Lane County News

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the area outside of the skatepark and plaza in Washington Jefferson Park became a temporary stay in place shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Following many months of closure for site restoration and improvements, Washington-Jefferson Park is ready to reopen.

Restoration work included:

• Removal of turf and topsoil in the park between 2nd and 6th Avenues
• New topsoil and grading work
• New grass seeding
• Irrigation and electrical repair
• Graffiti removal
• Cleaning and painting of hard surfaces

In addition, much needed improvements were made to the park while it was closed including new sidewalks, lighting, garbage cans and park rules signs.

Total restoration and improvements cost $1.2 million, of which $1 million was covered by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and State of Oregon Homeless funding.

Ongoing, the park will be monitored for safety and security issues by park ambassadors and police park resource officers. Both of which are made possible by the recently passed 2023 Parks and Recreation Levy.

At this time, a portion of the park between 5th and 6th will remain fenced as parks works with the neighborhood to explore new ways to activate this space such as the addition of a dog park. To learn more about the potential dog park and take a survey, please visit engage.eugene-or.gov/wj-dog-park.

Original source can be found here