EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- A new skate park could be in place at Washington Jefferson Park by Fall 2013.
Wednesday Eugene's city councilors unanimously approved a motion to move forward with the project, which will cost around $900,000. The city already allocated some funds for the planning and development phase and three community groups have pledged to raise about $225,000.
Skaters for Eugene Skate Parks has already brought in about $50,000, the Downtown Eugene Rotary Club has $20,000 and the Eugene Parks Foundation will begin raising funds as well. The city's parks fund had some extra cash this year, which will pay for the rest.
Organizers will come back to the council once more this year for final approval of the numbers and construction is set to begin in May or June. Design of the facility is mostly complete: it's a large undercover park, said to attract interest from all over the region.
Questions remain about how the park would be maintained, which city representatives say is an issue with any park in town. Those coordinating the fundraising effort say this project is unique, in that it could actually bring money in from groups who wish to host large events there. Those funds could help pay for upkeep.
Groups supporting the project say they're thrilled with the council's support and happy to bring a new resource to local youth.
