20262034_Addendum 3_Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan.pdf

May 2024

DRAFT

ALTON BAKER PARK

CONCEPTUAL PRE-MASTER PLAN

Alton Baker Park looking North

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Caption idenimet am, ut offic te inia num delita vellorro

AUTZEN AUTZEN

STADIUM STADIUM

I-5I-5

I-105I-105

WILLAMETTE RIVER

WILLAMETTE RIVERUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY

OF OREGONOF OREGON

HENDRICKS HENDRICKS

PARKPARK

SKINNERS SKINNERS

BUTTEBUTTE

DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN

EUGENEEUGENE

SPRINGFIELDSPRINGFIELDWEST

ALTON

BAKER

WHILAMUT

NATURAL

AREA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ALTON BAKER PARK

Alton Baker Park is Eugene’s largest developed park, serving the City since 1959 and currently providing the community with 373 acres of diverse park programs. The park is comprised of two primary areas: West Alton Baker Park is the more developed and actively programmed portion of the park area and East Alton Baker Park, now formally known as the Whilamut Natural Area, is the larger and more naturalized portion of the park.

PROPOSED PARK IMPACTS

The conceptual pre-master plan work provided in this report was conducted in response to the University of Oregon’s (UO) proposed expansion of its practice facilities next to Autzen Stadium. UO’s proposed expansion requires the realignment of Leo Harris Parkway, thereby encroaching into Alton Baker Park property. The main impact to Alton Baker Park is the loss of the primary north parking lot in West Alton Baker Park that serves the Science Center, Cuthbert Amphitheater during events, and general park use.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

At a high level, the intent of this project effort was to understand UO’s plans and impacts to Alton Baker Park, identify critical site elements and programming for the park, and using that information, develop a high-level master plan concept that organizes program elements and seeks to balance UO’s development impacts with the needs of Alton Baker Park. While this project is being driven by mitigation of parking losses, other important considerations include vehicular and pedestrian circulation, access to essential park programs, maintaining the park’s natural character, and bridge improvements over the Canoe Canal. This master plan concept, as provided in this document, may be used as a basis for future master planning and development at Alton Baker Park as well as a tool for communicating park needs with UO.

Figure 1: Alton Baker Park Existing Context

5Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

PROJECT FOCUS

Eugene Parks has engaged with UO to form a number of deal points to mitigate the proposed impacts to the Park with a focus on ensuring parking opportunities are replaced in an appropriate manner. The team reviewed UO’s proposed parking lot replacements and studied how best to integrate and design the new parking lots at Alton Baker Park in a way that support current and potential future park programs. The proposed parking improvements are focused in West Alton Baker Park at the Science Center and Cuthbert Amphitheater but also includes a proposal for improved parking at Lot 8 which is located within the Whilamut Natural Area.

Alton Baker Park from Above

PROJECT BACKGROUND

PREVIOUS PARK PLANS

Both West Alton Baker Park and the Whilamut Natural Area have evolved over time to provide growing program needs desired by the public. The most recent planning efforts for these distinct park areas are the West Alton Baker Park Development Plan (2004) and East Alton Baker Conceptual Plan (1996). These plans were reviewed to help understand the overall visions for Alton Baker Park and to ensure that the proposed plan developments were considered when siting the new parking lots. Since these plans are over 20 years old, it was important to acknowledge that development priorities have changed at Alton Baker Park since these plans were published.

Figure 2: Project Study Area

7Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Figure 3: West Alton Baker Park Master Plan, 2004

Figure 4: East Alton Baker Park Master Plan, 1996

CUTHBERT

AMPHITHEATER

MEMORIAL

GARDEN

SCIENCE

CENTER

POND

POND

AUTZEN STADIUM

MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD.

CO

BU

RG

R

OA

D

CLUB ROAD

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

COMMUNITY GARDEN,

NURSERY,

+ NEARBY NATURE

OVERFLOW

PARKING

OVERFLOW

PARKING

PARKING

PARKING +

LOADING

PARKING

PARK

OPERATIONS

OFFICE

PARKIN

G

BRIDGE

BRIDGE

BRIDGERIVER

ACCESS

RIVER

ACCESS

RIVER

ACCESS

DOG OFF LEASH AREAEVENT

LAWN

WHILAMUTE

NATURAL

AREA

PRE’S TRAIL

PARKING

VEHICULAR ROAD

PEDESTRIAN ONLY

TALKING

STONES

TALKING

STONES

TALKING

STONES

TALKING

STONES

Figure 5: Existing Conditions

EXISTING CONDITIONS/SITE ANALYSIS

An inventory and mapping of existing conditions was conducted to help understand the current functionality of the Park. Existing Park programs were documented along with pedestrian and vehicular circulation routes that connect the critical programs through the park. Analysis of the existing conditions allowed the team to determine what has been working well and where there is room for improvement. The process of mapping and analyzing existing conditions and studying the prior Park plans were important steps in identifying priority locations and configurations for the new parking facilities.

9Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Day Island RoadParking Lot 8

Canoe Canal

Cuthbert Amphitheater

Eugene Science Center

Pre’s Trail

REALIGNED LEO HARRIS PKWY

UO PRACTICE

FACILITY

EXPANSION

IMPACTED

ALTON BAKER

PARK PARKING

Figure 6: UO Proposed Expansion and Park Impacts

PROPOSED UO EXPANSION AND PARK

IMPACTS

University of Oregon’s (UO) Autzen stadium and adjacent practice facilities and parking lots are located just north of Alton Baker Park and are separated by Leo Harris Parkway. UO is planning to build a new indoor practice field next to Autzen Stadium, formally known as the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex Practice Field. This proposed development effectively expands UO’s current practice facilities and requires the realignment of Leo Harris Parkway, thereby encroaching into Alton Baker Park property. The main impact to Alton Baker Park from the planned roadway realignment is the loss of West Alton Baker Park’s primary north parking lot that serves the Science Center, Cuthbert Amphitheater during events, and general park use.

11Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Figure 7: UO Proposed Expansion and Park Impacts

UO PROPOSED MITIGATION OF PARKING

LOSSES

Early in the negotiation process between UO and Eugene Parks, UO provided an initial plan for mitigating the loss of parking associated with their proposed expansion through the addition of several new parking lots at various locations in Alton Baker Park. This plan served as a launch off point for the team to further study preferred parking lot locations and configurations.

UO’s initial parking lot plan is provided here for reference.

EVENT ATTENDANCE &

STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

EVENT PARTICIPATION & REVIEW

Due to its central location and available space, West Alton Baker Park has become Eugene’s premier destination for large public events. On event days, the park can be flooded with thousands of people and hundreds of vehicles. Walker Macy attended a number of these large public events to help understand how the park functions with such a significant influx of visitors and to help inform the team of how future park developments and the impending parking improvements can further support these important public gathering opportunities.

Asian Celebration - July 29, 2023 The Asian Celebration took place in the main event lawn. Retail booths set up in the center of the lawn with stages flanking the booths to the north and south. Food and beverage stations lined the western edge of the lawn. Public parking was available in the main paved parking lot as well as spill over parking in the open grass area.

Cuthbert Concert - August 3, 2023 Cuthbert events utilize all available parking available in and around Alton Baker Park, including the main paved parking lots, spill over lawn parking, science center parking lot, on-street parking along Leo Harris Parkway and adjacent Autzen Stadium parking lots. Pedestrians access the amphitheater from all directions but are funneled to the venue’s entry by traversing multiple vehicular paths and parking lots over long distances.

Pride Festival - August 12, 2023 The Pride Festival event took place in the main event lawn and paved parking lot. A central stage was located in the center of the main event lawn with retail booths to the north and south. A beer garden was designated to the south of the retail booths.

Food stations were set up in the bays of the main parking lot. Event parking utilized the remainder of the main parking lot as well as an expanded spill over lot in the southeast open lawn area.

Eugene Pride Festival August 2023

13Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Parking

Parking

Spill-over Parking

Spill-over Parking

Figure 9: Typical Concert Event

Spill-over Parking

Spill-over Parking

Parking

Parking

Event Space

Event Space

Event Space

Beer

Figure 8: Asian Celebration Event

Figure 10: Pride Festival Event

Cuthbert Amphitheater Concourse

Pride Festival Food Trucks in Parking Lot

STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

UO’s proposed expansion and removal of West Alton Baker Park’s main north parking lot will have a domino effect on numerous park programs. The loss of the main north parking lot requires a reallocation of parking that will add multiple new parking lots, and will have widespread impacts throughout the Park. This major change necessitated engagement with a number of different stakeholders.

