The Eugene Parks and Open Space Department rang in the New Year by acquiring 100 acres of natural land. The property west of I-5 provides an opportunity for walking trails from Eugene to places like Mount Pisgah.
The newly purchased ridge has a distinctive flat top and can be seen when looking north from Lane Community College’s main campus.
Neil Bjorklund is with the Eugene Parks and Open Space Department. He says an I-5 underpass made the property attractive.
Bjorklund: “That underpass is so valuable because it allows us an opportunity to get past I-5 with foot traffic. You still have to get over the railroad tracks and the river, but that’s less challenging than I-5.”
Bjorklund says there are no trails or signs yet, but the Ridge is a key first step in creating a safe walking path from Eugene, under the Interstate, and into eastern parkland.
The acquisition included three pieces of land purchased for $850,000.
A 2006 voter passed bond measure set aside funds for natural area parks—it was this money that paid for the new land.