Description

Golden Gardens is a natural area park located in Eugene’s Bethel neighborhood, at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive, north of Barger Drive. The ponds in the center of the park were originally pits created by the excavation of gravel for use in construction of Beltline Road. Enhancements to the ponds for improved wildlife habitat and user safety were completed in 2009. With help from the Friends of Golden Gardens, Prairie Mountain School, Active Bethel Citizens and the entire Bethel community, several new features were added:

• A mile-long soft surface walking path around the ponds
• Natural, gently sloping pond edges that provide greater safety for park users and also benefit wildlife
• Additional native trees, shrubs, and grasses
• Improved wildlife habitat
• Emergency access roads and ramps to each pond

In 2007, the City of Eugene acquired an additional 170 acres for Golden Gardens Park, funded by the 2006 Parks and Open Space bond measure. Much of the added acreage is being actively farmed under a lease agreement to ensure good stewardship and management into the near future. Future development of the area as a community park will be planned in cooperation with the community and neighborhood towards the long-term park vision established in 2006. Future park development will be implemented as funds become available for design, construction and maintenance.

• 223 acres
• West region
• Active Bethel Citizens Area

Volunteer

Help activate the power of parks by getting involved with our Eugene Outdoors volunteer program. Learn new skills, meet great people, and improve the quality of life in Eugene by helping to care for our parks and open spaces.

Contacts

• To reserve facilities at this location, contact Parks and Open Space
  Ph: 541-682-4800
• Park Planner: Philip Richardson, Landscape Architect
  Ph: 541-682-4906
• Native Plant Volunteer Coordinator: Kelsey Irvine-McElroy
  Ph: 541-682-4845
• Short URL to this page: www.eugene-or.gov/goldengardens