The team has met with Eugene Parks staff and stakeholders representing the following programs during the project effort to ensure their feedback was incorporated into the concept proposals provided in this report:

Eugene Community GardensAlton Baker Park Event Lawn

15Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Alton Baker Park Event Lawn

Alton Baker Disc Golf Alton Baker Dog Park Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Eugene Community Garden

Cuthbert Amphitheater

Eugene Science Center

Pre’s Trail

CONCEPTUAL

PRE-MASTER PLAN

WEST ALTON BAKER PARK VISIONING

The first step in our planning and design process was to zoom out and review West Alton Baker Park as a whole. A key defining characteristic of West Alton Baker Park is its proximity to water – both the Willamette River to the west and south and the Canoe Canal that bisects the park property. There is a great opportunity to organize existing and future park programs around these water ways and further reinforce a clear circulation system that ties the diverse park destinations together. The proposed concept diagram shown here provided an organizing framework for the conceptual pre-master plan project work that followed.

The conceptual pre-master plan focused on establishing a network of existing and proposed park programs connected by a clear hierarchy of vehicular and pedestrian circulation routes. The plan also includes proposed locations for parking improvements, proposed bridge improvements and a new bridge crossing opportunity, and critical water access points. This overall plan includes the following goals:

• Increase connectivity between the north and south sections of West Alton Baker Park that are divided by the Canoe Canal

• Strategically locate additional parking lots to minimize loss of tree canopy and maintain the park’s natural character

• Formalize entry points to the Park, Science Center, and Cuthbert Amphitheater

• Improve vehicular egress during large park events

• Reduce conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian circulation

ecological resources in the Park

Alton Baker Park Ponds

17Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

MEMORIAL

GARDEN

PICNIC & PLAY

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

WATER

EVENT LAWN

BEACH ACCESS

CUTHBERT

AMPHITHEATER

OUTDOOR

EDUCATION

OUTDOOR

EDUCATION

WATER ACCESS

SCIENCE CENTER

DOG OFF LEASH AREA

AUTZEN STADIUM

WILLAMETTE RIVER

MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD.

CO

BU

RG

R

OA

D

CUTHBERT

AMPHITHEATER

MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD.

CO

BU

RG

R

OA

D

CLUB ROAD

OVERFLOW

PARKING

WHILAMUT

NATURAL AREA

BRIDGE

RIVER

ACCESS

DOG OFF LEASH AREA

PARKING AND ENTRY

IMPROVEMENTS

OPTION

PARKING

AND ENTRY

IMPROVEMENTS

OPTION

PARKING AND ENTRY

IMPROVEMENTS

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

RIVER

ACCESS

IMPROVED

CROSSING

MAINTENANCE

& EVENT USE

NEW

CROSSING

IMPROVED

CROSSING

RIVER

ACCESS

SCIENCE

CENTER

OVERFLOW

PARKING

OUTDOOR

LEARNING

IMPROVED

BEACH

ACCESS

EXISTIN

G PARKIN

G

EXISTING

PARKING

COMMUNITY GARDEN,

NURSERY,

+ NEARBY NATURE

PARK

OPERATIONS

OFFICE

VEHICULAR ROAD

EXISTING PEDESTRIAN PATH

PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN PATH

TRAILS

TALKING

STONES

TALKING

STONES

TALKING

STONES

TALKING

STONES

MEMORIAL

GARDEN

AUTZEN STADIUM

WILLAMETTE RIVER

LOT 8 AND

IMPROVED

BOAT LAUNCH

PRE’S TRAIL

PONDS

EVENT

LAWN

Figure 11: Proposed Concept Diagram

Figure 12: Conceptual Pre-Master Plan

REALIGNED

PRE’S TRAIL

POTENTIAL MONUMENT LOCATIONS

SUNDOWN ACROSS THE RIVER MONUMENT

An important part of this overall planning effort and the West Alton Baker Park visioning exercise is to ensure that the planned Sundown Across the River monument is thoughtfully considered with proposed park developments. This monument will be a critical step in acknowledging and honoring the erased history of the Ferry Street Village and Eugene’s founding Black families. The current plan is for at least one monument (statue /sculpture) to be constructed in Alton Baker Park to honor the foundational pioneering Black families of Eugene. This project effort has taken the initial step in proposing potential locations for this important monument in West Alton Baker Park. West Alton Baker Park was selected for the monument location due to the more intensive public use in this portion of the park and therefore higher potential for visibility of the monument.

