Civic Stadium

Meeting Date: December 5, 2014

Air Date: December 8, 2014

The Future of Civic Stadium

Guest Speakers: Derek Johnson, local attorney; Kari Westlund, President and CEO of Travel Lane County; and Bev Smith, Executive Director KidSports
Program Coordinator: Brittany Quick-Warner

The effort to save historic civic stadium in Eugene continues. Yesterday (Wednesday) supporters were given an extension to raise money to renovate the dilapidated ball park.

The Eugene City Council voted 5 to 4 to extend the fundraising deadline from September 5th to December 1st. Earlier in the year, the city of Eugene won a bid to purchase the site for 4.5 million dollars. That selection was contingent upon the success of groups like “friends of civic stadium” to raise      $3 million dollars *and find an entity to operate the facility. So far they’ve raised about $200,000.

The Eugene YMCA is hoping to build a new facility. The Eugene 4J School District needs to build a new middle school. The two entities are working together to find a solution.

Eugene’s Depression-era stadium has a new chance for life.  Wednesday night, the Eugene 4J School Board voted to accept the City of Eugene’s bid for Civic Stadium.  The City offered $4.5 million for the Civic Stadium properties in South Eugene, but is requiring the community to raise significant additional funds to renovate the neglected all-wood grandstand and manage the facility.  4J Board Member Jim Torrey put it bluntly.

Wednesday night the Eugene 4j School Board will decide if they will accept the City of Eugene’s offer to purchase historic Civic Stadium. 

The district received three bids for the properties in South Eugene – one each from Fred Meyer, the YMCA, and the City of Eugene.  Superintendent Sheldon Berman has recommended the district accept the City’s offer. At a 4J School Board Meeting in early February, board members seemed tired of the issue, which they have been dealing with for the past decade.  

Board Chair Mary Walston:

On February 19th, the 4J school board will decide who should be allowed to purchase Civic Stadium. Three groups are vying for the property: the YMCA, Fred Meyer and the City of Eugene.  4J Superintendent Shelley Berman recommends going with the city’s plan to purchase and restore the historic grandstands and sports field.  Ward 1 City Councilor George Brown has been a vocal proponent of saving Civic Stadium. He tells KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert what will happen if a majority of the 4J board give the city the nod.

Fred Meyer 's proposal to purchase Civic Stadium  for $5. 25 million is one of three being considered by Eugene 4J.  Last week, 4J Superintendent Shelley Berman recommended the District negotiate with the City of Eugene for acceptance of its offer.  We hear from Fred Meyer spokeswoman Melina Merrill:

Melinda Merrill, spokeswoman for Fred Meyer, on its offer to purchase Civic Stadium.

A Eugene YMCA proposal for the purchase of Civic Stadium for  $4.5 million dollars is one of three being considered by Eugene 4J.   Last week ,  4J Superintendent Shelley Berman recommended the District negotiate with the City of Eugene for acceptance of its offer. Here's the reaction of Dave Perez , Eugene YMCA executive director:

Dave Perez, executive director of the Eugene YMCA,  on the  Y's  offer to purchase  Civic Stadium.

Earlier this week, 4J Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommended the sale of the Civic Stadium properties to the City of Eugene, over competing bids from Fred Meyer and the YMCA.  A final decision by the 4J Board is still two weeks away.  Wednesday night, Board members heard community response to the recommendation.

Berman: “This has been a long process…”

Eugene Superintendent Shelley Berman announced Monday he would recommend the 4j School Board negotiate purchase of Civic Stadium with the City of Eugene. The price would be four point five million dollars. 

YMCA Executive Director Dave Perez Tuesday voiced disappointment while still holding out hope:

Perez:  “We really felt that our proposal offered the community and the School District some tremendous long-term benefits. We don’t think we’re out of it yet. The Board still has to make a decision on the 19th, and we’ll just see what kind of happens then.”