded seasonal late afternoon and evening maintenance team provided vital services to the community throughout the summer and fall months.

• Staff started caring for the turf and amenities and providing daily servicing at the new Umso Park. This new park includes a large playground, pickleball and basketball courts, restrooms and walking paths.

• Staff continue to use the developed parks tree inventory created in the first year of the levy to prioritize pruning and hazards in high-use areas.

Levy Expense Categories

The passing of the $3.15 million operating levy provided funding for increased service levels throughout the parks and open space system. Levy-funded efforts are also supplemented with additional ongoing park operations dollars from the City of Eugene general fund and stormwater fund. By leveraging levy dollars with other funding sources, it has been possible to increase services to an even higher level.

• Materials and Supplies covers a wide range of expenses including, but not limited to, administrative and office supplies, paint and sealers, garbage liners, personnel protective supplies, parts and repair services. These materials and supplies provide support for staff that are providing the additional services that are funded by the levy.

• Contractual Services includes tree maintenance, custodial and ecological services, as well as facility and infrastructure repairs. These services are contracted with subject matter experts to ensure efficiency, compliance and safety.

• Personnel Expenses is the biggest category of expenditure. These expenses include salary and fringe benefits for regular staff, labor costs for seasonal staff and additional temporary help to support the increase in services being provided.

• Utilities is another large expense. Increases in park services result in increases in utilities for additional lighting hours, restroom services and increased watering of turf throughout the entire park system.

• Infrastructure Maintenance. These expenditures relate to contractual work that renovates, repairs or maintains existing assets such as trails and paths.

Levy Expenses by Service Area

FY25 remained focused on maintaining the increased service levels throughout Eugene’s parks and natural areas. This work involved reducing illicit activities, increasing safety, expanded park maintenance services such as increased garbage pickup and graffiti abatement and improving trails and natural areas.

Community Survey Insights

In FY 2024, Parks and Open Space conducted a Parks Survey where Eugene residents were surveyed to better understand perceptions of our parks and recent maintenance improvements made possible through levy funding.

The 2024 Eugene Parks survey showed strong community support and appreciation for Eugene’s parks and open spaces, with an overwhelming 91% of respondents indicating parks are extremely or very important to their quality of life and 79% of residents visiting parks at least weekly.

More recently, in 2025, there was a city-wide community survey implemented. The goal of this survey was to more broadly understand community members’ experiences and opinions on important issues. While this survey wasn’t specifically focused on Parks, there are some results worth sharing.

The survey results show, similarly to the 2024 Parks Survey, Eugene residents deeply value Parks, with 92% of participants viewing Parks as Very Important (62%) or Important (30%).

Other key findings about Parks:

• Parks was identified as a key factor in creating “positive experiences related to sense of belonging in Eugene”.

• Focus groups identified parks as a good value for the taxes/fees paid.

• 72% of respondents said they feel very safe (30%) or safe (42%) visiting the park nearest their home.

Participants were asked “what makes Eugene special?” and parks was consistently identified as a key factor.

As we strive to serve Eugene in the best ways possible, results from surveys like the Community Survey help us gauge how well we are implementing the services we provide and help us understand the needs and desires of those in our community.

For more information about the Community Survey results, visit eugene-or.gov/5009