Claire Syrett, Eugene Parks Foundation President

Seeing all the usual signs and signals that spring is on its way feels especially reassuring right now. Spring bulbs are just beginning to show themselves, some more than others. Male songbirds are beginning to practice their personal songbook, honing their tunes in hopes of attracting a mate. Blue herons are starting to return to their rookeries along Delta Ponds and through out our parks system in anticipation of rearing the next generation of local herons.  And in a myriad of other ways, the landscape is beginning to transform from Winter’s bleakness to Spring’s promise. This makes it is an especially interesting time to visit Eugene’s parks and trails to witness the change up close at one’s own pace. It’s starting to warm up enough to make the sojourn more comfortable as well.

We are so fortunate to have a variety of parks and trails to choose from in Eugene. You can venture out into your local neighborhood park or take a more ambitious hike to the top of Spencer’s Butte to witness the signs of renewal; take stroll along the river through Alton Baker or hike up the Wild Iris Trail. Some days it can be hard to decide among so much abundance. Personally, being married to an avid birder means my walks tend to take me to where birdwatching is especially good. This includes Skinner Butte Park which now features some great loop trails that traverse all sides of the Butte and Delta Ponds where one can see green wing teal, kingfisher and western pond turtle when it warms up a little. The newly installed bridge at the north end of Delta Ponds creates an easy loop trail through the ponds adding another great amenity to this reclaimed former gravel pit.

Closer to home, I enjoy taking my dog to the new Washington Jefferson dog park. This new park, which was strongly supported by the neighborhood, has been busy since day one helping our furry friends get some off leash social time as well as bringing neighbors together. This park serves Whiteaker, Jefferson Westside and the Downtown neighborhoods which are all benefiting from having this park within easy walking distance.

These three projects I’ve mentioned, the Delta Ponds bridge, the additional trails built at Skinner Butte Park, and the Washington Jefferson dog park are just the latest examples of how adding amenities to our parks enhance our experience of these spaces in innumerable ways. Walking the full breadth of the Delta Ponds provides excellent low impact exercise, greater opportunities to view the wildlife from different vantage points and the increased chance of connecting with people. In fact, when my husband and I were there recently we bumped into Kelly Shadwick, the Community Engagement Manager for the City of Eugene’s Parks and Open Space Division who works closely with EPF on our projects. Kelly was there with her son to check out the new bridge and take photos of people enjoying this new feature.

The enhanced trail system at Skinner Butte Park provides similar enhanced opportunities for exercise and wildlife viewing as well as access to views of the city and the surrounding landscape that would otherwise be limited to those willing to bushwhack off trail. The new dog park at Washington Jefferson provides a safe environment for dogs to romp and play and for their humans to connect and build community.  Both humans and their pets benefit from the social interactions and the physical activity offered by this park.

At its core the mission of EPF is to build more healthy and resilient communities by creating exceptional parks that bring people to the outdoors in ways that enhance their well-being through exercise, observing nature, playing, recreating or simply relaxing in a beautiful space. We build community when we build exceptional parks and the amenities that make them special. It is a mission I am especially proud to be a part of and proud that some many in our community are willing to be part of helping us fulfill this mission through individual donations, corporate sponsorship and planned giving. I wish each and every of you a Happy Spring.