Thank you for the chance to voice our support of this Conditional Use Permit <br />Application on behalf of the Department of Physical Education and Recreation <br />and Club Sports at the University of Oregon. <br /> <br />Our department is committed to the health, well-being and safety of our students <br />and the entire community. <br /> <br />Our vision is that being active and seeking balance is a way of life. <br /> <br />The potential North Campus land uses outlined in the application will be a <br />tremendous benefit to the entire campus community. <br /> <br />We believe the opportunities provided should meet students' needs in the areas <br />of: <br />Exercise and fitness <br /> <br />Stress reduction <br /> <br />A sense of group belonging <br /> <br />Social interaction <br /> <br />Relaxation <br /> <br />And self-testing and competition. <br /> <br /> <br />All of these opportunities are ultimately aimed at fulfilling our core purpose which <br />is to educate, engage and inspire the campus community to live active, balanced <br />lives. <br /> <br />Physical education classes and recreation programs are critical components in the <br />life of students, complementing and integrating with their education. <br /> <br />Intramural and recreation programs have existed at the University of Oregon <br />since the early 1920's. Our programs provide opportunities for all students to take <br />part in some phase of planned recreation at a time that is convenient to their <br />schedule. <br /> <br />We know the challenges and limitations associated with the availability of fields. <br /> <br />Our current recreation fields, including the two fields currently along the river, are <br />at full capacity. <br /> <br />