We build EXCEPTIONAL PARKS,
CLOSER TO YOU.
The Eugene Parks Foundation is committed to creating exceptional parks, open spaces, and trails for the Eugene community and visitors.
Where Your Legacy Creates a Greener, Healthier, Thriving Eugene
For more than two decades, Eugene Parks Foundation and its donors have been a bold, independent force for our community’s growth and well-being. We mobilize local support to fund and accelerate projects the City cannot do alone.
The window is closing.
Green space is shrinking while development costs rise and public funding declines.
The time to act is now!
Your gift today secures land and creates healthy, active parks when Eugene needs them most—now and for generations to come.
Make Eugene’s Thriving Outdoors Your Legacy
Invest in the projects ahead—connected hiking and running trails, local mountain bike tracks, safe river recreation, all-age park amenities, and lasting land protection.
Coming in November:
The Parks Legacy Award and a Parks Talk titled
A Sense of Discovery: From Elevated Trails to Hot Lava Paths in Chicago
Join Eugene native and Chicago open space organizer Ben Helphand as he leads us on a walk through the community-based origins of some of the Windy City’s most playful places.
November 20th, 5:30 – 7 pm, The Shedd Institute.
Visionary Oregon: A Look at Visions Accomplished and Imagined
Watch Kenny Helphand and Mayor Kaarin Knudson take on past, present, and future visions in Oregon and Eugene.
Agents of Discovery
Agents of Discovery is an interactive mobile game that turns Eugene’s parks and landmarks into an exciting adventure! Solve challenges, learn about nature, history, and culture, and explore the outdoors—all while having fun!
Join our newsletter!
Stay updated on our work
A Vision For The Future
Our vision for Eugene is a thriving, accessible parks and recreation system that improves health, brings community members together and enhances our environment.
Eugene’s Parks play a crucial role in community’s economic and social well-being, going beyond being mere green spaces. They are dynamic places that build and grow thriving communities that co-exist, protect, and preserve nature and wildlife habitats.
Eugene’s Parks provide livability, connection, and equity, making them the most democratic institutions that unify people from diverse backgrounds, bridging social divides through shared experiences.
$25 in ’25
The ’25 in ’25 initiative invites you to partner with the Eugene Parks Foundation in cultivating stronger communities throughout our region by investing in exceptional parks and open spaces. Your contribution of just $25 this year can help transform 2025 into a year characterized by unity, natural splendor, and communal pride.
Moreover, upon joining our cause with a $25 donation, you’ll gain access to exclusive perks from select local businesses in the area. After making a donation, donors will receive a link to access a private EPF page where the details of each perk will be provided.
Capital Projects
Ridgeline Trail Expansion
This expanded Ridgeline 3-mile Trail will originate at a new 50-vehicle trailhead parking lot at South Willamette near E. 52nd Ave and will head west towards South Eugene Meadows park with large areas of upland prairie, oak savanna, and oak woodlands.
Santa Clara Spray Play
The first of four brand-new, free and accessible Spray and Play Centers. Construction on the Santa Clara Spray and Play begins in 2024with Bethel, Mattie Reynolds, and Striker Field to follow.
Ascot Park Fitness Station
Five outdoor fitness stations are planned for the following locations: Ascot, Amazon, Golden Gardens, Maurie Jacobs, and Mattie Reynolds Parks.
Lectures and Podcasts
EPF firmly believes that realizing the Exceptional Parks Vision requires a collective effort. This segment is dedicated to fostering active, informed, and genuine dialogue with community leaders and influencers from diverse backgrounds. We aim to discuss topics related to our collective well-being, livelihood, prosperity, and growth, recognizing Exceptional Parks as integral contributors to these facets of our lives.
Current Initiatives
The Parks We Treasure
CAPITAL PROJECT
The Eugene Parks Foundation is launching a major capital project for building extraordinary parks in 11 Eugene neighborhoods.
Eugene 22 Miles Fund
The Eugene Parks Foundation will build new hiking and mountain biking trails around Eugene. Take a first look at the four trail projects we plan to build for you.
Legacy Circle
We are dedicated to supporting all aspects of parks for Eugene area residents and seek to continue this legacy of dedicating public parks through private funding with the establishment of a Legacy Circle.
Land Fund
Through the Land Fund we have already helped to acquire hundreds of acres of critical natural area property for public use.
I Dig EUG Parks
Choose and wear Eugene Parks apparel with pride and good intentions and proceeds are directed to Recreation Scholarships for our youth.
Planned Giving
Planned or deferred giving enables you to arrange charitable contributions in a manner that maximizes personal objectives and financial goals.
News from the Blog
Magic Happens
By John Winquist Magic happens! Sometimes we help it appear, and sometimes it sneaks up on us. Whichever way we love it. So on an ordinary family day, many years ago, we asked the question. “ What do you want to do?” Hi up Spencer Butte. Wait, is it Spencer’s...
Lane Community College: The Significance of College Campus for Regional Recreation Opportunities
By Colin McArthur Eugene’s parks, recreation, and open space system includes 3,900 acres of natural areas, 575 acres of developed parks, 78 miles of paved and unpaved trails, six community centers, and three pools. It is remarkable for its size and diversity and is...
The River Opportunity
By Kearstin Krehbiel Watching our kids chase each other through Alton Baker while the Willamette sparkles just beyond the trees, I can't help but think: we're overlooking something amazing. Eugene is a place that locals love to call home and visitors love to discover....