Share feedback on Golden Gardens Park designs

Three draft designs for the 223-acre Golden Gardens Park will be revealed May 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Prairie Mountain School cafeteria.

“With sports facilities, family gathering areas, conservation efforts and more, we’re trying to balance a lot of different needs at this park,” said Mark Kosmos, Parks and Open Space project manager. “The designs each do that in different ways, and we’re looking forward to seeing what folks think.”

The City will provide another opportunity to share feedback during an online session May 10 from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

An online survey will also be available at engage.eugene-or.gov/goldengardens.

The design team received feedback from more than 800 community members and neighbors.

The drafts incorporated feedback from the first public meeting and survey this winter as well as interviews with existing park users and representatives of sports, environmental, and neighborhood organizations and input from a multi-stakeholder advisory group.

Phase 1 construction, which could start in 2026, would include infrastructure and one or two sports fields funded by the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond and Levy. Future park development would occur as more funds become available for construction and maintenance, likely in five to 15 years.

Participants can RSVP for the in-person, family-friendly event May 2 at Prairie Mountain School, 5305 Royal Ave. Food and drinks will be provided, and Spanish interpretation is available (please RSVP).

Register for the online event, sign up to receive future project updates, and learn more at engage.eugene-or.gov/goldengardens.

Golden Gardens Park is currently accessed from the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive, north of Barger Drive. Golden Gardens was identified as a critical location to develop a sports complex that meets the needs of the growing community.

The ponds at the center were originally gravel pits used for construction of Beltline Road in the 1950s. The city began acquiring portions of the park in the 1970s.

A series of drownings catalyzed efforts in the mid-2000s to increase safety, improve habitat, and promote more activity at the park.

In 2007, the city acquired 170 acres for the park with funding from the 2006 Parks and Open Space bond measure. Much of the added acreage has been farmed under a lease agreement while the park awaits development.