Figure 13: Potential Monument Locations

LOCATION TO BE

CONSIDERED IF NEW

BRIDGE WILL BE

CONSTRUCTED

CUTHBERT

AMPHITHEATER

MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD.

CO

BU

RG

R

OA

D

CLUB ROAD

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

SCIENCE

CENTER

LOT 8

AUTZEN STADIUM

PRE’S TRAIL

EVENT

LAWN

WILLAMETTE RIVER

19Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Potential Monument Location

SCIENCE CENTER PARKING LOT

IMPROVEMENTS

The parking to be removed at the north side of West Alton Baker Park currently directly serves the Eugene Science Center.

Providing new parking for the Science Center to mitigate this loss was the first priority for the overall parking improvements in the Park. Through discussion with Science Center program manager, the established goals for the design of the parking improvements included:

Figure 14: Proposed Eugene Science Center Site Plan

• Maximizing parking counts while providing room for the Science Center to expand

• Organizing parking for Science Center visitors and staff along with general park use overflow

• Providing a “green” parking lot design that integrates substantial landscape area

• Improving circulation through the site and to the building from the proposed Leo Harris Parkway realignment

• Maintaining access to the pond overlook

• Establishing a pedestrian connection to a future Canoe Canal bridge crossing.

21Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

Science Center Ponds

VANLIM

IT OF W

ORK

LIMIT OF WORK

LIM

IT O

F W O

RK

LIMIT OF WORK

B

B

R

AD

VAN

PROPOSED NEW

CROSSING AT CANAL

PROPOSED

PEDESTRIAN

PATH

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY REALIGNMENT

Figure 15: UO Eugene Science Center Site Plan

Amphitheater Concourse

Amphitheater Bowl

Pedestrian Approach to Amphitheater

Pedestrian and Vehicular Shared Path Loading and Service Area

23Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

CUTHBERT AMPHITHEATER VISIONING

The Cuthbert Amphitheater is Eugene’s premier outdoor concert venue centrally located in West Alton Baker Park. There are future plans for the facility to expand to meet public needs so before parking improvements where studied in this area, it was important to first understand what the future amphitheater expansion might look like. This effort started with analyzing Cuthbert’s current configuration to determine opportunities for improvements that would come with the future expansion. In addition to the analysis of the existing facility, the team studied a number of other outdoor concert venue precedents across the country that provide a visitor capacity close to what the Cuthbert program managers have projected for their facility.

The precedents were reviewed to understand successful implementation of parking, loading, visitor circulation and entries, and concessions. These studies allowed the team to move forward with proposing parking improvements that would integrate well into the current park and allow for growth of Cuthbert Amphitheater in the future.

