After months of sheltering in place and limiting oneself to only going out for groceries or a much needed walk, imagine my distress at learning that Amazon Park, where I go almost daily, will be closed down for construction from now until sometime in September. I called a very nice fellow over at Parks and Rec, Rex Redmon, who explained to me why this work can only be done during this time of year before the onset of the rainy season. Apparently the running trail will be completely resurfaced and, to get the necessary equipment in for this work, public access must be prohibited and temporary fencing installed.
Although I inquired whether there had been any community discussion about this, and was told that there had been, as a homeowner in the southwest hills, I was never made aware of it. Many seniors such as myself rely on this trail as our only place to both exercise and be in nature, and the alternatives, such as Amazon East, which is bordered on both sides by auto traffic, are not as enjoyable.
While I appreciate that this wetland is a protected area with its woods and meadows and rare plant species, and the trail itself needs upgrades, I’m only questioning the timing. Why when people are enduring such restrictions in their normal activities, has this work been authorized? It seems heartless. Couldn’t it have waited another season or even another year?
Why now?
Deborah Forbes
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
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None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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