South Eugene Meadows Trail opens to the public

from Eugene Parks and Open Space

Parks and Open Space is pleased to announce the South Eugene Meadows Trail is now open to the public. 

South Eugene Meadows Park is the newest segment of the Ridgeline Trail and includes a shared-use hiker/biker trail that forms a 3.8 mile “lollipop loop” when approached from the new trailhead.

A newly developed parking area on Willamette Street will be open to the public in the coming weeks.

While some finishing touches remain on the trail and the parking area, the trail itself is complete and ready for use by the public. A grand opening celebration will be scheduled for later this year.
 
This $1.5 million project was made possible through the generous support of the Eugene Parks Foundation, which raised $665,000 for the construction of the trail. This project also received funding from system development charges. Ongoing care and maintenance of the entire park is funded by the 2023 Parks and Recreation Levy.
 
South Eugene Meadows Park, situated to the south and west of the Eugene city limits, is 194 acres and includes a beautiful mixture of oak woodlands, open prairie and Douglas fir forest.

The property was purchased in 2012 with funding assistance from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), wildlife mitigation funds from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and a generous contribution from the landowner.

In recognition of the important habitats on the site, the park property is covered by a conservation easement administered by OWEB and BPA which restricts the use of “motorized vehicles” on the property. Electric assist on bicycles must be turned off within the park.