EXISTING CHALLENGES

• Limited parking - further impacted by

Leo Harris Parkway realignment

• Limited vehicular circulation for large events and emergency access

• No improved parking at the amphitheater - ADA challenges

• Limited amphitheater and event space

Figure 16: Cuthbert Amphitheater Event Analysis

CUTHBERT AMPHITHEATER

Event Capacity - 5.5K

Footprint - 170K SF

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

LAWN

SEATING

40K SF

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

FORMAL

SEATING

7K SF

LOADING

ACCESS

LOADING

18K SF

CONCESSIONS

23.5K SF

ENTRY

STAGE

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

ENTRY

LOADING

15.5 K SF

FIXED

SEATING

20K SF

CONCESSIONS

20K SF

LAWN

SEATING

52.5K SF

STAGE

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

LAWN

SEATING

40K SF

FORMAL

SEATING

7K SF

LOADING

ACCESS

CONCESSIONS

23.5K SF

ENTRY

ENTRY

STAGE

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

Event Capacity - 10K Footprint - 150K SF

HAYDEN HOMES AMPHITHEATER

Event Capacity - 7K Footprint - 150K SF

Figure 17: Ascend Amphitheater Analysis

Figure 18: Hayden Homes Amphitheater Analysis

25Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

EVENT PARKING

CONCESSIONS

20K SF

LAWN SEATING

40K SF

LOADING

11K SF

FIXED

SEATING

20K SF

STAGEENTRY

ENTRY

ENTRY

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

ENTRY

ENTRY

STAGE

EVENT PARKING

EVENT PARKING

LAWN

SEATING

23.5K SF

CONCESSIONS

14K SF

FIXED

SEATING

20K SF

LOADING

44K SF

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

FPL SOLAR AMPHITHEATER

Event Capacity - 10K Footprint - 150K SF

IRONSTONE AMPHITHEATER

Event Capacity - 7K Footprint - 150K SF

Figure 17: FPL Solar Amphitheater Analysis

Figure 18: ironstone Amphitheater Analysis

CUTHBERT AMPHITHEATER - PARKING

IMPROVEMENT STUDIES

The parking lot to be removed with UO’s expansion currently serves Cuthbert Amphitheater on event days and provides the majority of the accessible parking stalls for the facility. The removal of this parking necessitates a new parking lot to be constructed near the amphitheater. Based on the projected expansion and improvements of the amphitheater, two unique configurations were studied for the new parking lot. Concept Option 1 locates the new parking lot south of the amphitheater while Concept Option 2 locates the new parking lot west of the amphitheater. Option 1 is a smaller parking lot with integrated access to the loading zone. This location also has potential to serve the community garden and Nearby nature programs to the south. Option 2 is a larger parking lot that would be placed in the open field currently used for overflow parking during event days. This option divorces the parking lot from the loading zone.

Cuthbert Amphitheater Bowl

27Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

THEATRE

NEW

ENTRY

LOADING

NEW PARKING

85 STALLS

EXPANDED CUTHBERT

OVERFLOW

PARKING

W

IDENED PROM

ENADE

Figure 22: Cuthbert Amphitheater Concept 2

CUTHBERT

THEATRE

NEW

ENTRY LOADING

EXPANDED CUTHBERT

NEW

PARKING

240 STALLS

W

IDENED PROM

ENADE

Figure 21: Cuthbert Amphitheater Concept 1

REALIGNED PRE’S TRAIL

DR

OP

OFF

PROPOSED

LOADING

EXPANSION

NEW

ENTRY

PLAZA

PULL THROUGH BUS

STAGING AREA TO

REPLACE PARKING

AS NEEDED

POTENTIAL

STORMWATER

NEW MULCH

PATH

NEW TICKET

BOOTH

LOCATION

CUTHBERT

AMPHITHEATER

SCIENCE

CENTER

COMMUNITY

GARDEN

DAY ISLAND ROAD

GOAL 5

CANOE CANAL

Figure 23: Cuthbert Amphitheater Site Plan

CUTHBERT AMPHITHEATER - PREFERRED

PARKING IMPROVEMENTS

Upon review of the initial parking improvement studies with Cuthbert program managers and other park stakeholders, it was determined that Option 1 was the preferred direction for the parking improvements. This approach was further refined to increase parking capacity, provide sufficient accessible parking stalls, provide a pedestrian drop off lane, ensure semi-trucks can enter the parking lot access road and directly connect to the future proposed loading zone expansion, and ensure buses can navigate the parking lot and have a location to stage if needed. The refined plan also includes a new entry plaza for the amphitheater and pedestrian walkway connections to Day Island Road and adjacent park programs. The parking lot was located to minimize removal of existing trees and designed to provide substantial new landscape and tree canopy in the park.

These parking improvements will require realignment of Pre’s Trail as proposed in the plan, effectively adding 182 feet to the trail distance.

29Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

LOT 8 - PARKING IMPROVEMENT STUDIES

Lot 8 is an existing small gravel parking lot located at the northwest corner of the Whilamut Natural Area with access from Leo Harris Parkway. While this parking lot is further from the popular West Alton Baker Park programs, it is essential due to its proximity to the dog off leash area and most importantly to the Canoe Canal boat launch. A number of studies were completed that explored varying degrees of parking capacity within the existing parking area and expanding outward to the southeast to increase capacity as desired. Option 1 limits the parking to the existing gravel parking area and provides a one-way drive aisle with angled parking stalls and pull-through boat trailer stalls. Option 2A also keeps its footprint within the existing parking area but provides two-way drive aisles with perpendicular parking stalls. Options 2B – 2D expand additional parking beyond the existing parking area to varying degrees.

