by Wayne Lee – Sports Editor
The Eagle Point Neighborhood Enhancement Commission held their first regular meeting of the year March 2 and with a handful of goals for the year from the city council, they hit the ground running with three basic goals. First up was a discussion on the idea of some sort of monument or arch entry to the city. Commission Vice-Chair Wyn Lewis suggested each commissioner pick a city that has an entryway, research it and report back at the next meeting in May.
Second up was the proposed skate park and as Commissioner Lorin Myers said, “It’s time to get the wheels rolling on this project.” The rest of the commission agreed, voting unanimously to locate the facility at Nova Park for a variety of reasons including security and nearby youth facilities both in and around the park.
Public Works Director Bret Marshall told the commissioners he has already received a proposal from one company that constructs above-ground skate parks. Marshall explained this company would require the city to pour the concrete slabs at an estimated cost of $50,000, and they would come in and erect the ramps.
The third goal was the necessity to redraw a portion of the Highland Park Master Plan regarding the southwest corner near the wetlands. The original plan proposed acquiring an open parcel of land for a small parking lot, but the city has learned the land is not available. However, the city does own an easement there for a future pedestrian bridge. This motivated Commissioner Jean Jeager to suggest a Pump Track at Highland Park, which is an expanded skate park that also caters to bicycles.
The commission also voted to name the new park located at Little Butte School “The Schoolyard Park” with signage coming soon. The city has also installed outdoor restrooms and switched the irrigation system to city water to water the grass at night when the park is closed. Other city council suggestions for the coming year include lighting up the covered bridge, security cameras at Mattie Brown Park, replacement of the playground equipment at Chamberlain Park as well as looking into ways to finance construction of Highland Park.
“Now that we have goals,” said City Administrator Aaron Prunty, “I suggest we meet every two months rather than every three months.” which is why the next NEC meeting will be in May rather than June.