Parking Lot 8

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

CANOE CANAL

EXISTING

LOT 8

Figure 24: Parking Lot 8 Existing Conditions

25 STALLS

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

CANOE CANAL

PICNIC

BOAT LAUNCH

PARKING

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

CANOE CANAL

PICNIC

BOAT LAUNCH

30 STALLS

Figure 25: Option 1

Figure 26: Option 2A

31Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

CANOE CANAL

PICNIC

BOAT LAUNCH

40 STALLS

Figure 27: Option 2B

PARKING

CANOE CANAL

PICNIC

BOAT LAUNCH

30 STALLS

35 STALLS

Figure 28: Option 2C

LEO HARRIS PARKWAY

LEO HARRIS

CANOE CANAL

PICNIC

BOAT LAUNCH

30 STALLS

110 STALLS

Figure 29: Option 2D

Parking Lot 8 Panorama

33Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

LEO HARRIS

PARKW

AY

POTENTIAL

STORMWATER

POTENTIA

L

STORMWATER

KAYAK

TRAILER

PARKING

BOAT

LOADING

PICNIC

POTENTIAL

STORMWATER

POTENTIAL

STORMW

ATER

CAN

OE CAN

AL

GOAL 5 POTENTIAL

STORMWATER

POTENTIAL

EXPANSION

Figure 30: Parking Lot 8 Site Plan

LOT 8 - PREFERRED PARKING

IMPROVEMENTS

Upon review of the initial parking improvement studies with park stakeholders, it was determined that Option 2C was the preferred direction for the parking improvements. This approach was further refined to integrate parking stalls and landscape islands in the existing parking area, provide an expanded parking lot with pull-through parking stalls for vehicles with small boat trailers, allow flexibility for a potential future parking lot expansion, provide a picnic area with separation from the parking lot, and provide a boat loading zone adjacent to the boat launch.

BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS

There are three existing bridges across the Canoe Canal that currently provide vehicle access to the park: Day Island Road Bridge, Amphitheater Bridge, and Autzen Bridge (See Figure 22).

DAY ISLAND ROAD BRIDGE

Day Island Road bridge, the westernmost bridge, is the only public vehicle access point to the park and is open to regular vehicle traffic and pedestrians. Day Island bridge is approximately 26’ wide, has two dedicated vehicle lanes, a guard rail, and no dedicated pedestrian or bicycle travel lanes.

AUTZEN BRIDGE

Autzen Bridge, the easternmost bridge, is a pedestrian bridge that accommodates maintenance and emergency vehicle access. The existing bridge is constructed of treated timber with wood decking and wood piers and foundations within the Canoe Canal. The bridge deck varies in width from approximately 15’-18’ and the span is approximately 95’ (between top of bank). The bridge is aligned with the south entrance to Autzen Stadium and is a primary access point for gameday foot traffic.

Planned improvements include modifications or reconstruction of the Bridge to accommodate vehicle access from Day Island Road to Leo Harris Parkway to improve event traffic circulation and emergency vehicle access. The vehicle connection between Day Island and Leo Harris may require directional restrictions and changes in access and traffic control during events.

Amphitheater Bridge

35Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

CUTHBERT / AMPHITHEATER BRIDGE

Amphitheater Bridge is the existing central bridge located immediately north of Cuthbert Amphitheater. The existing bridge is constructed of treated timber with wood decking and wood piers within the Canoe Canal. The bridge deck is approximately 12’ wide and the span is approximately 130’.

The piers are located at approximate quarter-points.

Planned improvements to the Amphitheater bridge include restoration and/or modification to extend the life span. The bridge modifications should be designed to accommodate pedestrian traffic, maintenance vehicles, and possibly emergency vehicles.

NEW SCIENCE CENTER BRIDGE

A new pedestrian bridge over the Canoe Canal near the Science Center is being considered. The new bridge would improve access and visibility to the central part of the Park and the Community Garden. The bridge would be designed for pedestrian access and possibly maintenance vehicle access.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

The following should be considered as part of the bridge improvement planning process.

Traffic, Capacity Needs, and Intersection Improvements:

• Needs assessment and traffic analysis.

• Evaluate traffic circulation, connectivity, access control / restrictions, event and non-event conditions.

• Address ADA crosswalk and ramp deficiencies at Autzen Bridge crossing at Leo Harris intersection.

• Incorporate pedestrian safety improvements.

• Establish minimum bridge and corridor widths / cross-sections to address needs.

• Define traffic characteristics and loading.

PROPOSED NEW BRIDGE

PROPOSED EXISTING BRIDGE

IMPROVEMENTS

DAY ISLAND

ROAD BRIDGE

AUTZEN BRIDGE

CUTHBERT

AMPHITHEATER

BRIDGE

NEW SCIENCE

CENTER BRIDGE

Figure 31: Potential Bridge Improvements

MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD.

CO

BU

RG

R

OA

D

CLUB ROAD

LEO HARRIS PARKWAYSCIENCE

CENTER

AUTZEN STADIUM

PRE’S TRAIL

EVENT

LAWN LOT 8

WILLAMETTE RIVER

AMPHITHEATER

Architecture:

• Define architectural goals for bridge improvement / construction.

Structural Analysis / Design:

• Initiate structural assessment / analysis of bridges and third-party testing to evaluate the condition of structural elements.

• Evaluate bridge and foundation design alternatives and in-water vs. clear span improvement alternatives.

• Consider longevity, design life, and maintenance commitments for existing structures.

Topographic Survey:

• Include topographic survey within project areas.

• Include delineations of jurisdictional waters and ordinary high water marks.

Geotechnical Analysis:

• Geotechnical investigation to evaluate existing structures and set design parameters for new construction.

Regulatory / In-Water Work Requirements:

• Initiate process to evaluate assessment, studies, and regulatory framework related to in-water work.

Fire / Emergency Access:

• Define emergency access needs and engage the Fire Department as stakeholder.

Amphitheater Bridge

Autzen Bridge

37Alton Baker Park Pre-Master Plan Report

IN WATER WORKS &

REGULATIONS

The proposed bridge improvements and boat launch improvements may involve work below the ordinary high water (OHW) line within the banks of the Canoe Canal, which would trigger permitting through state and possibly federal agencies.

DELINEATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTATION

Although the Canoe Canal is a man-made channel constructed for recreational purposes, it has been designated as a jurisdictional water and is designated as Essential Salmonid Habitat (ESH) by Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL). A delineation should be performed to identify all wetlands and waters of the state within the proposed improvement areas.

In addition to the delineation services, an environmental professional with in-water work permitting expertise should be retained to provide a consult with the project team, establish a framework and planning approach for the permitting process, and lead the permitting process. Aquatic species consultations and assessments may also be needed to support the permitting process. The delineation and environmental consultation work should be coordinated with the topographic survey and bridge analysis so bridge improvement strategies can be considered comprehensively.

FLOODPLAIN

The Canoe Canal is designated as a Special Flood Hazard Area within the 100-year floodplain but is not designated as a Regulatory Floodway.

CITY OF EUGENE WATER

RESOURCES OVERLAY ZONE

The Canoe Canal is identified as a Riparian Corridor Designated for Protection under the City’s Goal 5 Water Resources Conservation Plan and Eugene Code (EC) Section 9.4900. The Canoe Canal is designated as Category C with a 40’ development setback, measured from the top of bank. City Code restricts development within the setback zone, however limited improvements are allowed within the setback zone, subject to Standards Review (EC 9.4930(3)(b) & (c). It is anticipated that the parking lot and unloading zone will be outside of the setback but the improved launch access will extend through the setback zone to the water.

For the proposed Lot 8 and boat launch improvements, it is anticipated that the parking lot and unloading zone will be outside of the setback zone but the improved launch access will extend through the setback zone to the water.

Improvements within the setback zone need to comply with EC 9.480, and will need to address enhancement requirements, planting / native species improvements, limitations on impervious surfaces, lighting constraints.

Bridge crossings need to meet the standards identified in EC 9.480(10).

PLANNING TIMELINE

Due to the lead time associated with agency consultations and permitting, the planning process should anticipate at least 18 months between initiation of environmental studies to

Canoe canal beneath Autzen bridge

STORMWATER

MANAGEMENT

Stormwater runoff from redevelopment areas will need to be managed to meet City of Eugene standards. Onsite stormwater treatment and infiltration should be employed to the maximum extent possible to meet City standards, minimize cost, and maximize flexibility. Based on available mapping data, existing soils within the study area are expected to be suitable for onsite infiltration.

Where onsite infiltration is not feasible, or overflow conveyance systems are required, connections to the existing onsite stormwater systems should be pursued as a next priority. New outfalls to existing waterways should be avoided if possible due to regulatory implications. Improvements involving in-water work should be closely coordinated with the environmental consultant to establish boundaries for work covered under agency permits. Work areas subject to State and Federal permit requirements are subject to DEQ and NOAA/NMFS stormwater standards, which are more stringent than the City of Eugene standards.

Subsequent planning phases should include topographic survey data to map existing stormwater infrastructure. Geotechnical investigations will be needed to assess groundwater depth and measure soil infiltration rates.

Potential stormwater management areas adjacent to Lot 8